What nobody tells you when you decide to learn how to code
Tags: computerscience, software, learningtocode
Published: 2017-08-04 01:31:18

---
title: What nobody tells you when you decide to learn how to code
published: true
description: My experience in leaving my Humanities course to Computer Science
tags: computerscience, software, learningtocode
cover_image: https://thepracticaldev.s3.amazonaws.com/i/ch0j39lmzazhjfu9dman.jpg
canonical_url: http://stefannibrasil.me/2017/08/03/what-nobody-tells-you-when-you-decide-to-learn-how-to-code/

---
If you decided to change your career to a technology related field, you probably faced some internal demons. And the first thing that I want to say to you right now is: *it's hard, but not impossible and it's worth it*. And you're not alone! I was tired of reading only the good and fun and the unrealistic reality of learning to code, so I want to share my experience and hopefully help someone.

When I was first introduced to coding, I fell in love with programming. Since then, it's been a roller coaster of feelings and motivation and this year I finally started to feel more confident about my choice. 

I see some people saying that programming is super easy, that everybody can learn, etc. Sure, I do believe that everybody can learn, **but if you don't have the passion or the curiosity, I have to say that you will eventually feel like "oh, this is not for me"**. And the worst, you will think that you are the problem... "if this was supposed to be easy and I can't code, then the problem must be me, right?"

Wrong, so wrong! It is a process and there are some things you have to learn in order to survive this journey.

So here are some things that I have learned in the last 1 year doing Computer Science and how I am motivating myself to be a better developer while finishing my degree:

###1 - It is hard

Even if you did not have a good education in science and mathematics, that should not stop you. It's all about how bad you want it. 

###2 - You have to learn to be patient and resilient

The reality is that you won't solve all the problems at first, but that is okay. Every time you overcome a challenge you become better and more confident. The point is: you have to learn how to learn and how to persist in face of the daily difficulties. 

###3 - Do a project that you love, yeah... but it's not about the destination, it is about the journey

What about when you decide to develop something you love but you have no idea how to start? Search for good practices, good tutorials and ask for advice from someone you feel comfortable to ask. Sometimes you may find yourself struggling with something, but with a little help from your friends, you will get it and sometimes learn more than just how to solve that problem :)

###4 - Do not ever compare yourself to others

I say this because my boyfriend has almost 8 years of experience in software development and I caught myself having high expectations although I am still learning to code! Frustration is not good, but if you learn from it, you will be okay. So, be careful when comparing yourself to others. Instead, try to learn from their experiences too.

###5 - Have fun

Coding is one of my favorite things and sometimes I feel like I am missing this part because I am worrying too much about finishing the semester and doing other personal tasks. But, hey, focus on the present and be proud of yourself because you are investing in the most important thing in the world: your education. And nobody will stop you!

So, what are the others challenges that you faced when you changed your career? I  would love to know more about other experiences and learn more. Cheers!