Why 99% of People Fail to Learn Code

 

Avoid making these crucial mistakes when learning a new programming language, framework, technology etc.

Introduction:

Learning to code is an exciting and empowering journey that opens up numerous opportunities in today's digital age. However, it is no secret that a significant portion of aspiring coders encounter challenges and eventually give up. In this blog post, we will explore some common reasons why a considerable number of individuals struggle to learn coding effectively. By understanding these obstacles, we can develop strategies to overcome them and improve our chances of success.

Lack of Patience and Persistence:

Learning to code is not an overnight process. It requires patience, perseverance, and consistent practice. Unfortunately, some individuals become discouraged when they don't see immediate results. They may give up too soon, not realizing that progress often comes with time and effort. Building a strong foundation in coding takes time, and it's important to embrace the learning process.

Ineffective Learning Strategies:

With the abundance of coding resources available today, finding the right learning materials and methods can be overwhelming. Some people dive into complex concepts without grasping the fundamentals, leading to confusion and frustration. Others may rely solely on passive learning methods, such as watching tutorials or reading books, without actively engaging in hands-on coding practice. Effective learning strategies involve a combination of structured learning, practical projects, and seeking help when needed.

Unrealistic Expectations:

Learning to code is a continuous journey, and becoming proficient takes time and effort. However, some individuals have unrealistic expectations about their progress. They expect to become coding experts within a few weeks or months, which can lead to disappointment and a sense of failure. Setting achievable goals and understanding that coding proficiency is developed gradually can help manage expectations and maintain motivation.

Fear of Failure:

The fear of making mistakes and encountering failure can be a significant barrier to learning coding. Programming involves trial and error, and it's common to encounter bugs and challenges along the way. However, some individuals are afraid to take risks or experiment due to the fear of failure. Embracing failures as valuable learning opportunities and understanding that mistakes are a natural part of the coding process can help overcome this fear.

Lack of Focus or Direction:

Without a clear learning plan or goals, it is easy to get lost or overwhelmed. Learning coding without a structured approach can lead to scattered knowledge and a lack of progress. Setting specific goals, breaking them down into manageable steps, and following a structured curriculum or learning path can provide direction and maintain focus. Regularly evaluating progress and adjusting the learning plan as necessary is also essential.

Insufficient Support and Community:

Learning coding in isolation can be challenging. Having a supportive network of fellow learners or experienced mentors can make a significant difference. Interacting with like-minded individuals in coding communities, participating in coding bootcamps or workshops, or joining online forums can provide valuable guidance, motivation, and assistance when facing obstacles. The support and insights from others can help overcome challenges and foster a sense of belonging within the coding community.

Learn Faster

Aren’t you tired of being stuck in tutorials, repeating every process and still failing to finish your project or understand?

Do you feel like you’re running on a hamster wheel, endlessly repeating the same processes and never making any progress? Well, fear not, because we’ve got some tricks up our sleeves that will have you zooming through technology like The Flash.

Avoid Tutorial Hell at all costs.

Oh, Tutorial Hell. It’s like being stuck in a never-ending loop of Groundhog Day, except instead of Bill Murray, you have a never-ending supply of programming tutorials. You watch, you learn, you feel like a coding genius. And then, you try to actually apply what you’ve learned, and it’s like your brain short-circuits. What gives?

Let’s say you’re learning how to build a mobile app using React Native. You stumble across a tutorial that walks you through building a simple to-do list app. You follow along, everything makes sense, you’re feeling pretty good about yourself. But then, when it’s time to actually code it yourself, your brain turns into a bowl of mashed potatoes. Suddenly, you can’t remember anything you just watched.

That’s where Tutorial Hell comes in. It’s like being stuck in a never-ending horror movie, except instead of ghosts and goblins, you have an endless stream of coding tutorials. It’s easy to get sucked in, but it’s hard to break free.

So, how do you escape? The key is to actively apply what you’re learning. Don’t just watch the tutorial and move on to the next one. Take the time to code along with it, and then try to put your own spin on it.

For example, with our to-do list app, why not try adding some new features? Maybe you could implement a system to remind you to actually do the tasks on your list. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, you could try adding a feature to share your to-do list with friends. The sky’s the limit!

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. And most importantly, don’t get stuck in Tutorial Hell — break free and start applying what you’ve learned in the real world!

Look for tutorials that have you build something with them

Ah, the age-old struggle of finding programming tutorials that don’t put you to sleep with basic explanations of variables and loops. Don’t get me wrong, these are important concepts to understand, but let’s face it — they’re not exactly thrilling.

What you really need is a tutorial that throws you into the deep end and forces you to learn by doing. Let’s say you’re trying to learn how to build a chat app using Node.js. Instead of a tutorial that spends an hour explaining what a variable is, look for one that has you building the app from scratch.

Imagine starting with a blank slate, and by the end of the tutorial, you have a fully functional chat app that you built yourself. Now that’s the kind of tutorial that will get your blood pumping!

When I was starting out learning to become a Backend Developer, I spent hours scouring YouTube for tutorials, but all I could find were playlists with hundreds of videos that talked about the basics of Go.

Just when I was about to give up hope, I stumbled upon a video titled “Learn Go Programming by Building 11 Projects — Full Course” by FreeCodeCamp. I was skeptical at first — could it really be that easy?

But as soon as I started watching the video, I knew I had struck gold. The instructor dove right into building real-world projects, and I was able to follow along and actually build something useful.

By the end of the course, I had built 11 different projects, including A CRUD API, MYSQL Book Management System, and even a complete serverless stack. I felt a real sense of accomplishment, and it was all thanks to finding a tutorial that didn’t waste my time on basic concepts.

The point is, find tutorials that don’t just explain the basics, but have you building something from the get-go. You’ll learn by doing, which is much more engaging and memorable than just watching someone explain concepts.

And who knows, you might even surprise yourself with what you can create! Just remember to take breaks and have fun with it — programming can be frustrating at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding when you see your creation come to life.

Learn how to properly Google

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for a little drum roll please…because we’re about to talk about the most important skill you’ll ever learn as a programmer: how to properly Google.

Yes, you heard that right. Googling isn’t just about typing in a bunch of keywords and hoping for the best. It’s a skill that takes time and practice to master, but once you do, it will save you hours (if not days) of frustration and confusion.

Let’s face it — programming can be tough. And when you’re just starting out, it can feel like you’re swimming in a sea of jargon and syntax that makes no sense. That’s why being able to effectively use Google is absolutely critical.

But here’s the thing — most people suck at Googling. They don’t know how to narrow down their search results, or they give up after the first page of results doesn’t provide them with the answer they’re looking for.

And that’s why 99% of people have such a hard time learning to code. It’s not because they’re not smart enough or because programming is too hard. It’s because they don’t know how to use the most powerful tool at their disposal — the almighty search engine.

Here are some examples of googling bad and good:

Bad: “My C# application doesn’t connect to the database”

Good: “connection refused error MySQL C#”

Bad: “How can I add database to my spring app”

Good: “Connect Node.js to MongoDB”

Bad: “How can I create a navigation bar that changes when resizing the window”

Good: “Responsive navbar react example”

Bad: “How to fix Spring Boot errors?”

Good: “”ClassNotFound” exception spring”

The just of these examples is BE SPECIFIC. pretend as if you are talking to a caveman, just put specific keywords that are relevant to your goal and issue. Don’t google as if you are talking to a human being :)

Conclusion:

While learning to code may present challenges, it is important to remember that failure is not an endpoint but an opportunity for growth. By recognizing the common obstacles faced by aspiring coders, we can proactively address them and improve our chances of success. With patience, persistence, effective learning strategies, realistic expectations, a clear focus, and a supportive community, anyone can overcome these barriers and embark on a fulfilling coding journey. So, don't be discouraged—embrace the challenges, stay determined, and keep coding!

In conclusion, learning a new technology can be an intimidating task, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting one. By avoiding tutorial hell, looking for project-based tutorials, and mastering the art of Googling, you can save yourself a lot of time and frustration. Remember that programming is not just about memorizing syntax or reading a book, but it’s more about building things and solving problems. So, don’t be afraid to dive into your first project and start coding. The more you build, the better you will become. Happy coding!