I recently took a break from university, not really by choice, but because I was feeling overwhelmed and couldn't focus on anything. My time at university helped me grasp programming fundamentals and team collaboration, but now I want to deepen my knowledge and skills. I'm currently building my own portfolio website with HTML and CSS and planning to integrate JavaScript. After that, I want to work on other projects using .NET and JavaScript. I'm also keen to learn about CI/CD, database management (like PostgreSQL and Dapper), API development, and Docker. Additionally, I want to master requirements gathering, coding architecture, and design patterns. I'd love any tips from experienced developers on how to truly become proficient in programming and not waste this reset period.
3 Answers
Set deadlines for your projects. They can really motivate you to focus and learn what you need to get things working. You might think you need to memorize coding, but trust me, even after over 10 years in the field, I still look things up regularly. The real skill is breaking down complex problems into manageable parts. If you can do that, you'll definitely be on your way to becoming a great developer!
If you can, finish your degree. It shows you've got the capability to tackle various subjects and demonstrates your persistence. Technical skills can be learned later in your career, but while you're in school, focus on networking with others and improving your speaking skills for presentations.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself first. University can be really stressful, and stepping back can help you recharge. It’s vital to maintain your well-being as you dive into your programming journey.

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