I'm in high school and not super confident in my programming skills yet. Right now, I only know some HTML (with HTMX), CSS (using Bootstrap to speed things up), and I use Python with Flask and SQLite for simple backend projects. I even created a project for a school initiative called "Wa3eni," which means "aware me" in Franko (a mix of Arabic and English). However, when I see older students achieving more in tech, I can't help but feel like I'm falling behind. I'm also wrestling with overthinking my career path—should I dive deeper into software development, explore hardware, or maybe even AI? I'm curious about aviation and drones as well. I'd really appreciate any advice from someone who has been in my shoes before!
6 Answers
What worked for me was just lots of practice! Keep coding, and you'll see improvement over time.
You sound really smart! I started programming around your age too, back when I was learning Pascal and Java. Keep building projects that fascinate you. These experiences will develop your skills and help create a portfolio that showcases your work! It can open many doors for you in the future.
You're still in high school, so don’t stress about being late to the game or picking just one path. This is your time to explore! Work on small projects that interest you and focus on building your fundamental skills. Online communities can be really helpful too. Just remember that comparing yourself to others can rob you of joy!
I agree! You're not behind. Everyone has their own pace.
Use this time to try a variety of things to discover what you enjoy the most. Remember, you could end up working in this field for 40 years or more, so it’s worth exploring now while you can!
That curious mindset is a big asset! Experiment with projects in different areas until you stumble upon what you truly love. A broad understanding at the start of your career can be a superpower for your development skills!
It's awesome that you’re getting into tech while you're young! I didn't start programming until my early twenties and I'm still working towards my computer science degree at 27. I recommend checking out CS50x and similar courses—they're perfect for beginners. The key is to improve steadily over time rather than trying to rush it. Stick with what interests you, and you’ll find that you're not lagging behind your peers in the long run!
For sure! It's all about experimenting during this phase. Just enjoy learning!