I'm really stressed about my new role as a junior developer. I've been at it for two months and although I'm passionate and eager to learn, I often feel overwhelmed. I don't have a CS degree, and while I've managed to figure out some debugging tools, I still struggle with problem-solving without asking for help or relying on AI. I've started some online courses in C#, SQL, and Angular, but I'm worried I'm missing fundamental topics or strategies. I'm looking for advice on what key concepts or learning methods could help me improve effectively and efficiently. Any tips on approaching coding and problem solving would be much appreciated!
5 Answers
What exactly is your role? If you’re focusing on full-stack at a bigger company, try to specialize a bit to gain confidence. Maybe concentrate on backend or SQL first, since that’s where your challenges lie. Developing a focused learning path based on your project can really help.
The key is to genuinely learn programming rather than relying on AI to generate code for you. It may be tempting, but try not to let AI do the heavy lifting. Look into Y. Daniel Liang's book for Java or The Odin Project for a well-rounded approach. Speaking to a mentor at work can also help you develop your skills practically!
Your experience is valid, and remember that progress is what counts! Here are a couple of tips:
- Keep the control on your learning. Don’t just copy-paste from AI or other sources; think critically about the code you're writing.
- Know when to ask for help. If you're confused, don't hesitate, but try to have a baseline understanding before reaching out.
First off, it's completely normal to feel lost as a junior. Don't hesitate to ask for help, but make sure you've at least attempted to Google the problem first. That way, when you ask, you can share what you've found, which shows you're proactive!
I totally understand your feelings! A lot of us go through this. Focus on learning core debugging skills, design patterns, and real-world scenarios. It makes a world of difference!
It's a full stack role, but I primarily handle backend/SQL tasks. Focusing more on that area sounds like a good plan!