Being Successful with Being a self Taught Programmer.

As you already know self-learning is getting most popular method among all programmers and other people. But we know few people have got their results by self-learning. Because they all know the way that how to do self-learning effectively. Many people don’t know how to getting success through self-learning. This is a small guide to getting successful as a self-learner.

If you wish to see my previous post about cloud computing Click here to gain a little bit of knowledge about cloud computing.

Let’s move on to the topic.

As an undergraduate student, I also have experience with self-learning. Because I have learned lots of things through self-learning. That is why I decided to write about some tips for self-learning. Early days I didn’t have an idea about self-learning. I just did what, seeing some tutorials and tried to do something on tutorials only. After one year, I had to check whether that what I know & what I don’t know. Unfortunately, what I don’t know side was at a higher level.

While I am grieving, I wanted to learn things effectively. As a result of that, I have learned a lot in six months than my previous year. That is the way I have learned as a self-learner. Ok...✌ No need to talk more, let's look at the tips.

• Understanding basics
  When we move on to self-learning. It is required to understanding the basic things that you are learning. As an example, if you are trying to the web developer, you have to know key concepts of web development such as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheet) & JS(JavaScript). Another example if you are going to learn about CSS frameworks like bootstrap you have to have basic knowledge of how CSS works. That is why I recommend you to learn basic things about what you are learning.
• Work on a timeline
  
  The reason to say this, if you are hands-on with the new thing let's think it is the programming language Java. You need to make a timeline like I will finish Java basics on that day(the day you are gonna finish it). It will be more reliable. Because of your mindset know I have to work on more. Because your mindset always saying that “I need to finish this before that day”. Your timeline directed you to do your works iteratively.
• Focusing on having a Mentor
  Mentor will be directed you on how to conduct your works and what you should learn. If you are new to related fields, it is a good idea to having a mentor. A mentor does not have to be an expert in a particular field. The only thing that you have to consider is he knows about a particular field than you and also, he should be friendly and reliable. And he should be a person who thirsts for knowledge. Sometimes he is your friend. Because I also have a mentor. He is a friend of mine. But I think he doesn’t know that he is my mentor.
• Reading books
  Reading books is the most important thing in self-learning. My mentor taught me this habit too. When you are studying something, let’s say Java, you can read a book related to Java programming. At that time, you can be able to understand more about concepts. Because there are two ways that knowledge coming to you. And also, you can gain more knowledge about key concepts. Because most books include theory parts. Therefore, you can understand well the theories. There are lots of resources to read and download E-books. You can take some time from social media browsing to read a book. Then you will be an addict to read books. Early days I also lazy to read books. But now I am addicted to reading. Because there is a proverb

  “Reading completes the man”

  
• Hands on to some projects
  When you are self-learning, you are well equipped with all the theories. You know how things going on. But you don’t have knowledge that how to apply that knowledge to the right place. Therefore, you need to apply your knowledge to the real-world project. If you have learned java you have to create some applications using java. Such as Student management system, security system, attendance system etc. When you are doing projects, you have to face lots of real-world problems. That is the point I wanna come. If you are facing problems you have to find solutions. There are communities like Stack overflow to learn and ask your questions. Using that kind of community, you can get rid of your problems. The main thing that I have to tell you, apply to the real world what you are learning. Then you can have the best idea about how to things going on and what thing needs.
• Kanban Boards
  Sometimes you have heard about the term Kanban. Kanban is a Japanese word it means “Signboard”. Kanban boards are using in project management. We can create our own Kanban board to manage our workflow. I am also using the Kanban board to manage my works. It is easy to identify what I have to do, what I am doing and what I have done so far. It is some kind of motivation for you. Because I am trying to increase the things that I have done. This is an example of the Kanban board. This is the simple one. If you are interested in the Kanban method. You can search more about Kanban boards.
  
• Keep learning if you feel you are ready
  As the last point, I have to say keep learning that has a confidence about your knowledge. You have to work hard to achieve your goals. I know that it will be very tough. Try to reach your goals as soon as possible. Make you a valuable person. Add more values the person called you. keep learning. Never ever give up.

Try and try one day you can fly

See you soon with another post. I am Dimuthu Lakshan.