How Coding Transformed My Life and Continues to Shape My Future

The inspiration for my first eBook, Becoming a Software Developer Without a Computer Science Degree, came from a desire to share one of the most transformative skill sets I’ve ever learned—coding. For me, programming was more than just a technical skill; it was a life-changing tool that opened up opportunities and expanded my horizons in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Through my own experiences, I hope to encourage everyone to consider learning to code and see how it can empower their own lives. Here are some stories from my journey that demonstrate how coding has impacted my life and career.

Story 1: Programming Helped Me Complete My Ph.D. Research Papers

I begain my four-year Ph.D. program in 2013, but I didn’t start using coding for my data analysis until 2015. It was only until that time when I gave up the biomedical lab work, data analysis became a crucial part of my research.

Traditionally, SPSS and SAS were the go-to tools for statistical analysis in academia. I had experience with SPSS from my graduate studies, so I initially relied on it. However, as my research progressed, I found SPSS limiting, especially when dealing with complex data sets that required repeatable, transparent steps.

I started experimenting with R, a programming language specifically designed for statistical analysis. R allowed me to streamline my workflow, automate repetitive tasks, and document every step of my process—something that had been nearly impossible in SPSS. This was game-changing. Not only did it make my analysis faster and more efficient, but it also allowed me to communicate my methods to peers and reviewers clearly.

Switching to R gave me complete control over my data analysis, and I realized that coding was more than just a tool—it was a new way of thinking and problem-solving. With R, I saved hours of tedious work and could reuse my code for similar projects. By the time I completed my Ph.D., I deeply appreciated the power of programming and how it could simplify complex tasks, which planted the seed for my career in software development.

Story 2: Building a Knowledge-Sharing Platform with WordPress

During my Ph.D., I noticed that many of my colleagues needed help with data analysis. They would often ask me for help, and I realized I was spending a lot of time explaining the same concepts repeatedly. That’s when I decided to create a knowledge-sharing platform—a simple WordPress website where I could publish tutorials and resources on data analysis.

Although WordPress makes it easy to build websites without coding, my programming knowledge allowed me to customize it to enhance the user experience. I used HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to tailor the design, making it more intuitive and visually appealing. Knowing PHP, the language WordPress is built on, also helped me create custom functionality that went beyond what standard plugins could offer.

This project showed me how even basic coding knowledge can make a significant difference in website development, allowing me to share knowledge more effectively and create a better experience for my audience.

Story 3: Creating a Portfolio Website to Stand Out as a Developer

When I began applying for developer roles, I realized that a traditional resume wouldn’t fully showcase my skills and projects. I needed a portfolio—a place where I could demonstrate my abilities directly. So, I built a one-page portfolio website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. On this site, I displayed the projects I had completed through FreeCodeCamp, linking each one to a live demo or GitHub repository.

This portfolio allowed potential employers to see my work firsthand and get a sense of my technical skills before I even walked into the interview. It was a powerful tool that set me apart from other applicants, especially as a self-taught developer with no formal computer science degree. A well-built portfolio website not only showcased my skills but also my initiative and passion for coding, which left a lasting impression on interviewers.

Story 4: Establishing My Personal Brand Website

In 2022, I committed to building my personal brand and realized that having my own website was essential for this journey. I set up a personal website that would act as a central hub for my blog, side projects, and other content, including this eBook you’re reading now. Maintaining the website has helped me develop consistent habits—reading, writing, and creating content each week.

One of the biggest benefits of building my own website from scratch was the freedom it provided. I could choose the programming languages, frameworks, and hosting services that suited my needs. However, maintaining a custom-built site proved time-consuming, especially when I needed to focus on other aspects of my brand and business. Eventually, I switched to a more manageable platform, like WordPress, which saved me countless hours.

Even with a website builder, my coding skills still came in handy. They allowed me to customize the site further, create unique features, and add personal touches. This experience taught me that a mix of coding skills and accessible tools like WordPress can be the perfect balance for building a sustainable online presence.

Story 5: Building My First SaaS Project

With my coding skills, I didn’t just stop at a personal brand website; I also ventured into creating software as a service (SaaS) products. This project was born out of my need for a solution and the belief that others might benefit from it, too. I created the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) using Flutter for the mobile interface and Python for the backend.

Building a SaaS product is different from setting up a personal website—it requires more robust, scalable technology, especially if it involves mobile apps for both iOS and Android. Developing my first SaaS project taught me much about software design, product development, and backend architecture. Although the project is still in its early stages, the experience was invaluable and reaffirmed my love for problem-solving through coding.

I look forward to sharing more about this journey once the product is ready for the public.

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Summary

Through each of these experiences, coding has empowered me to solve problems, build valuable resources, and open doors to new opportunities. Whether it was completing my Ph.D. research, sharing knowledge with others, creating a portfolio that got me noticed, establishing a personal brand, or developing my own product, coding has been a game-changer in my life.

I hope my stories inspire you to explore the possibilities of coding in your own life. This skill has the potential to impact not just your career but also your ability to create, connect, and contribute in meaningful ways. Whether you’re looking to improve productivity, stand out professionally, or build something entirely new, coding can help you get there.