What It Really Means To A Be A Self-Taught Programmer
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- Опубликовано: 27 мар 2021
- I'm often mistaken as overly optimistic and positive about what it takes to become a self-taught programmer. In this video I wanted to set the record straight and deliver some harsh truths about the realities of being "self-taught".
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What's your take after watching this video? Do you think you have realistic expectations?
As a begginer and firm believer of "It's too easy to be above average when average is set so low", I would like to ask you honestly if it's possible to have a long term goal in which I learn (bootcamps so far) and work on projects for about 2 or 3 hours a day while I live my regular life and then eventually get a job in 3 or 4 years from now if I choose to do so. Do you think this is realistic or I will fall behind anyway by not being dedicated enough? I guess I'm basically asking where the "average" is set, so you mentioned most people lose interest very early on - does my strategy keep up with the competition that actually does put in work?
that last 2 advice really what I was looking for coz I'm in the building block of javascript and this is happening with me
I definitely appreciated the 'be realistic' advice. 6 years ago I just had an idea for an app that I wanted to take to market - but I didn't even know of the word 'programming'; truly starting from scratch. I would have given up a very long time ago if i didn't know that within the massive and multidisciplinary roles in tech - each one takes years of practice until you actually feel grounded within it. Its going to take me a whole year to finish my CS course since I work full-time, but i've just embraced that.
Best advice you and other ‘reliable’ RUclipsrs say is ‘build projects’.
Excellent.. you speak pure truth. always gained tons of guidance from your vids
Honestly, even "school-taught"...you will still need be a "self-taught" programmer.
And school never gives you enough...its just the foundation...it barely cracks the surface. I CONSTANTLY am learning. Every job I have had has had similarities, but differences. Different tools...it all needs troubleshooting and google searches. Seriously, just do it and keep at it for 5yrs. Then look back at all you've learned. Congrats you're a mid-level and on your way to Senior easily. Keep going. You can do this. Here's a truck load of encouragement to you all. (Btw I'm a Senior Data Engineer).
That is what I was thinking, and I totally agree with you. Formal school provides the structure of a curriculum, and some help resources, and those are big plusses. BUT, you still have to grind through it, complete all the assignments successfully, and by doing this you really teach yourself the skill. I did it, repeatedly, with assembler, Fortran, COBOL, and with a 4th gen IDE tool called Pacbase, and it was basically the same grind it out (a lot of coffee helps!) process each time. In my later iterations of the grinds I had the slight advantage of having done it before, which gave me some degree of confidence that I could (probably) do it again. But that is not to say that it was easier, it wasn't, I just felt less insecure about it...............
I totally agree
CS degree (if that what you mean by school ) will just teach you CS basics. no front end or back-end will be taught in school.
@@esamcoding Exactly schools don't teach the specialized skillsets that jobs hire for but instead focus on laying foundational groundwork (like math, CS fundamentals and general courses). Exception would be like Masters in Data Science but that's on a higher level and you would still need to train outside of it.
Problem with schools are they don't give enough high intensity, in-depth projects to showcase and really bring out your best (exception would be your last two CS courses in some cases but my senior project wasn't even that impressive). You have to build the knowledge base alongside the skillset you want to obtain, while doing project based learning to show it off and illustrate mastery in a specific domain. I have a CS degree and the classes ALONE are definitely not enough here, maybe if you go to MIT or CalTech but outside learning is always needed imo.
@@TheSoulCrisis : I've learned more reading badly written sparsely commented code in 1 month than the years in school. Some schools are terrible and try to parse the concepts into small billables to max profits that leave you wanting for more.
I'm self taught and been in the industry over 20 years now. This is a great career path if you enjoy problem solving but I can't stress enough that attitude is everything. I'd sooner hire a junior developer with good interpersonal skills than a senior who is too proud to listen and learn. If you are a junior, embrace any opportunity to learn, ask questions and be open to feedback. You'll always have a job if you have a good mix of technical and social skills.
Agreed!
Ok. I will consider that when I lend myself a software dev job
Takeaway : - It's fine to feel not ready.
- Never stick yourself to tutorial familiarity zone to avoid building real projects.
- programming takes months of practice and determination.
- It's fine to be stuck in silly problems for days.
I am Ali from Saudi Arabia I have learnt English on my own (no formal eduction), and have been learning web def for one year now. Keep it up .. your content is unique and more needed than any progrmming tutorial on RUclips . 😘🌈
Are there many programming jobs in Saudi Arabia?
MashAllah!
Your English is 99% better than most Americans. Ok, I’m exaggerating but not by much.
This is the mentality people need to step away from it's not fine to be mediocre, marginal, and a procrastinator. Where do y'all come up with this logic. Either you do it or move on to something else. Damned the "it's ok, mamma's boy" bs. I don't care if you disagree with me or find my comment harsh.
@@AfrWorldMedia I think you interpreted his comment rather harshly, he is just saying you may feel unready but keep grinding. Do you know how difficult it is to learn a new language leave a alone programming with no formal education. His by far a quitter.
Raise your hand if you are a self-taught :)
Me
I do!
@@luminous3709 yes!
Self learning...1 month in.
Love How I learn something...feel like a champ...find a problem, get stumped by it...feel like a loser again.
Its really fun.
At first I thought it was Kim on this picture. By instant I wanted to ask when first nukes will skyrocket.
I dropped out of college. When I was in college, all I got was pressure and stress. I didn’t learn anything at all. Now, I am studying coding by myself. So far, I’m close to being ready applying for a job. Just finishing my personal projects for my resume.
well its diffrent in diffrent countries. but making relation with other people at college in programming career hasen't any benefit to you?
This just confirmed everything that I was thinking. I've been teaching myself JS for the past 4 months and it's been a hell of a journey so far, I've been stuck on problems for days and worked my way through them, learned from my own mistakes and am still making a lot of mistakes. I know that everything I do now will make me a better developer when I'm ready.
Becoming a developer or engineer isn't meant to be easy and it's the challenges we overcome that really build the skills. I look back at how far I've come in the last 4 months and I'm amazed at what I know now (although I don't feel like it's a lot)
I can't wait to see where all my dedication to this takes me in a year and in the future
On the same boat as you brother 👊
This biggest mistake I made when I started was that I spent a year reading theories before delving into practical, now I know almost all concept theoretical but to code becomes difficult. I'm not giving up, I invested too much not to end well
Yes I spent my first 6 months doing tutorials. It was not until I started on personal projects that everything started to click and to realize where my weaknesses where in my understanding.
You need to look at this from different angle. Before writing some code, you need to evaluate whether you are making the right choices and this is where theory comes in. Thinking about the code is more important than writing the code itself. Writing the code should be just an extension of what you want to write.
I almost had a similar experience, the wake up call was me in a café, overheard some architecture juniors talking about AI like it was some generic youtube video essay.
I already had my degree in architecture, but my interest in CS had me reading books day and night, so I decided to leave all the reading which I felt was going anywhere.
If I really want to learn how to code, I needed to get my feet in the dirty first, there is no other way.
@Bacon Pancakes I'd take theory without code over code without theory any day.
@@Qladstone our civilization developed not by theory. It was all try and error, experiencing the code is more important
Listen Andy, we need your optimism and positivity. There’s a love hate relationship with learning how to code but it’s worth it. We need you here reminding us to keep going
Hows the going btw?? Have things changed? We can't give up.
I'm a computer student but ive to learn code by myself lol😂😂coz of our education system
Cheers Arz!
Bhai apne saath bhi yahi scene h😭😭
Same bro, i taught myself how to code because of our outdated curriculum🤣
Same. I have a computer Science degree but I have a lot to learn
same here bro.
The first time I attempted to learn to code anything, I can clearly see now that the expectations were unrealistic. These videos are helping me set realistic expectations and make a plan that will lead to a better chance of success.
Got coding job while in High school. Self taught and had no connections going in so Andy is not being unrealistic when he is optimistic.
What kind of job mate? And its freelance or like you gotta go to office? And give me some advice if you can please! I m learnin javascript.
Thank you in advance
Also when did you start
Being honest while still being optimistic is great - always loved your vids for that reason - Yes, we all have a chance to fail, but I would rather put my time into this than sit around watching t.v. or playing games or whatever - even if I fail, I still gave it a chance
Good video. The Imposter syndrome never really went away for me even after working my way up to SR Software Engineer. But for me that is one of the best parts. You are always learning and constantly progressing. Also if your new it helps to know that every programmer uses google/stack overflow and researches ideas/solutions to problems there facing. When I first started I was always really hard on myself if I had to look something up. But over the years I have realized everyone does, the part that changes is the more experience you get, the more you will be able to determine if what your are reading is relevant in your particular case, or a good or bad way to approach the problem.
Having an optimistic outlook is very valuable in many aspects of life. This video may reassure and calm those who accused you of unreasonable optimism. To them, perhaps this video will serve to balance out the tone of your previous videos.
Well said!
This video made me realize the amount of grit I have for making projects is absolutely insane. Yes, I knew I wanted to make projects, I just didn't know how high it was. Thank you Andy!
Wow, this was very motivational for me. I'll soon finish high school, with three years of "hobby-programming" experience. I already know html, css, javascript and php, and I have decided that this summer I'll be working towards becoming a front end developer as I find the most stimulating.
Thank you for these videos. I've been working on becoming a front end dev for around 3 months now and I always have doubts. These videos actually give me reassurance especially coming from you, someone who has been there and is doing it right now.
The most perfect content creater on RUclips .... Always soo real and actual information. No BS ...Keep up the great work....Appreciate your content
Thanks Saheb!
I really agree with it. I have just started my coding journey this month and I work full time so I am just giving myself a year to just study and build things. Like you said, 80% of the work is showing up. Just keep pushing, even if its only an hour a day. Competition is everywhere and coding skills are very much transferable skills so imo, NO time is wasted. Thanks for creating the platform🙌
Thank you for making these videos. They really help.
wow... thank you this video. I'm currently reinventing myself at a later stage in life and this helps me realize where my transferable and non-transferable skills lie and what to realistically expect. I am a staunch believer in "failure IS and option" and it's refreshing to hear you speak candidly about that. Instant subscriber/follower.
I really needed this video today. I've been really just taking up my weekends learning to code and i'm making huge progress, but every now and then outside stress and pressure will try creep in, but i know i can do with this without a doubt !
How’s your programming journey going?
I really needed this encouragement especially on the imposter syndrome bit... I'm a beginner trying to learn jS and no matter how far I go, school and other things restrict me from coding consistently which also makes me forget most things I used to know. It's really frustrating that feeling of not knowing if you're good enough to move to the next phase or to remain where you are and practice more. I really liked the video because you pointed out my exact frustrations lol...
You're a true inspiration Andy, thank you!!!
consistency is really important!
The main problem with trying to get a career in software development is that while there will be most likely more jobs in this field over the next few years, many companies still overall prefer experienced candidates over fresh graduates or raw self-taught programmers.
It's not impossible for new and inexperienced candidates to enter this market. But with the COVID-19 pandemic causing many businesses to reduce recruitment, experienced candidates already have a step up over new hires. Therefore the former category will also be further towards the front of the queue. Plus, businesses simply don't have the time nor the resources to train people. Especially nowadays. So having commercial experience is a huge advantage. And is much more valuable than simply a online-course, a bootcamp or even a CS degree.
So thus, by all means keep learning programming and keep applying for those jobs. But be realistic on the job prospects if you're aiming to enter the market as either a self-taught programmer or even a computer science graduate. The competition is fierce!
Your skills are your weapon. You need to show that you can put things together in organized and coherent manner. Do not worry about other people and competition. Worry about yourself.
Having solid work experience *and* completed, working, published projects is key. Without that, you're just hoping for the "friends & family" route.
@@talktomenowxbmc Skills is one thing. But experienced added counts for much more nowadays.
@@ArrowsInTheDark Yes more people are learning programming but also more will give up when they realise how much time and effort it required to succeed in the field. Therefore the number will even-out eventually and go back towards 2019 levels I believe.
Thank you for this! It's good to know that when I feel like I'm not getting it or when I start to feel like an imposter, these are all normal feelings. That I MUST continue to show up every day and be consistent with my studying and project building.
This is my first week learning. I realize I have a tough journey ahead!
Really refreshing to hear. I'm about 16 months in but working full time. Doing the odin project. It's tough but I'm getting better by doing a little every day. Your comment about doing things others don't want to really resonated. I'm thinking writing specs might be one of those things. I rarely see specs on student projects, even within the odin project, which encourages testing.
Thank you so much for the video! This will help all aspiring self taught devs! It helps me motivates as well.
Thanks.your advice motivates me and encourages me to keep going 👍. Really grateful for your words
Always to the point, Keep up the great work andy! 🙌🏻
Thank you ! I needed to hear this
Great stuff Andy !! I really love your video and I think everything you said holds true for people trying to be self taught devs. I also think it's super important for people to embrace uncertainty because there are way to many people that are not trying new things that they want to because they are scared and would rather play it "safe". Of course, there is no real "safety" in life and they just end up holding themselves back from growing as a person.
This was great. Bringing me out of my rut. Loved 'do the hard things', because that grit and push really is an attribute I see in some of the best software developers I've met.
Loved this video, I’ve been taking the self-taught route and trying to figure everything out. Love hearing the real about being self taught!
Ow man, I’m really in love with your contents!
so appreciate that, thanks 🙏🏻
Great content! Really helpful, especially the "Imposter Syndrome" part.
Thanks for these insights, Andy. This is a great video and definitely encouraged me. The advice of sticking with it is really solid. I'm a self-taught developer. But the advice that really hit home was your comments about the "imposter syndrome."
I've spent the past 12-13 years "developing" business automation systems using Nintex Workflow and Forms in SharePoint (if you're not familiar with it, this is a visual development environment). Because I'm not operating as a classical software "programmer", and yet can build a system that just automated over 80% of a $300M company's information flow related to building multi-family homes, I've felt like an imposter for many years when looking at classical software development as (what I would call being) a visual language developer.
And perhaps only now, after years of working on numerous problems as a visual language developer, I'm not feeling like an imposter now that I've delivered building a business automation platform (that word is consciously chosen) that has been released successfully in the client's production environment (there is an unlisted video on this system I could share with you if you're curious).
This latest success came on the back of over two-decades of process improvement experience with tools such as Six Sigma. My process improvement background has been instrumental in understanding business problems so that I can develop automated solutions. It feels like my background of understanding problems supports my being inspired to learn Python. And perhaps what is most interesting for me is that I'm approaching learning Python as a way of expanding on my ability to implement solutions to solving problems.
Thanks again for this video. It definitely helps me. And I can see these concepts and ideas being applicable to anyone embarking on the journey of becoming a programmer. The one suggestion I'd offer to anyone newly on this journey (for what it is worth coming from someone new to "programming") is, learn how to understand problems before you try and solve them.
Another great video. Thank you
I just started again after a few years of believing it wasn't for me, and this was the encouragement I need.
This video made me feel better about learning to program, thanks a lot!
your realism and truth helps. I have started building projects. i am starting with good old to do app. I have been stuck on parts of this app for a couple of days. but I am going to keep grinding. his comment about being stuck for a couple days helps me feel like I not alone or stupid or whatever. thanks for the advice.
Helped me a lot !
First day of learning to code and this was a great video to watch!
Nailed it Andy!
Thanks Mario!
I never expected to see you here😅
Where are you from?
Jbg u pravu je covjek
@@mariogame_dev8004 radiš kao programer?
You are a deep thinker.. A great mentor.
Cheers! Thank you
THANK YOU! I needed this, have been feeling like an imposter for almost 4 Years but it is getting better. I actually started a project and took it to market. We have 2 clients and our competitors are huge corporates so I feel positive. Thank you again
Great! I need to start working on projects. Thank you very much.
I love how you spitting facts. 😂
It's my first day today on my journey to becoming a web dev someday.
Love your vids. 👌
Thank you for the video , I really didn't know how to handle the third part that you talked here. So thank you very much! Peace and love from gazer gazer love you all dtay strong with love , Peace!
When it comes to self taught programmers one of the most interesting cases came from someone called Scott H Young. He self taught himself the MIT Computer science curriculum in a little over a year. That was impressive. He even did a TED Talk on it. I admired the advice he gives in his blog of educating yourself on any skill not just programming.
Still in high school so I have a bit of time to decide thanks for the info man
I appreciate you mentioning while there will be some compitions being self taught, sticking with it and doing the hard work will help you stand out from the crowd.
fantastic info and very encouraging to a guy is a month in to learning to code. Thank you
great video, keep them coming!
I'm so encouraged after watching this. Thank you sir🤝🏼
Funny enough, I've been on the fence about continuing programming for a while. Watching this video made me want to go back into it full force. Still need to plan and manage time a little better, but I'll get there.
Wonderful video andy. Thank you. Like someone else responded, you "Nailed it".
thanks for the video! :)
Thank you so much Andy.
Been learning for about 9 months now with a good friend as mentor. Every time he compliments how far along I am that imposter syndrome leaps to the front. This video was awesome. I really appreciate your insight.
Great info. Thank you.
loved this video ! Even though i know the struggle is REAL and i keep myself centered most times. I still do find myself coming back to that first few months stage of learning.That stage, when i am doing research to start another project. That feeling of being totally uncertain of anything except what you already know, wanting to just just back to that safe haven. My remedy ... take break! Eat something nice. Meet someone. Watch a comedy! Play a Game! Most importantly clear your mind relax be happy and then give it another try!
I'm in week two and just starting to get into projects. Thanks!
Yes and yes I really enjoyed this video, good work!
I love building my project. It may be uncomfortable. Some days I feel like I hit at it for hours, and dont accomplish much. However, when working my 9 to 5 I like the feeling knowing that I get to go home and work on this thing that is mine.
I am also kind of afraid that I'm scaling it too big. It will most likely take 4-6 months to complete. On the other hand I think having larger projects is a good way to differentiate my self from competition. Would it be better to scale smaller with more features, or should I keep going big?
Thanks, that’s exactly what i needed to hear ❤ especially about impostor syndrome
Great video. I never did think about what would happen if I failed. I'm just two weeks out and this have given me something to think about in terms of I need to go harder because failure is not an option for me.
You are hard working and super positive, and this is what makes you unique, thanks for inspiring over seas. Cheers from Brazil, I love all your way of thinking! Thanks a lot.
I always wanted to become a programmer, in my country people didn't really have a choice on what to become, so I was forced to be a mechanic and the covid was the best thing that happened to me. No outlook on life my friend a good software developer started helping me with my dream to be a programmer. I had my ups and downs in the past year learning F# but as a motor mac for 22 years, I learned problem solving and code are very much the same. Still very hard sometimes but practice makes me better every day. UI building came naturally and I am fortunate to have work already. But yes sometimes coding does make me want to quit, but when the end result comes out. That just makes up all the long hours of learning and working at the same time. Yes, I still have a long way to go. This video just shows me, it's ok to feel what I feel, and pushing through will have its rewards. Thanks for making this video.
The worst part is applying to jobs that are not for a junior position, because anybody with just a year or less experience will move up front. However I feel top confidence when running for the very few junior positions in Switzerland, where every company is mostly hunting for seniors and CS graduates.
the biggest mistake people make is self teaching for a couple years, then trying to apply for jobs and losing to people with CS degrees and Software eng degrees. All that time could have been spent actually getting a CS degree rather than self teaching and having no professional qualifications.
@@egg-iu3fe That is true but not everyone benefits the same from College vs Self taught. I've tried college and it's not for me because I do better studying myself and pacing myself. Luckily enough IT is one of those careers you can make while being self-taught.
I'm self-thought(RUclips tutorial purgatory+Stack) and I have been trying to get a company job for over two years now.
My advice to other new self-thought people - focus on those damn job algorithm tests more than on any actual project. If you don't ace those in a way they expect you to, no amount of portfolio or experience can help you get that job.
Yeah, so true!👍
Definitely inspiring, Thank you. Currently making the shift to the tech industry after a hectic COVID period. Don't have funds to study through a college. :)
Setting the record straight has always been the hallmark of your channel, Andy, don't change..
My self thought programmer has just celebrated it's first year yet I remain focused but I have been humbled by my own teaching. If there is one thing I realized is that you as developer many days is your own biggest bug, you over complicate a simple solution, the Big issued you sit and struggling with is a very simple issue. I have sat with a problem that was a very simple assignment operator instead of a evaluation operator and it took me almost three days looking for the bug, but oh goodness is it satisfying when you get it and it works. My wife never seems to appreciate my enthusiasm when I get it right, but my own reward is enough motivation to stick to it and carry-on.
Thank you so much for your videos and support.
Take care J
In my case imposter syndrome is overwhelming me but now I know it is a common thing so I need to deal with this. Thanks for sharing your truths :)
Thank you!
You have spoken honest truth. I never regret joining following this channel. Take away for today: improve yourself in what other people don't want do.
Encouraged me I only started to build a project I felt never was done right
I’m new to your channel and I love it so far. My problem as a up-and-coming programmer is not not knowing how to think about JavaScript. I have a hard time knowing the contexts in which certain methods and member operators are helpful. There’s so much info on the web, but it all gives a cursory definition of the code snippet’s function without enough examples of which keywords may help solve which kind of issues. I’ve studied a ton and followed tutorials and I feel ready to build on my own, but struggle a lot when I try. Do you have any advice for someone like me who’s trying to build an application from scratch and doesn’t know JavaScript well enough to problem-solve without getting a headache after six hours of error-tracking and research? Much appreciated. 🙂
Identified with pretty much everything you said. I'm honestly a little bit relieved. Thank you.
I have to say this, just by watching you for 2 minutes, you made me realized how practical you are when it comes to learning. I have spent the last 1 year learning to become a professional developer but I think the amount of discipline I have learned through this is going to benefit me for the rest of my life.
Thanks Timothy! Best of luck to you!
@@AndySterkowitz Thank you. I need that!
Great advice!
Great points Andy
Thanks 👍
The only thing I have to say is thank you so much for your advices, they are really helpful. Keep going.
Glad you like them!
This is fantastic advise. Keep it real, take the gloves off and hit us with some truth. Thank you brother
You are really very helpful. Always keep doing this work
Thanks for this video
Peace out
Love you Andy!!!!😘😘
Thanks I really needed to hear this today, i really do have that impostor syndrome at my new Job and I have been feeling uncertain about myself.
Well said.. Keep doing!!!
Thank you for the advice dude. There isn't alot of info about becoming a self taught devoloper
Thanks bud!
Thanks coach, today I had a pretty rough interview, and the cognitive dissonance is strong.
thanks for this video
Being positive is one of the best quality to have. For me it means that I will make goal, I will make a plan to achieve it, I will think about the different possible ways it might go wrong and adjust my plan accordingly. And it is possible that I wont achieve the goal, but in my mind I'm doing the best I can to be successful. Being pessimistic, in my view, is just the believe that something will go wrong not matter what, so failure is expected.
Self-Taught programmer means a lot.And with good proper nevigation would be highly appreciated.Sometine,easy to game in does not mean easy to stay on.People are all with Every angle of Challenges daily.Thank you
Well I enjoy your video new subscriber I'm not a programmer yet I'm just now trying to get into it Sylhet there's no man I know nothing about programming coding I know a little bit of a HTML or web designing but I forgot a little bit of it so I'm just trying to reteach myself it my question is what do you think is the best way for me to start learning ??
Hey, Andy! This was a great video! I personally love the optimism, but I can understand not wanting to feed somebody false hope, too. Which languages would you recommend a beginner to learn who knows nothing but just needs a job soon?
Hey Andy,
What are the top 5 technologies that you use for software development?
I’m a computer science student. My professor taught us Dijkstra algorithm and the next thing he says is that we should build a GPS system using that. I’ve been teaching myself how to do that in the last one week lol. Honestly, you can’t escape having to teach yourself.