When I started this journey I really didn’t know what to expect. Would I be able to learn enough to be a coder? How long would it take? What kind of job could I get? I had originally thought that after four months of learning, and given my background in design, I might find a job. And I might have, if I got serious about applying for positions and networked with the right Meetup groups. But, I realized as the four month mark approached that while my HTML and CSS were getting there my JavaScript knowledge was very rudimentary and its the JavaScript that I really want to be good at.
So I came up with a new plan. Last Fall I worked at a golf course for 3-4 hours a day. They were glad to have me and it gave me some money, a feeling of purpose and a good way to start my day. So I contacted my boss, could he use me again? Maybe for 5-6 hours a day? He could! Excellent. So my new plan is to work at the golf course for the next six months. That will give me the time I need to improve my JavaScript skills.
Meanwhile, I’ve made a few gains. I learnt how to type! No more two finger hunt and peck. And, after learning the basics of Node.js, I was introduced to a new area of study… databases. So, to learn more, I completed a short 3 week introduction to MongoDB at Mongo University (offering a collection of free courses you can take to learn all things Mongo). I did well on the course so I signed up for their Mongo/Node.js course starting next week. This looks a little more challenging than the introduction course but I’m sure I can handle it. Meanwhile after a short break I’m ready to continue where I left off with the FreeCodeCamp ‘Basic Algorithm Scripting’. I’m also reading Algorithms 4th edition by Robert Sedgewick and Kevin Wayne and for interests sake Cyber Spies by Gordon Corera. I also discovered another great source for tutorials Scrimba. I find there teaching method very easy to understand.
On another note, I’ve seen a lot of posts lately from people asking how long does it take to learn a programming language. Answers have ranged from the ridiculous (3hrs) to the more reasonable (6 months). Personally I find learning JavaScript to be very similar to learning a new spoken/written language. Sure you can be conversational in about 6 months but it will take a few years and a lot of work to be really fluent. Learning a new programming language isn’t easy but it is doable and very enjoyable when you realize you’re beginning to get it!
Til next time!
Tony