I remember starting the course in FreeCodeCamp, an open-source online training for web development. I didn't understand 90% of the challenges I had to do and googled almost all the solutions for the problems that I had to solve to advance. For-loop and sorting were mysteries to me and I had to read things three times to understand what I was reading. It was too abstract and I didn't really enjoy it. It wasn't until I had to make my portfolio or develop an application that I found joy in programming. Making real products or getting results using all kinds of algorithms and syntax I learned felt so rewarding, almost like reaching the end of a level and catching the flag in a game.
Still, making an one-page or an weather app was just the beginning.
A couple months later, I delved in java and android development through an intensive program for immigrants. Working in a team and coding together with others is much better than sitting at home alone, without guidance and structure.I finished the training and landed a job as a developer.
Needless to say, working as a developer without a solid foundation in computer science or math meant giving it 200%. I have been working for 4 months now, day and night. In the weekend, I spend time with my family, but will go to any hackathon or IT meetup if possible. It's tiring and I still feel incompetent. I don't have enough time and energy to get good. I love my job but sometimes I'm unhappy at how little I manage to do per day. However, if I take another perspective and look at what I have learned in the past year, I can see so much growth. I have learned:
- android development
- programming languages: kotlin, java, javascript, html, css, some python and c#
- web frameworks: some angularjs and react
- I learned something about docker, webpack, services offered by Google
- I know how to make a custom skill for Amazon Alexa, the voice controlled device
- I made a small game together with a team on a GameJam and won prices!
- I won prices from 1 hackathon and 1 gamejam. (also won an award for the game we made during the training)
- I know a bit more about the architecture of a big-scale IT system
- I have learned how to use the command line to navigate
- I have done Operation duties and can solve some incidents
Arguably, I could have learned more if I don't have a family and have better analytical skills. But I'm truly proud of myself for what I have achieved so far.
In the coming year, I wish to learn/achieve:
- develop (and maybe publish) my own app
- Machine learning
- python, C++
- go to a conference
- web framework
- iOs development
- backend/network architecture
- Swedish
Only sky is the limit!
