How do you track your learning progress when learning on your own?

A great way to start is by using git and GitHub. It lets you create repositories that keep track of your code changes, which is perfect for seeing your progress over time. At first, using git can be a bit tricky, especially on Windows, but it’s worth it in the long run. It can really help you in your developer career! Here's a helpful video to get you started: [freeCodeCamp.org - Youtube](https://youtu.be/RGOj5yH7evk). Good luck, young Padawan!

When I started, I was so proud of each milestone, like my first window in a 3D graphics engine. I made sure to take screenshots of my progress, from initial bugs to completed features. Now I keep a folder of those images—it serves as a motivational reminder of how far I’ve come and what I’ve accomplished!

One effective method I’ve found is working through a textbook and completing the lab exercises. Also, taking community college classes can add structure to your learning and provide guidance from instructors.

I started taking notes directly in my code editor, organizing each lesson into methods. This way, I write my understanding after each lesson, which helps me recall the material better. I also plan mini-projects that consolidate what I've learned. For example, if I want to create a function, I build it and then iterate on it to improve my understanding. This hands-on approach helps me avoid just copying from tutorials.

The best way to prove what you've learned is by working on your own projects of increasing complexity. Instead of relying on tutorial projects, try to build something unique to you. There are great project ideas listed in the FAQs that can help inspire you. Completing real projects not only solidifies your learning but also showcases your skills.