My journey of thought as a self taught developer

Let me begin by admitting that my path as a self-taught developer has been difficult and is not getting any easier. The first two years of my journey were the most challenging to me. However, I can tell you from personal experience that it becomes better and more enjoyable with time.

I worked really hard but wanted to learn more as time went on. Despite the huddles, my passion did not waver due to the drive and desire of becoming a coder at the age of 10.

From a young age, I've been interested in computers and technology in general.

But first, let me tell you a secret. Roadmaps are subjective!, If you’re just starting your journey in development, DO NOT blatantly follow “Roadmaps” that claim to make you a Software Developer in XYZ days. Just start and take your own time. My GOAL is to LEARN and not RUN, and so should be yours. In addition, I aim to be the best software engineer you know, and I hope you know millions!

Nothing is incomparable to the satisfaction of being able to solve problems and help other people think from a different perspective in the same way programmers do in investigative shows - This has always been my set goal.

So I started by learning HTML & CSS. HTML was fun and easy until I came to CSS and even worse realized that HTML is not a programming language from a banter tweet by Bonnie on Twitter. That’s when I made connections on tech Twitter and found myself getting into a lot of trouble with Javascript and decided to take a responsive web design course from Kevin Powell instead.

My biggest achievement came from a cold email I sent while hunting for a tech writing gig. I got a reply from this mail, and was given a topic to write about, “Understanding Facial Recognition with Deep Learning.” I earned $200 from this gig and opportunities are still knocking.

And now, I am enthusiastic about the prospect of landing a full-time role. I hope they come knocking as I continue to learn. I am in the process of getting my portfolio updated with some more relevant projects for a Front-End developer role.

However, my biggest challenge in this short time has been fixating myself on my shortcomings, mistakes, and failures which in the Tech world is called Developer Imposter Syndrome. This kept me out of the game for a month or two as I would only log on to Twitter to bookmark threads on Web Development, Tips for XXX, etc.

Fast forward, I reconnected with a family friend (A developer and Computer Science graduate) at my grandma's funeral (MAY HER SOUL R.I.P😭😭) in April of this year. We had a little chat about my new endeavor and he motivated me to keep on learning because I was well versed with a strong mathematical background (Calculus, Statistics, Linear Algebra ..), which I did while earning a Bsc Degree in Education Science at Kenyatta University. So I have decided to count the two months that I was out of the game as a break that I needed to take.

According to bob.ts (link to article), CS degree holders have the advantage of going through a well-structured course that involves training in algorithms and data structures which enables them to provide better and more eloquent solutions. They also get training on compiler theory and have better problem-solving skills as compared to Self-taught programmers. This is the reason I decided to learn about Data Structures, Compiler theory, OS theory, and Algorithms.

Today, I can say that I have learned the basics of thinking like a programmer. Applying these skills daily as I learn to code is what I am getting better at, to secure a full-time programming role. I believe that on-the-job training will speed up my learning and make me know what is required in the tech industry.

Whenever I'm stuck on anything, I always ask Google search which has to direct me to Stack Overflow where most solutions have to be. Most of the time, I always find a solution already out there. Either way, I learn a lot as I get to solve a problem on my own the next time I come across a similar problem. The challenge is trying to find an answer when you don’t have a context to a problem you probably never knew existed.

Lastly, I am fascinated by new technologies, and even more so by the engineering involved in their development, and I feel that intelligent systems are the foundation of programming's future. I work with Javascript, HTML & CSS, and React.js, and am now enrolled in ALX Udacity's Nanodegree Python Programming Foundations Course. Daily, I continually strive to increase my knowledge of Git, Github, and other Web Technologies.

I enjoy programming because it is a discipline that develops systems that transcend and enhance norms to set the scene for a better future. This allows me to contribute to a better world while also practicing pleasant technical art.

Technical Writing has always been my passion and it gives me pleasure to help and inspire people. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out! Connect with me on Twitter, LinkedIn and GitHub!