13 tips to help you learn code super fast without being too expensive

The first time you access the code, you find it difficult to know where to start and how easy it is to apply programming learning methods that make you spend a lot of time and money.

I am Eric Elliott, author of "Programming JavaScript Applications" (roughly translated: Programming applications in JavaScript language), leader of a group of developers, JavaScript language instructors and a speaker. I teach and hire developers for projects that I am running.

Understanding the good and the limitations of this field, I decided to share with you the following 13 study tips. Hopefully they will be useful for the eager coder like you.

1. Forget college programs

Unless you graduate from Stanford or MIT, otherwise, your degree doesn't mean much more than a few simple applications you write at school.

In fact, most university programs have difficulty keeping up with technology changes. In the first 1 to 3 years, a degree you can buy can help you get a job with a few thousand dollars per month but after this time, the degree does not make any difference at all . Companies do not always rely on a degree, especially for those who have graduated from the university for a while.

So, if you want to throw money and time into these qualifications, I advise you not to think too much about being a good coder!

2. Let's start with JavaScript

JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages ​​in the world. This is the standard language of the web platform and is also most commonly used for writing mobile applications. You can even use JavaScript to write applications for robots, drones and games.

3. Create the fastest improvement and learn now

Overconfidence is the "trap" that makes you move much slower than others. Nothing more important is to speed up yourself by learning immediately and starting with something very simple.

Code.org has now programmed Minecraft and Star Wars games with a simple, easy-to-understand curriculum that even kids can learn!

4. The best way to learn code is to code it!

Many people start interacting with programming by reading lots of books. Choosing this method is fine too - that's how I learned code when I first entered this field.

However, if you really want to start in the right direction, then read less and take the time to practice , from simple to complex. Learning basic JavaScript for 10 hours comes with FreeCodeCamp 's progress monitoring system which is a great opportunity for you to "spread your wings".

5. Learning through others

One of the great ways to make big breakthroughs is to see how others code and observe how they think and solve problems.

It's best to find someone who is better than you or someone who has the same passion as you and try pair-programming - two programmers who work together on just one computer.

Recently, I started a new program called "Shotgun with Eric Elliott" using Screencast software to record screen actions and how you will understand how to build real applications. . I will also share what I think in each step and I hope you will gain useful knowledge.

6. Read the blog

Maybe I'm a bit biased but JavaScript Scene is a great blog that you should register. I'm also a fan of 2ality - a great way to quickly update new JavaScript features.

7. Join the Bootcamp program

If you have enough money to register for all the courses at school, forget all of them. Instead, you should invest in training camps, practical training programs, put you in a disciplined environment with strict principles and very rewarding exercises.

Participating in the bootcamp program will help you find people better than you and you must be responsible before them for the learning process, results and products. In addition, learning from friends is also a great way to help you move very fast.

8. Online learning

If you don't have enough money to join the bootcamp or you can motivate yourself and have a clear goal, join online courses.

9. Looking for a good mentor

Successfully completing an online course or course is just a small step in the journey to becoming excellent code. With the rapid pace of technology change, you need to learn and learn more.

Find yourself a good advisor, not necessarily face-to-face, but you can fully take advantage of online communication tools such as chat apps, social networks . Both can connect with They will help you check what has been done, what is the point of improvement and what should be done next.

10. Participate in events or study groups

Events and meetings are a great way to find mentors, find classmates, make new friends and listen to their experiences, regardless of your current skills. During the discussion, you will discover how to solve the problem you are experiencing and learn new knowledge.

11. Combine many other methods

Learning through videos is also a great way but you need to practice what you already know. Practice is also very useful but it only involves a few specific concepts and you may have missed many clever code tricks from instructional videos.

1: 1 direct learning is perfect, but it lacks textures. Great books, but you can't understand their nature without practicing.

No matter what, the secret of learning is to combine many methods . This is a smart way of learning, saving time and helping you progress faster.

12. Build a portfolio (List)

No matter what you learn, if you have chosen your career code, you should build a portfolio of your projects.

Open a Github account and share your projects on this site so potential employers can see them.

13. Learn more than one programming language

I suggest you read "Seven Languages ​​in SevenWeeks" (roughly translated: 7 languages ​​in 7 weeks). I wrote code with Basic, Assembly, Pascal, Delphi, C / C ++, Java, Lisp, JavaScript and some other languages.

Learning languages ​​with different philosophies will help you learn more when thinking about a problem. Open your mind and expand your creativity.

However, take a year to focus on JavaScript before learning more languages. Do not work greed.