I’m a complete Web Developer Newbie, teaching myself the inner workings of Wed Dev . How hard can it be possibly be I asked myself? I feel I’m finding out already that some ‘languages’ make sense, and others require much more concentration. If you have been down this road you will probably have an idea of the subject I mean. Javascript!
A few years ago I hashed together a blog site, was completely out of my depth and Googled the life out of every problem I encountered. However, my lack of understanding and inability to communicate with the IT helpline meant it just disappeared! Months of hard work just wiped out in one click (and not my click!). I put this down to experience and vowed I would try again…….and this time be better!
Travel Blogger to Web Dev Newbie
More accustomed to travelling the world and writing about my experiences this past year has meant I needed a new hobby! Having set up a new website focusing on travel destination tips I found myself more intrigued about how it all worked behind the scenes! But where to begin? I have a full time job which is intense to say the least, and the lack of travel opportunities/breaks away from it had left me stressed out.
Inevitably I ended up burning out and in great need of some ‘looking after me time’. Not wanting to mope around I needed a hobby/distraction and this is where I find myself now, back learning!
It helps having a geek as a husband too, however our areas of interest differ, he’s more into defi & crypto. We do now have some ‘interesting’ (very dull to others) conversations about front & backend development though!
‘Newbie Beginnings’
With so many resources available on the internet I have found it a bit overwhelming and to begin with I didn’t really have a clear pathway set out. My first serious learning began though when I discovered FreeCodeCamp and its literally endless list of courses. I got stuck in in no time had powered through the Responsive Web Design Certification. I still felt as though I hadn’t really ‘got it’, and needed to find another way of learning to enhance my understanding.
Twitter Web Development Community
Ive had a Twitter account for nearly 10 years and have failed to really see the attraction until now. The Web Development community seems to be one of the most sharing I have encountered. Designers freely give their code, their tips and recommendations on how to improve. Without using this resource I would never have heard of Udemy, a seemingly incredible (paid) resource, but one which I believe will be priceless to me. If you haven’t got an account, join in, it is seriously addictive!
#100daysofcode
This is exactly where I heard about this challenge! Coding for at least one hour a day for 100 days may seem like a lot but once you start you just cant stop!. I am currently on day 20 and have already come a long way! Where will I be in 80 days I wonder? People even do Round 2 and Round 3! The best part is there is no curriculum, you choose what you are interested in and pick your own path! As you will read I am mixing mine up dependant on the learning mood I am in each particular day!
Udemy – Making the ‘hard’, ‘easier’!
So far in my journey of Web Developer Newbie – How hard can it be, I have discovered that Javascipt is VERY hard. Totally new language that at the moment makes no sense. Hopefully the 6 courses from Udemy I have purchased will switch this on its head! I have begun three of them as they are complimenting each other well in their content and style of learning. At present I am a third of the way through the Web Developer Bootcamp and yesterday started ’50 projects in 50 days’. Loving it!
Codecademy – More Resources for Web Developers
So up to this point I have been using as many free resources as I can, along with purchasing some Udemy courses in their ‘Flash Sales’. They have them all the time so don’t pay full price ever! My knowledge has definetely been enhanced now I am learning using different techniques.
I then discovered Codecademy which has been another game changer. I am currently in the 7 day free trial but will be purchasing the ‘Pro’ as the different styles of are right up my street.
Where Now?
So my questions; Web Developer Newbie – How Hard Can It Be? Where will it take me? The truth is I don’t know, however it’s genuinely exciting! I had forgotten how much I enjoyed learning and it’s certainly filling a gap in my life at the moment.
Javascript is a bit of a nemesis at present but I will be ploughing on as everything in life that is worth doing does take a bit of effort! Watch this space!
Follow my journey on Twitter!
For a bit of a different read, try my travel blogs; will any of my destinations inspire you. Once we are allowed to travel again there are so many more countries I would like to visit. Read more here for ideas!
Follow Me Around The World
- Khao Lak’s River Restaurant
- Krabis Tiger Temple Viewpoint
- Koh Lantas Best Restaurant
- Chinese New Year In Phuket Old Town
- Blondie Abroad Prints
Featured image by Howard Bouchevereau
