I titled this article this way because many beginners aren't aware of the best way to learn to code, just as I was when I started, and honestly, I'm still in the process of discovering the best approach, so I thought to share it with you here.

However, before we delve in, let me share a personal story that will inspire you to take your learning more seriously.

I got into programming over three years ago, and I watched tons of videos. I enjoyed my learning and diligently practiced all the instructions given in the videos. I did all of these for years until it dawned on me to take a new approach.

What was the Approach, you may ask?

I decided to take on a project, but this revealed my knowledge gaps and was quite disappointing. I was expecting to smash the project, but I couldn't. That was when I realized I wasn't doing something right. That realization prompted me to write this article just for you.

How best can you learn to code as a developer?

Becoming a skilled developer is more than just typing lines of code into the computer and expecting results.

It involves the ability to think, analyze problems, and provide solutions, and these are qualities that most companies want to see in their workers.

Watching good videos will not automatically make you a good developer; at best, it'll inform you and give you the knowledge you need, but you must find out how to apply what you've learned.

Let's start with what coding means.

Coding, sometimes called computer programming, is how we communicate with computers. Code instructs a computer what actions to take, and writing code is like creating a set of instructions. Learning to write code empowers you to instruct a computer's action or behavior more effectively.

To check more on coding-

After understanding what coding means, you need to know that one way to code proficiently is to know first why you are into programming.

It may look absurd but having know-how and know-why helps you channel your focus into coding.

Know-how(Knowledge) helps you do things right, which reduces the waste of time and years in coding.

A know-why(Understanding) helps you to channel your focus correctly and motivates you when faced with bugs or issues.

How can you code like a pro?

First, start with knowing the language you'd want to be good at in your skill level.

These could be by taking up a paid tutorial or by engaging in the free tutorial and immersing yourself in the learning.

With daily, consistent learning and practice, you grow your knowledge and build problem-solving skills.

Regardless of your learning style, whether self-paced or through a tutorial, challenge yourself to constant practice, and this comes by taking on projects or tasks with deadlines.

Practicing by doing is crucial and cannot be emphasized enough. It helps you know where you are lagging, challenges the wealth of knowledge of the language you have gathered, and enhances problem-solving skills.

As you keep practicing, you are skilling up and building your portfolio.

TEACHING OTHERS

Another way to code like a pro is to teach what you know. Teaching that language you have learned reinforces your knowledge of it, and enhances your understanding of the language, thereby making you stand out as one who understands and knows his work.

To teach is to learn twice over.

Peter F. Ducker: People learn the most when teaching others.

CONSISTENT CODING

To code like a pro requires you to consistently show up and write codes daily, even when inconvenient. With consistent and constant practice, you hone your coding skills and make it easier to write clean codes, identify errors, and think logically.

HAVE A SUPPORT SYSTEM.

Another great way to code like a pro is to have a support system. These could be in various ways, but I'd like to emphasize two ways, which are

Being in a community

Being in a community helps you to relate and connect with other developers. It also fosters solving problems, sharing knowledge, and seeking help when faced with challenges among members.

Having an accountability partner

These help you stay on track with your goals, improve your performance, and push you to grow.

READ THROUGH OTHER DEVELOPERS CODE

Another way to code like a pro is by reading other developers' code. These help improve your coding skills and gain insights and knowledge on how to solve problems more effectively.

OPEN-SOURCE CONTRIBUTION

Lastly, another recommended way to code like a pro is by contributing to an open source. These go a long way in building your skill, and with other developers' input, you gain practical experience while benefiting from the perspectives of other developers.

Congratulations, You made it this far! 😁🎉🎉🎊

I hope you found valuable insights to improve your coding journey. If you did, please like this article, share it with someone, and let me know what resonated with you in the comments. I also welcome your constructive feedback.

Thank you😊🎉🎉.