Learning to code isn’t easy. It takes time and dedication. There are no shortcuts!

I think it’s true that anyone can learn to code. The question is whether or not you’re committed to the task. Nobody can really teach you how to do this. I guess what I mean is nobody can hold your hand each step of the way and say, “OK, do this. Now do this.”

You can follow tutorials, and read. Then read some more and do more tutorials. Then sit in front of your computer and try and apply what you’ve learned so far. Then read more! More tutorials! More reading!

That’s how you learn to code!

Recently I decided to take the 100DaysOfCode challenge on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/hashtag/100DaysOfCode?src=hash

I’m really happy I decided to do this. My coding style for HTML/CSS/JavaScript were way outdated. I’m pretty much a noob at JavaScript. I can fumble around and get it to do what I want when I need to. I’m far from fluent in it though. Anyway, the first thing I learned is just how dated my web design skills really were. I couldn’t believe how much the markup and code has changed over the last ten years.

So I’m on day 19 of my 100 Days Of Code. Basically, it’s a commitment to code at least 1 hour a day. For me, on most days, I’ve been spending at least a few hours a day on it. I was just going to spend the first couple weeks updating my knowledge of HTML/CSS but I’m learning so much I decided to dedicate the first 30 days to HTML/CSS then spend the remaining time hacking away at JavaScript till I’m somewhat fluent. I’m not new to this, and I know the only way to do this right is dedicate the time to it.

I love when you see Youtube videos with titles like, “Learn JavaScript in 1 Week”. Look, I don’t care who you are. That’s just not going to happen. There is no quick and easy way to learn to code. Frankly the quick and easy way to learn to code is actually really long. Simply sit down in front of your computer and start to code. Get stumped, research, code some more. Spend at least a few hours a day coding. That’s how you learn, and that’s how you get good. There are no shortcuts. Read, learn, code / wash, rinse, repeat! When you think you know all there is to know, it’s time to learn some more!

I think the second most important thing is stay up to date. I’ve been messing around with web design since the 90s. A lot has changed. I’ve rested on my knowledge of HTML since around 2005. A lot has changed. By staying up to date, we strengthen our confidence, and are able to give clients exactly what they pay for. A professional looking website, that loads on multiple devices with a modern up to date codebase.

First thing I’m doing after my 100 Days of Code is updating the outdated look of this website. So much new stuff happening. Can’t wait to share what I’m learning.