I'm currently working as a junior full stack developer, but honestly, I feel completely lost with the projects I'm handling at my company. I have a basic understanding of Python and HTML/CSS, but web development is new for me. I usually manage fine with personal projects, but my workplace projects are huge, and adding even the smallest feature feels daunting. I'm relying too much on AI tools, which my boss has noticed and advised me to reduce. Between university and work, I have little time to learn, and I'm starting to feel overwhelmed. I'm committed to improving, but I'm not sure where to start. Any advice from those who've been in a similar situation would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
Don't rely too heavily on AI. The struggle you’re facing is where most of your learning will come from. If you miss a deadline, it's okay. Prioritize understanding over speed; that will serve you better in the long run.
It sounds like you're going through a tough time, but the key is to just dive in and put the time into understanding the foundational technologies—HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Have you checked out MDN? It's an awesome resource for web development and really well-organized. Also, you might want to pair up with a co-worker if possible. It can really help you bridge knowledge gaps quickly. Don't shy away from putting in some extra hours to learn outside of work, even if it’s tough—it's part of the process.
Don't let the overwhelming feeling stop you from pushing through. Try to work on smaller parts of the codebase first—pick a GET endpoint and trace how it works. Understanding how data flows through your application can make a big difference. Over time, it'll start making sense, and your understanding will grow!
Thanks for the suggestion! I will try to break it down into smaller pieces and see if that helps.
If you can, ask more experienced team members for help. It's really beneficial to see their thought processes when they debug or write code. Don't be afraid to admit you need support—it's part of learning!
I was in a similar spot when I started. Take a few moments every day to explore the codebase without the pressure of deadlines. Familiarize yourself with the project structure by checking out past pull requests. You'll get a feel for how different parts of the project connect with each other. It's a process, but with patience, things will get easier!
That's great advice! I never thought about going through past pull requests. I'll give that a go!
I agree! MDN is great and really helped me get a grasp on web basics. I also considered pairing with a colleague, but they've been a bit unfriendly with questions.