How to get your first developer job (Part Four): Get Started

If you’ve never programmed before and are wondering where to begin, front-end web development is a fantastic starting point.

Here’s why and how you can navigate the learning process effectively, based on my own experiences.

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Start with FreeCodeCamp

When it comes to learning resources, I highly recommend FreeCodeCamp. It’s free, beginner-friendly, and incredibly comprehensive. Through FreeCodeCamp, you’ll learn the essentials of front-end development, including:

• HTML
• CSS
• JavaScript
• React

With consistent effort—say, at least three hours of coding per day—you could build a solid portfolio in just three to six months. By then, you’ll be well-prepared to start applying for junior developer roles.

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The Beginner’s Trap: Too Many Online Courses

When I started learning programming, I didn’t know about FreeCodeCamp. I got caught in what I call the “beginner’s trap”—signing up for too many online courses.

The first platform I tried was Treehouse. While it wasn’t free, the cost wasn’t the main issue. The real problem was the lack of interaction. When I got stuck, I wanted to ask questions and get guidance, but the response times were long, and there weren’t enough active users to help.

I also tried Lynda.com (now LinkedIn Learning), which had excellent-quality courses on a variety of topics. But, again, I ran into the same issue—no one to discuss problems with or ask for help.

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Why FreeCodeCamp Stands Out

FreeCodeCamp isn’t just a learning platform—it’s a community. Here’s why it stands out:

1. Supportive Community: You’ll find countless people in the same boat as you, ready to help answer questions and share tips.
2. YouTube Channel: FreeCodeCamp’s YouTube channel is a goldmine of high-quality tutorials that are updated regularly.
3. Practical Projects: The platform encourages you to build real-world projects, which helps you develop skills you can showcase in your portfolio.

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Do You Need to Know Everything? No.

A common mistake beginners make is trying to learn everything before applying for a job. You don’t need to master every framework or tool out there. Here’s what you should focus on:

• Build a solid understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Pick one framework, like React, Vue.js, or Angular, and stick with it. There’s no need to learn them all at once.

Most people (including experienced developers) learn new tools much faster on the job. Don’t stress over the things you don’t know yet.

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Embrace Growth and Ask for Help

Even senior developers Google solutions or check Stack Overflow regularly. As a beginner or junior developer, it’s perfectly normal to rely on these resources. When you’re stuck:

• Be patient and try to figure it out on your own.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for help or seek advice from your community.
• Keep learning and growing—every challenge you overcome will make you better.

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Final Thoughts

Starting out as a developer can feel overwhelming, but with consistent effort, the right resources, and a willingness to learn, you’ll get there. Focus on building a strong foundation, stay curious, and remember—it’s okay not to know everything. The important thing is to keep growing and enjoying the journey.