TOP 5 MISTAKES I MADE AS A BEGINNER SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

The world of programming can be an exciting and rewarding one, but for beginners, it can also be overwhelming and full of pitfalls. As someone who has been programming for a few years, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes along the way. Here are some common mistakes that beginners make, and some tips on how to avoid them.

1. Not understanding the basics: When you’re first starting out, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to learn the latest and greatest technologies without first mastering the basics. This can lead to confusion and frustration down the line. For example, imagine trying to build a skyscraper without first learning how to lay a foundation. The skyscraper may look impressive on the outside, but without a solid foundation, it will not stand the test of time. Similarly, without understanding the basics of programming, you’ll struggle to build anything of value.
2. Not planning ahead: When you’re working on a project, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and start coding without first taking the time to plan out what you want to achieve. This can lead to messy, hard-to-maintain code and a lot of wasted time. If you’re trying to build a puzzle without first looking at the picture on the box. You’ll likely end up with pieces that don’t fit and a lot of frustration. The same is true for Software Development. If you don’t take the time to plan out your code before you start writing it, you’ll likely end up with a mess that’s difficult to understand and maintain.
3. Not testing your code: One of the most common mistakes beginners make is not testing their code as they go along. This can lead to bugs and errors that are difficult to track down and fix. For example, imagine trying to bake a cake without ever tasting it. You may end up with a cake that looks good on the outside but is inedible on the inside. Similarly, if you don’t test your code as you go along, you may end up with a program that looks good on the surface but is full of bugs and errors.
4. Not asking for help: One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is not asking for help when they need it. This can lead to frustration and a feeling of being overwhelmed. Imagine trying to climb a mountain alone without any equipment or knowledge of the terrain. You’ll likely end up stuck and unable to move forward. Similarly, if you don’t ask for help when you’re stuck while programming, you’ll likely end up stuck and unable to move forward.
5. Not staying organized: Another common mistake beginners make is not staying organized while they’re working on a project. This can lead to a mess of files and folders and a lot of wasted time trying to find what you need. For example, imagine trying to find a needle in a haystack. It will take you forever and you’ll probably never find it.

By avoiding these common mistakes, beginners can save themselves a lot of time and frustration. Remember, programming is like a puzzle, you have to plan ahead, test your code, ask for help when you need it, stay organized and most importantly, master the basics.