Learning to Code: 10 tips on how to get a better learning experience

I recently restarted learning the Python programming language. Many things are different in my approach to learning it now relative to how things were back when I started (and stopped learning) it somewhere in the year 2020. My approach now is conspicuously better than my approach then, given the successes I have already attained. So, as my first (technical) blog post, I would like to share a few tips for learning how to code. These tips are especially relevant to coding newbies, though, I am sure, there are many experienced coders who would find some of the points highly beneficial. The following are 10 + 1 tips on learning how to code:

1. Pick a language, stick to it and master it: With the glut of information on social media and the abundance of free learning resources nowadays, it is easy to develop interest in learning more than one programming language at a given time. A lot of enthusiastic learners would eventually succumb to the temptation of learning many different things at the same time. They end up making little practical progress over considerable periods of time, become demotivated, and eventually give up altogether. If you want attain some real benefits from the world of programming – either making a career out of it or build things as a hobby (with the promise of a significant passive income) – you must discipline yourself and overcome this temptation of multi-tasking. There are people who have the natural capacity to master multiple things at a time. But this is only an exception; the norm is to stick to one thing at a time.
2. Coding is a practical science: You cannot master coding by simply watching video tutorials and taking notes. You must complement that with a lot of practice through building projects, and attempting coding challenges. This approach makes it easier for the learner to grasp coding concepts and ideas learnt. Also, it is a significant source of motivation for the learner to see practical fruits of what they have learnt in the form of the projects they have built themselves. This makes it easier to keep going even when things appear to be getting tough.
3. Coding is logic: a lot (if not all) of the coding challenges we face as learners require us to logically plan the challenges out before we do actual coding. The coding exercise itself becomes easier when there is a mapped out plan than when there isn’t. Learners must develop the habit of drawing flow charts for projects and challenges before they code. When this becomes a habit through the learning path, it becomes easier for the mind to develop the logic of coding, and pushes the learner towards mastery in what coding language they are learning.
4. Best to use two devices; one for learning, the other for coding along. This is very useful for practically grasping concepts taught in the course. The most cost-effective way of doing this is for the learner to use their phone for watching the video tutorial, while they use the computer for coding along.
5. Commit to regular learning and practice even if for short periods. Commitment to regular learning (even for short periods of time) would give better outcomes relative jamming things up in longer episodes on an irregular basis. The latter approach is likely to get the learner easily frustrated, especially when concepts become a little more complicated, leading to them eventually giving up altogether.
6. Take it slow; don’t be in a rush to complete a course. The learner must ensure they grasp a concept before they move onto the next one. This requires a lot of patience, re-reading and/or re-watching the video tutorial on the concept until it is properly understood. The learner should keep in mind that they are not competing with anyone but themselves. This requires the learning to go at a pace that suits their level of comprehension. Anyone can learn to code; but everyone does so at their own pace, given the conditions around them.
7. Don’t give up when things seem to become tougher: The beginning of the learning path is always interesting and easy because the beginner-concepts are very easy to grasp. Over time, the learner is sure to move to more complex concepts. Frustrations set in when such concepts become difficult to understand and apply. A lot of people would usually give up at this stage. However, all it takes to bypass this stage is patience, some reading, and a lot of practice.
8. It is okay to take a break: as a learner, you should know you are not under any obligation to ceaselessly learn or practice coding. When you feel you need a break, take one. Get yourself refreshed and then return to your learning path. The little break you take does a lot of good to your learning experience than your insistence to keep learning when your mind gets tired.
9. Read articles and blog posts: Sometimes, it is highly beneficial to supplement the video tutorials with some readings. It is good to subscribe to blogs related to the language being learnt for regular tips or do some research on topics that have been found difficult to grasp.
10. Catalogue your learning experience; things you found easy, things you need to constantly work on. This helps in keeping regular track of progress. It is good practice that enhances the learning experience. The learner can create a simple form to keep record of their progress.
11. Follow social media accounts that give useful tips: there are very useful social media accounts that serve as virtual mentors on specific programming languages.

In conclusion, these tips are lessons I have learnt given my first and second stints as a student of coding. All tips may not suit all learners equally. We, as individuals, are different in many respects. Thus, how these tips apply to each of us may differ. If you are fortunate to come across this write-up, take from it what would be useful to your learning experience.