Why it's never too early to start teaching others to code
Tags: webdev, beginners, career, learning
Published: 2018-10-30 13:54:02

---
title: Why it's never too early to start teaching others to code
cover_image: https://thepracticaldev.s3.amazonaws.com/i/5pdi0ybbbua1smxzuo11.jpg
published: true
description: It's easy to feel like you don't yet have the skills to teach others to code. But there are plenty of reasons why it's never too early to start teaching. Here are some of them.
tags: webdev, beginners, career, learning
---

For many new developers, there is no small amount of imposter syndrome in the early days of learning to code.

I remember when I started out I was intent on hoovering up all the knowledge I could from books, tutorials, articles, etc. 

The fact that I started coding at 28 years old also meant I had a strong sense that I had some catching up to do. 

I wanted to diversify my approach to learning and also give back to the community that taught me. So, I began helping others learn to code early on in my new career.

You too may feel that you need to constantly have your head down learning before you feel you "belong".

Hopefully, what I'm about to tell you will show that you are never too "junior" to start teaching others. Also, by teaching others, you too will speed up your own learning!

So, here are my thoughts on why it's never too early to start teaching others to code.

## There is always somebody who knows less than you

No matter how far along your coding journey you are there will always be someone who's at an earlier stage. 

Have you done a single tutorial? Congratulations, you're now more experienced than someone who has done none! 

You can help others take the next step in their journey. Write about your experiences, offer your time at local workshops or online courses. There are so many different ways that you can help people who are newer to coding than you.

The fact that you might be new to coding can actually be an advantage. If you're teaching people who are one step behind you on the ladder, your experience will instantly be more relatable.

## Teaching others will supercharge your own learning

Want to speed up the learning process? There is no better way to do that than to teach others. 

If you would like to truly master a concept, you need to teach it to someone else. 

Explaining concepts to other people will help you internalise them. Even if you feel you know a topic by heart, you'll be surprised at how others will open your eyes to new perspectives by coming at it from a different angle.

## Help the community move forward

You may have a unique way of teaching or some characteristic that resonates with certain people. By putting your thoughts and experiences out into the world you can help others improve. 

Find your own voice and teach people in a way that you'd love to be taught. You never know who you might help!

## Employers love mentors

Helping others proves to potential employers you've got more than just technical skills.

Even as an inexperienced developer, you can show that you're a well-rounded professional who will work well in a team. Help tip the balance of potential job offers in your favour by showing that you enjoy teaching others.

The process of helping others also has a massive impact on your own communication skills. To explain concepts in an approachable manner requires thought and clarity. Building your communication skills alongside your technical skills will only ever benefit you.

## Meet new people who love to code

Teaching others is a great way of meeting new people who also love coding. Whether it's online or in-person, you can meet some amazing people from all walks of life. 

Coding can be quite isolating at times, so it's nice to find one or more communities to become a part of. It can be extremely fulfilling to be an active part of a community that is helping people develop and improve their lives.

## Keep in touch

I love meeting new people, so please feel free to say hi 🙂

[Follow me on Twitter @_mattstuddert](https://twitter.com/_mattstuddert).

I run a site called Frontend Mentor where you can practice your front-end skills by building projects in a real-life workflow. If you'd like to practice building web pages with the help of a supportive community, [check out the Frontend Mentor site](https://www.frontendmentor.io).

[Follow Frontend Mentor on Twitter @frontendmentor](https://twitter.com/frontendmentor).

Cover image credit: [NESA by Makers on Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/IgUR1iX0mqM)