Just some info for you.

[audieleon]

Lennox,

Wanted to get you some info, and figured you would see this issue.

• First, a piece of advice I wish I'd heard when I started out: Always use Source Control.
  • If you are working on code, use a GitHub repository, and commit your changes with almost every compile or build with a note about what you were doing and why. Build this as a habit, and it will seriously pay off. Here's a good article on why it helps so much. Take the time to understand source control and how it works, you will not regret it. Feel free to ask me questions if you get stuck.
  • For me, the most important reason to use source control is that you can explore the history of your changes (and go back to a time when things worked).
• Second, find one or two open source projects and contribute
  • Find a tool you use or could use often that is open source, then explore the code.
  • You can start contributing by helping with the documentation - what was unclear to you - and improve it.
  • Learn to build the code such that you can create the finished product (this could take time, ask lots of questions)
  • Find an issue or defect and see if you can figure out what's wrong and make a pull request.
  • The reason for this suggestion is for you to get used to doing it and getting comfortable.
• Third, try to code every day.
  • You can do coding puzzles to get started:
  • https://www.codingame.com/start
  • https://projecteuler.net/archives (Do in numeric order.)
• Lastly, and most importantly, relax. You will screw up, and that's OK. It's better than OK, it's the only way to learn. The programming world is pretty accepting of people trying to learn, and most will be happy to answer your questions (but do your research first...). Try to get to the point where you are having fun and look forward to coding.

I'll text you my email and discord so you can reach out. I'll be happy to help.

Next up, what are the things that worry you the most about getting into software development? If you'd like to bounce those off me, I can probably help ease your mind or find solutions.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Audie

[JupiterJack]

I haven't been able to code much in the last few days, So forth I've, definitely been soaking up this advice. I'm going to find an osp now to get started.

[JupiterJack]

@audieleon I'm going to start figuring out how to source control on github now, whilst I practice these tutorial problems.