Elizabeth Adegunwa: Practical Tips for Getting Rid of ‘Tutorial Hell’ and Learn New Skills as a Programmer

 

As a newbie in the programming career it is common to encounter, a phenomenon known as “tutorial hell” that often ensnares developers, particularly those who are new to the field or seeking to expand their skill set. It’s when they rely too much on tutorials and don’t use what they’ve learned. Breaking free from this cycle requires very strategic learning approaches.

One effective strategy is to set clear and specific learning goals that align with practical skill development rather than focusing solely on tutorial consumption. Identify a programming language that aligns with your tech stack, whether it be JavaScript for frontend development or PHP for the backend. This focus will help you stay grounded and avoid getting sidetracked by irrelevant tutorials.

This means choosing a language that is commonly used for the type of development you are interested in. For example, if you want to develop web applications, you might choose to learn JavaScript, which is a popular language for front-end development. By focusing on a specific language, you can make the most of your time and learning efforts.

Hands-on practice and real-world problem-solving are essential to breaking free from tutorial dependency. Platforms such as icodethis and Frontend Mentor offer practical projects that incorporate PHP, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, reinforcing learning through application. By actively applying your knowledge, you’ll develop a deeper understanding and retention of the concepts.

To supplement tutorials and prevent over-reliance on a single information source, diversify your learning resources. Explore books, documentation, and interactive platforms like Codecademy. Each resource offers a distinctive viewpoint and enhances your grasp of programming concepts.

For instance, books provide in-depth explanations and comprehensive coverage of programming topics. They allow you to delve deeper into specific areas and gain a thorough understanding of the underlying principles. Documentation, on the other hand, offers practical guidance and technical details. It helps you navigate specific programming languages, tools, and libraries, ensuring you can implement concepts effectively.

Participating in programming communities, such as online forums, coding groups, and Stack Overflow, offers a wealth of opportunities for collaboration and support. Engaging with experienced developers who have faced similar challenges can provide valuable insights and perspectives. For instance, if you are struggling to debug a complex piece of code, posting your question in a community forum can yield suggestions for different debugging techniques, potential errors to look out for, and tips for optimizing your code.

Collaborating with peers in programming communities can help you overcome obstacles and navigate the complexities of tutorial hell more effectively. By sharing your experiences and challenges, you can gain valuable feedback and advice from others who have been through similar situations. For example, if you are stuck on a particular bug, a community member may suggest a different approach, provide a sample code snippet that addresses your issue, or point you towards relevant resources and documentation.

Finally, embrace challenges and experimentation as opportunities for growth. View setbacks not as failures but as stepping stones on your journey. Actively seek out real-world problems and solutions beyond the confines of tutorials. This approach not only enhances your problem-solving skills but also prepares you for the demands of the professional development world.

Elizabeth Adegunwa is a thought leader in the software industry who is known for her strategic insights and innovative thinking. She is a strong believer in the power of technology to transform lives and has dedicated her career to promoting digital inclusion in Africa.