7 secrets to learning how to code I wish I knew 4 years ago

CapJMK is an open-source software developer for the chemical and tech industry.

It’s true. I have to stay on track with writing. So, I have to write something once in a while. Recently, I have been studying more than usual. Not only tech and chemistry, but more lifestyle related stuff. Yes, and that's because I am a fucking self-absorbed queer hipster. But I like it. And you like it, and otherwise you would not alienate people like me. Still, learning, studying, and building is an everlong quest, partly trying to improve oneself and also making it easier for others to improve themselves. By doing so, we hope to improve society overall.

Thus, how do you become more capable at studying? Especially, how can you learn to code sustainably? I mean, how can you learn how to code and still be able to do it a couple of years later?

Coding is a skill

Dedicated monk studying.

The most basic property of a skill is that you have to practice it to achieve it. Very Stoic. And guess what: Large-language models barely help you with that. How can I know? Because, obviously, I tried. Stack Overflow did not really help with it either. And ChatGPT is nothing else than another way to access Stack-Overflow in the end.

Okay, once this is clear, let’s be clear about what coding is. It is a skill. And who am I to tell you how to acquire it? What is my cred?

Coders build things, and the most things I have built:

1. Middleware that allows us to use Python like a compiled language with ease. Useful for robustness, reproducibility, and security. Great! So how many people do you know who built a or significantly improved a language? Now, you know.
2. Invented top-ranked algorithms in chemistry. And provide software to reproducible build these. You literally can’t score better. That is because I saw the mathematical connection between Deep Learning in Quantum Chemistry and exploited it. The algorithms converge up to numerical accuracy that is almost 100%. Nice!
3. Improve the Python standard libraries in my library handling IO operations and encryption with easy to use APIs. Cool. Counting thousands of users.

7 Habits that will transform your life

Good now that you have some idea about why I can help you on your journey, we can start. If you become a real learner, in my opinion, it is wise to:

1. Accept that everything you write will suck a few weeks down the road
2. To have a growth mind-set, i.e., work for delayed rewards
3. To be humble, i.e. admit that you suck and will always suck
4. Like or at least be able to endure pain
5. Adapt a Stoic lifestyle

So, I recommend sticking to the following habits daily:

1. Learn something new in coding
2. Code on a project
3. Read something technical
4. Exercise
5. Practice gratitude
6. Practice stoicism
7. Meditate

That’s basically it.

What success can you expect?

If you do this for a year, you will see where you will be. I built most of these things within a year:

1. I wrote two Master's theses
2. Handled multiple jobs
3. Wrote more than 10 publications and blog articles
4. Read over 50 books
5. Completed over 15 certifications
6. Got my health to almost perfect such that doctors are afraid of my low blood pressure
7. Found new friends
8. Met many wonderful people
9. Published over 5 software packages with over 10k users in total
10. And in general, I am enjoying life more.

⛵ Thank you for reading. I hope that I could provide you with something valuable, and I would be glad to hear about your thoughts and ideas. Please drop a comment below or file an issue. Live long and prosper!🖖⛵

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