Can You Really Learn Advanced Programming Just from YouTube Courses?

Many YouTube courses won't cover advanced topics in depth. Personally, I’ve learned a lot from books, like "Node.js Design Patterns," which dives deeper into JavaScript concepts. To really become proficient, work on projects, then turn to books for advanced topics and deeper insights.

No, you can't consider yourself proficient just by watching videos, regardless of the hour count. Proficiency comes from actually building projects and applying what you've learned. If you want to excel in advanced programming, start implementing what you've learned through real coding challenges.

While YouTube can introduce you to the basics, it often misses the deeper understanding you get from structured learning. Pairing videos with a tutor can really help speed up your learning. Look into platforms like Lrnkey for that.

It's crucial to build your foundation first before jumping to advanced topics. Focus on mastering the basics, then tackle intermediate concepts, and finally delve into the advanced ones. You'll find that your perspective on this question might change as you progress.

YouTube is a good starting point, but I wouldn't rely on it as your main study method. Try this path: start with a solid book, watch videos for clarification when necessary, and then practice by building projects. I recommend "Modern C for Absolute Beginners" by Dmitrovic. If you prefer video lectures, CS50 has a great introduction to C.