How did you prepare for your software development journey from scratch?

Your journey is perfectly valid! Don't be discouraged. Keep pushing forward, and you'll see results. I’m also self-studying and find that tackling exercises and watching courses works well for me. The courses you've chosen are excellent, so just keep at it!

Practice makes perfect! Focus on coding every day, even if it's just a little bit. Consistency is key to improving your coding skills!

Learning two languages is a bit ambitious, especially at the beginning. It might help to concentrate on mastering one language before moving on to another.

Focusing deeply on one language, like Java or Python, can really help solidify your understanding of programming concepts. When I hit a wall in a new language, I often solve the problem in JavaScript first because that’s my main language, then I translate it into the new one. Remember, you'll never feel fully ready—just get out there and apply for junior roles when you're comfortable. Getting interview experience is crucial, even if you stumble at first.

Solving LeetCode problems isn't the only way to practice your programming skills! Try tackling real-world problems instead; for instance, reading "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python" can show you practical applications of coding. I recently automated the processing of MP3 files with a Python script, which was much more rewarding than just solving algorithmic challenges. The key is to work on projects that interest you and make your learning enjoyable!

Don’t get discouraged if you struggle with LeetCode—it’s not just about knowing the language. You need to be comfortable with problem-solving and algorithms first. If you can think through a problem on paper but struggle with the coding part, that’s a sign to focus on data structures and algorithms to improve your skills in tackling coding challenges.