How I Would Learn To Code (If I Could Start Over)

If I could go back in time to start coding again I would do these things.

My content will always be free of charge but if you'd like to support the channel, I'd be honored if you supported me on Patreon.

00:00 Introduction
00:42 You Don't Need a CS Degree
01:15 Learn the Command Line
01:22 Learn One Language Well
01:41 Ignore the Haters
02:07 Focus
02:47 Learn Git
02:55 Feed Your Curiosity
03:13 Learn to Test
03:30 Get a Mentor
03:40 Learn What Good Looks Like
04:13 Learn by Doing Projects
05:19 Wear Sunscreen
05:24 Do Hackathons
05:45 Use Precise Language
06:15 Learn Data Structures and Algorithms
07:06 Don't Give Up
07:32 Have Fun
07:57 Outro

[sdb]

As someone who has been around long enough to remember working before smart phones, his tip about putting the phone away is probably the most important takeaway. Every time you context switch is a killer for learning or accomplishing anything.

[Coufu]

That rubber duck segment 😂 +100% on not taking things too seriously. Some of the best seniors I've worked with are super lax and fun to hang out with but also know when to turn on the serious switch when the time calls for it. Not taking things too seriously is also a great sign that someone is super comfortable operating at their job level.

[spikeydude]

I really like your videos. They're not a 20 minute marathon that I'll forget. They're thoughtful and concise messages. Really dense with useful information! Thank you

[doomlord]

imo i think the most valuable videos on this channel are the ones that only a principal engineer can deliver insights on. while topics like breaking into tech or learning how to code are interesting, there are multiple other channels that can do this. aspects that i think would be more relevant are handling complex situations or growing career to senior/staff level which very few people can talk about or clearly

[tiffanyyang]

Thank you for this inspiring and genuine sharing on your journey! I found your channel when I got laid off the first day, and has kept myself going and gained reassurance from your videos along the way. Thank you again for sharing your invaluable experiences and perspectives, it very much lightened up many people's paths including mine :)

[Sarrus]

I LOVE your content. It's helpful for myself, and for managing my own team of engineers. Keep up the awesome work.

[marcosgabriel]

Thank you for this amazing video and the professionalism! I'll start my journey at coding and your tips were so useful to me 😁

[guffelx]

Love your channel! As a beginner, it is relieving that even masters at their craft struggle sometimes. Thanks for the great tips! Also love the humor tho!

[smellslikeupdog]

Dude, Solid advice. Thank you for making this video. I watch the rest of your content to look forward in my career; but this is solid gold for beginning a career.
Thank you

[florindobinciuc]

I actually love your channel. Looking forward to watch the next clip. Thanks for sharing this!

[christianmedina]

Thank you so much for this video, Steve. Very valuable and I look forward to more content from you. Best of luck!

[disniw]

I'm just glad you're back. Hope you keep making these videos.

[ntintelomazibuko]

Steve, this is a fantastic video. From the video quality, to the advice. Thank you so much.

[hugosaporettijunior]

You a on a roll. Wish you the best luck on this channel. Funny and very straight forward. Thanks to share you Xp with US

[LeonidKolomiytsev]

Thank you 🙏
No matter how skillful I get there is always something new to learn, your video is a good reminder 😉

[KarlNgn]

Thanks a lot for this. I've been pretty stressful lately with job hunting and this is really motivating

[gajuki]

Thank you so much man!!! I today I received my 5th decline email, this made me feel better. I will continue the grind.

[burakwise]

Thanks! Your content is precious to me and aspiring SWEs, and it's of highest quality!

[wforbes]

Great content Steve, thanks. I'll be referencing this video and your channel to my students

[oleksandrasaskia]

Another awesome video! Thank you, Steve! 😎