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

I’ve been coding for 14 years now: 8 companies, 10 laptops, and 12 programming languages. I wasted SO much time when I was learning to code, so here's the advice I wish I had when I started out.

Hi! I’m Rahul, a software engineer and founder with a passion for teaching.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro and what NOT to do
1:13 - Create your coding mindset
2:55 - What you should learn
5:41 - Become a software engineer

#TechCareerGrowth

[RahulPandeyrkp]

I have to admit, the advice from simpleton #3 is not horrible. Leetcode problems can help you get better with coding, but I hate recommending them since they're soul-crushing (and they don't represent software engineering!)

[peterli]

This is awesome advice! Currently, I'm a cs college student and I feel as if I learn the most by actually coding and trying things out. A lot of the times (especially when starting out), my code sucks. But then I get feedback on that code (either from profs or other students), then iterate and repeat.

[Socsob]

Awesome video. I got my first job about a month and a half ago after attending a coding bootcamp. I got into coding in college with 2 java courses, and realized that's what I wish I would have majored in, but would have taken more years of college. So the coding bootcamp was great and now I'm a full stack developer at a small web dev/design place. It is really fulfilling and am glad to be in this field, and to have really found my passion

[labidyramzi]

I've started the coding journey at the age of 17 yo with pascal XD Now I'm a cs student, full stack developer, I've done internships, many leetcode problems, I've learned so many things during these years BUT can't land my first software engineering job, literally a hard truth but we should keep hustling we don't have choice
Nice video btw <3

[robbie]

Great video Rahul! I've done your Kotlin app tutorial and it's absolutely brilliant. It led me to create an app for a common process used at work, which helps me, and others, day-to-day.

Thank you.

[shubhk]

I like how your videos have started becoming cooler. You’re gonna attract a lot of new audience! Good work!

[michealnyakundi]

Sir, thanks alot for this, I've been stuck on being unable to decide what language should I start on and what to create for years now..but now I can start and focus on something...Thanks again

[adeyojuibukunoluwa]

I am currently working with the javascript react framework and solidity but still getting to understand it deeper. Thanks for the advice, it's very resourceful.

[ezziwa]

I love this guy's way of explaining well.Keep this up Mr.Rahul .This is real value !!

[aniketkhajanchi]

I believe the college curriculum plays a very important role in this. They still follow the traditional model: Learn DSA, Leetcode and you get a placement. After we get placed, all we do is software engineering building products, so why not start early?
I started Android Development in my 1st year and trust me that was one of the best decisions I took. I really enjoy the process of building, testing, sharing with peers, publishing it on Play Store. It takes so much of engineering to figure out "How?" for every task. I still remember my first app and all the shit I wrote in there. My coding has drastically improved in the last 2 years and I have learnt optimizing stuff.
You inspire me alot
Thank you so much!

[rwlulde]

Great video. You can tell by your demeanor that you are here to bring value. Loved it and you motivated me

[cjc]

Such a good video. I'm glad I got confused enough "by Lazy" to stumble upon your work (in a different vid, obv). One Twitter sub later, here we are.

[TylerLemke]

A different take for the language is to learn JavaScript and then TypeScript. The reasoning is that nearly every FullStack role requires it, its relatively easy to pick up, and you can build ANY type of app with it. React Native(Android/iOS), Electron (Desktop), FrontEnd, Backend, Games, and More. There are lots of languages to learn though.

[johnjung-studywithme]

Wow great video and love your story. You are a genius in my book

[amjadsaeed]

highlights the importance of the right mindset for learning code and recommends writing code every day, even if it is not perfect. He advises learners to embrace discomfort, build a healthy coding environment, and focus on learning one programming language, such as Kotlin for Android apps. He suggests building the same app multiple times to develop a deeper understanding, focusing on one thing to learn it well, and teaching others to solidify learning. The speaker emphasizes effective communication skills and the impact of coding on the world.

[joshmedia]

Thanks soh much I needed these advice I have been having issues since I started coding, I actually started with Arduino but alot of issues like drivers and many more plus my country economic situation ain't helping but I will try and give it my all no matter what

[PoojaDutt]

This is awesome, great tips! Kotlin is **by far** my favorite language, so I may be a biased there 😅

[parsaloi]

People who will follow your insights are mad privileged man! #learntocode #easy #learnbydoing😎

[DevlogBill]

Hi Rahul, I really enjoy programming, I do this every single day. But I wasted so much time! I started at the end of 2021 learning SQL and Python. I learned my fundamentals with Python and eventually moved to web development with HTML, CSS and JavaScript. This year 2023 I began for a couple of months learning Django learning this framework. Now I am focused on Android Development with Kotlin, and I hope to use Django for the backend for my first Android Application.
But I heard what you said from another video, you said don't worry about the backend till much later. Focus on Android Development. Which is what I plan to do. I only wish I learned this much earlier versus wasting so much time bouncing all over the place, thank you.

[aldrinseanpereira]

Thank you for this AMAZING advice Rahul!!

Its not easy going alone to learn technical skills and soft skills like communication.

But having a community such as the Android developer community seems to be really helpful too.

I hope to start Android dev soon and your content from the Stanford classes look like a fantastic place to get started.