19 lessons I wish I'd known earlier in my software engineering career

Profile iamgeDan Fleser

Updated: February 8, 20222 min read

19 lessons I wish I'd known earlier in my software engineering career

1. Choose a language

You need to start slow. Practice as much as possible.

2. Understand a programming concept

If you don’t remember the syntax that’s fine, use Google to find answers.

3. Use online tutorials

You get multiple perspectives. It helps you learn faster and more efficiently.

4. Dedicate hours for learning every day in your calendar

Read blogs. Keep learning new things and use what you learned by building something useful.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice!

The saying “practice makes perfect” is very true if you’re willing to put in the time to be great at something.

6. Don’t give up

One key to becoming a good coder is to never give up.

7. Don’t reinvent the wheel

Not every solution needs to be built from scratch, use existing libraries.

8. Work on your soft skills

Practice writing, It helps you in the long run and will help you stand out from the rest.

9. Build a strong portfolio of projects

Learn + Build things, a win-win situation.

10. Document Your Journey

Write blog posts. Many people who are starting their journey today, are definitely going to be inspired by your writings.

11. Earn while you learn

More here - Make money blogging while learning new things

12. Define small goals

Take one thing at a time, this is the ultimate confidence booster.

13. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Don’t feel shy to ask even if you have silly questions. Use StackOverflow.

14. Challenge yourself

Don’t compete with others, compete with yourself.

15. Learn the basics and build small applications

Powerful foundation = 20+ small applications. Keep track in a github repo.

16. Refuse negative talk

Remember programmers never quit, there is always a workaround. Take a break and bounce back stronger.

17. Remember nobody is born a pro

Consistency, hard work and giving your best shot will make you a pro.

18. Nothing works unless you do

Practice makes a man perfect.

19. Focus on the process, not the outcome

If you have a solid foundation, the rest is easy to crack.

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I'm

Dan Fleser

Profile iamge

Full-time web developer since 2014. I recently switched from an 8-5 job to freelancing, which is going great.