Turning 25 and Coding!
Tags: javascript, beginners, codingjourney
Published: 2019-08-23 12:17:15

So today is my birthday!!! Cheers!
I have decided to mark this day by writing my first post in Dev.to. A little about my coding background:
I am a mid-level Full Stack developer, geared towards solving life problems through code and developing robust applications that can scale over time. My journey started way back in my early years. My dad had an IBM desktop running on Windows 95.  He would let me play motor GP and Super Mario on it. I picked up my interest in computers there and then and later on decided this is the path I want to take for my career.
Initially, I really didn’t know which field in Tech I would want to pursue, but from my research, I settled for programming. I started off with basic HTML and CSS coding using the default Windows notepad editor. I remember my first site, I build it using that editor while following a tutorial from HTML/CSS for dummies. Actually, the ‘dummies’  books have really played a crucial role in my coding journey. I love the simplicity in them plus the fun tips and insights which make learning interesting.
Later on, I picked up PHP and took my skills a notch higher by building a server side website. I implemented MySQL database. Fast forward, I am now improving on my Javascript by learning more and more about its libraries and the frameworks involved in building progressive web apps.

The process

Robert Green, on his book ‘The 50th Law’ says  “...Basically, when we look at those that stand out in history, we tend to focus on their achievements. From such an angle, it is easy for us to be dazzled and see their success as steaming from genetics or perhaps some social factors they are gifted. We can never reach their level or so we think. Understand the real secret , the real formula from power in the world lies in accepting the ugly reality that learning is a process and this intern demands patience and the ability to endure hard work..” pretty long huh!
When I started my journey into code, I had many expectations. I found out that what I saw in movies wasn’t actually a reality as such in coding. I had to swallow hard and embrace the value of process and relentlessly beating myself to grasp that code concept. 
Having a deep passion in coding, I would burn the midnight oil on so many nights then wake up in the morning and still get back to it. 
Reading a lot of articles, I learnt to celebrate every milestone I made. Completing a Python FlaskRestful API and hosting it on Heroku was a big deal to me and I took it with so much pride me. I’m motivated by where I have come from in my coding journey. There’s no destination however as the road keeps getting longer and longer with emerging new technology.

One step at a time …

I had a problem of trying to learn everything at once. This drove me into serious burnouts and I was at the verge of giving up. “Perhaps this isn’t the right career path, I was just not meant to do this”. I have said this so many times and still find myself saying it. By reading and listening to a lot of success stories from not only software developers but every one out there who made a mark in their field, I came to realize and embrace taking one step at time. In a bigger application, I would break it into smaller chunks and work my way up. Asking questions whenever I face a blocker. 
Sometimes tutorials do not make sense at all. Finding that person or a mentor whom you can refer to anytime whenever you face a blocker has helped me a lot. I always try as much as possible to also extend that helping hand to someone else as we climb up.

As I flip over a new phase in my years, the hassle continues. Taking one step at a time. Happy Hacking and Happy Birthday to me!