Hey folks! I'm diving into full-stack web development and I've made it through HTML and CSS, even grasping some intermediate CSS concepts like Flexbox and typography. However, I hit a wall when it comes to applying what I've learned. Whenever I try to start a project, I freeze up—I just can't figure out what to create or how to style it well. I'm also finding it tricky to practice JavaScript, even though I understand the basics like variables and loops. I feel stuck in this frustrating cycle of watching tutorials but not able to build anything on my own. Any advice on how to practice CSS and JavaScript effectively? What strategies helped you break out of this plateau? Thanks a bunch! 🙏
5 Answers
Check out some websites you find interesting and try to replicate them! A lot of development feels like meeting specific needs for others, which means you'll often have to figure things out as you build. Experience is key. Just keep building stuff, even if it’s not directly relevant to you!
Just start with some simple projects! I'm getting into React JS, and honestly, most developers don’t know all the CSS details. Whenever I forget something, I just Google it. It’s totally fine to do that! That's how we pick things up, man!
That’s a solid approach! Thanks for sharing, man! Trying out those simple tasks is a good way to build your confidence.
If you find yourself sitting there unable to think of a project, you might just need to plan better. Start with an idea, sketch out the solution, and then lay out how you're going to implement it. That way, you know exactly what steps to take when you start coding!
You might be a bit worried about messing things up. Just jump in and try something! You'll encounter mistakes—it’s part of the learning process. Make something that behaves wildly when resized; it’ll be fun and you'll learn a lot!
You're so right! I usually freeze when I make mistakes and end up procrastinating. Gotta embrace those mistakes!
What made you want to start coding in the first place? When I began, my goal was to be self-sufficient in problem-solving. It’s cool that you now want to incorporate creativity and critical thinking into your coding journey. Just keep that focus!
I started mainly to earn some money, but now I want to focus on creativity and problem-solving too!
I agree! I use Google and MDN docs too, but I often feel stuck searching for beginner-friendly practice ideas. Sometimes I end up with boring exercises like 'center a div' that don’t help much.