Is coding hard?
I hear this question a lot, and Mia recently asked me the same: Is coding hard?
So many people get overwhelmed just imagining how hard coding could be, they give up before even trying. I made this video in response to Mia’s questions, but also for those of you who may be struggling with similar doubts.
IS CoDING HARD?
People often hesitate to learn code because they feel it could be more than they can handle. There are many misconceptions about code after all, so some assume that perhaps coding is not for them. This is the hardest part of learning how to code I believe—overcoming these initial hesitations. It gets easier as soon as you decide to simply start.
How can we learn code the easy way?
1. Learn one website platform or coding language at a time.
Focus on mastering one website platform or coding language at a time rather than trying to learn everything at once. For example: it's beneficial to have a general understanding of various website builders, but becoming an expert in one platform is a much more effective strategy.
In my case, when I decided to move ahead with Squarespace as my main website builder, I invested a lot of time understanding its features, limitations, and possible solutions. That effort paid off in eventually being able to build efficiently and beautifully with the platform, developing unique troubleshooting techniques that I otherwise may not have discovered if I were caught up in working on multiple builders at a time.
2. Start simple and progress gradually.
This step-by-step approach allows you to build confidence having a thorough understanding of fundamental principles before learning more complex concepts. Essentially, our goal is to make sure we avoid any feelings of overwhelm or dread as you work your way into learning more advanced techniques.
And this is exactly how I set up my Standout Squarespace and Standout Shopify programs, starting off with foundational know-how on how the platforms work, best practices for modern websites as well as wireframing and typography tricks before easing into learning coding techniques, starting off with HTML and CSS, adding decorative elements with pseudo-elements and eventually incorporating animations.
3. Learn with a mentor and a community.
Seek out web designer & developer communities and consider meeting up with them in person to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from others. Why not reach out to your favorite design studio or an expert you admire for mentorship? Whatever the case, try not to learn code alone. It’s more satisfying growing in your craft alongside like-minds, and you’ll go much farther.
So, is coding REALLY hard?
No. Coding is not hard, but it does require hard work. By focusing on a specific website platform, learning progressively from the basics to more advanced concepts, and learning alongside a supportive community, you can break down the coding process and build your skills with more ease.
I want you to remember that every expert was once a beginner–this is my personal story as well. With consistent practice, a whole lot of patience and support from other experts, you too can unravel the craft of code and discover all that you can become and create with it.
An invitation to learn design and code with Standout Squarespace & Standout Shopify
I designed my web design & coding flagship programs Standout Squarespace and Standout Shopify with beginners in mind. As a self-taught website designer myself, I know how it feels to not know where to begin or move forward with my learning process whenever I got stuck.
I keep thinking back to the earlier days of my learning journey and how I would’ve preferred to learn code. For one, I would’ve avoided those many days of burnout had I learned all basic knowledge first before easing to more advanced concepts. It also would’ve been better if I reached out to a mentor or a learning group for more support, which makes all the difference if you ask me.
All of these things I wish I had access to when I was still starting out, I made sure to incorporate in the Standout courses—lessons laid out from essentials to more advanced coding techniques and an organized Knowledge Base with design inspiration, coding cheat sheets, plug-and-play code snippets and business resources to name a few.
Learn more about our design & code course for Squarespace & Shopify.