Learn to Read Documentation

One of the first things to do when you're first starting out is learn how to read documentation correctly to utilize it to its full potential, this may seem like common sense to do or think about but a lot of developers completely forget to look at documentation and try to jump right into coding without understanding the simple syntax's, built in functions/methods that are used within that language.

Resources:

• MDN Web Docs - Great for web developers.
• Python Documentation - A must-read for Python beginners.
• W3Schools - Ideal for learning the basics of programming and web development.

Decide What Kind of Developer You Want to Be

Think about what type of developer you'd like to become. Do you want to be a front-end developer, back-end developer, or full-stack developer? Researching these roles will help you decide which skills and technologies to focus on. If you're unsure, try exploring all three paths. Over time, you'll discover where your interests lie and where you'd like to see yourself in five to ten years.

Resources:

• FreeCodeCamp - Offers free courses on front-end, back-end, and full-stack development.
• Codecademy - Interactive courses for different development paths.
• Developer Roadmaps - Visual guides for learning paths.

Start a Personal Project

Once you've decided—or even if you're still undecided—start working on a personal project. It could be something simple, like creating a website to display information or building an inventory system to keep track of items around your house. Here are some actionable project ideas:

• Create a personal portfolio website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Develop a to-do list app with local storage using React.
• Build a RESTful API with Python Flask or Node.js.
• Create an inventory tracking system for household items.
• Develop a simple game like Tic-Tac-Toe or Snake using JavaScript or Python.

Resources:

• GitHub - For hosting and version control of your projects.
• Stack Overflow - To ask questions and find solutions.
• Udemy - Affordable courses on various project ideas.

Take Your Time and Be Patient

When starting a project, take it slow. It can be tempting to rush through it, but that often leads to frustration and burnout. If you get stuck, take a break. Some of the projects I've worked on have taken years to finalize. The key is patience, persistence, and learning through trial and error. Remember, it's okay to fail—what matters is that you're learning and growing along the way.

A crucial distinction to make is whether you're working on a project because you want to or because you feel like you have to. The former will keep you motivated, while the latter might lead to burnout.

In Conclusion

When you're starting out as a developer, take the time to decide what type of developer you want to become and choose a project that genuinely interests you. Enjoy the process, no matter how challenging it may be, because passion and curiosity are the keys to staying motivated and avoiding burnout.