Coding is both an art and a science. Spending countless hours on the computer writing code can be time-consuming, but it’s worth it (especially when you think about the $$$).
With the advent of AI, coding has become much easier compared to the days when we had to search through tons of blogs and articles online to debug our code.
There are various ways to improve your coding skills, but the most important one is to “be disciplined and consistent”. This principle applies not only to the ICT field but also to other areas such as medicine, agriculture, health, finance, and more. Discipline and consistency are key to success in any field.
In the LCT (Learn, Code, Teach) model, these three processes are interrelated and should be carried out concurrently. As you learn a new technology or framework, you should actively write code and share what you’ve learned with the community.
I have written a blog post titled 'Five Steps to Learn Any Programming Language.' In the post, I elaborate on the 'Learn' aspect of the LCT (Learn, Code, Teach) model.
In this blog, we explore “Tips to Get Better at Coding”, focusing on the 'Code' aspect of the LCT (Learn, Code, Teach) model.
Step 1: Start a Side Project
Whether you are working full-time, part-time, or in any business environment, try to start a project you are passionate about. It could be a startup you want to build or just something fun and experimental. Many startup founders began working on their ideas while employed and only transitioned fully after proving their idea's viability. So, don’t wait—start something today!
Step 2: Contribute to an open-source project
here are many open-source projects you can work on. You can search GitHub for projects to contribute to—maybe updating the navigation section of a website, adding a dark mode feature, or fixing a bug you’ve identified and know how to resolve. Contributing to open-source is a great way to enhance your skills and give back to the community.
I’ll also be creating a video series on GitHub for our YouTube channel, so stay tuned!
Step 3: Join a Start-Up or Start a Start-Up
Starting a startup is a marathon that requires a great deal of dedication and resilience. Joining a startup as a developer can significantly improve your coding skills, as you'll work alongside experienced senior engineers and gain valuable experience over time. It’s not easy, I must say, but with persistence and endurance, it’s worth the effort.
Step 4: Be Discipline & Consistent
This is crucial in any field - whether it's medicine, finance, agriculture, or beyond. You must be disciplined and consistent. If your goal is to code for two hours a day, stay consistent and strive to meet that target every day. Time management is key if you truly want to improve your coding skills.
Step 5: Take a break once a while
Burnout is real, especially in this part of the world. It’s important to take breaks occasionally to refresh your mind and allow your brain to rest. (I once read an article that mentioned the brain remains active even when we’re asleep.) Take a vacation, visit your village, or spend time on the farm—it’s essential for maintaining balance and well-being.
My next blog will focus on the “Teach” model. If you found this post helpful, please don’t forget to share it! Thank you for reading, and you can follow me on Twitter @kabiryusufbashi for more updates.