Chapter 1: The Importance of Hands-On Experience

Many aspiring developers ask, "What’s the secret to becoming a great developer?" The answer is straightforward: create projects.

You don’t need to master multiple programming languages to start.

Consider this: most of my fellow web developers initially learned React before exploring Next.js and Vite.js. However, it's not a strict requirement to learn them all.

Likewise, many of my peers have experience with frameworks such as Chakra UI, Material-UI, Bootstrap, TailwindCSS, and Bulma. While familiarity with these tools can be beneficial, it's not essential. The vast array of options can be overwhelming, making it difficult to concentrate on mastering one language, which ultimately hampers your productivity.

Learning alone doesn't make you a master. Regularly acquiring knowledge can enhance your skills, and education is vital for success. However, simply gaining insight into new languages and frameworks won’t transform you into an expert.

I was initially captivated by technology, diving into areas like Flutter, Cybersecurity, Machine Learning, and Data Science. Unfortunately, I found myself forgetting much of this information because I didn’t apply it in real-world scenarios. Therefore, I decided to focus on gaining practical experience in web development.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, prioritize one skill at a time. With consistent practice, you will gradually become proficient. Moreover, increased expertise in a specific area can lead to higher earning potential.

If web development intrigues you, commit at least a year to honing that skill.

Chapter 2: Start Small and Build

You don’t need to create the next big tech company like Facebook or Amazon. It's perfectly fine not to code all day.

Start with something simple, like a to-do list app, and you will gain a wealth of knowledge. Create a blog application, understand the CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations, and you’ll be well on your way.

Consider watching tutorials to speed up your learning. Then, challenge yourself to build projects from scratch, frequently using Google to troubleshoot issues, and you will significantly improve your skills.

My own projects have been crucial in securing job opportunities. When I’m looking to hire, I want to see the skills and projects a candidate has completed.

Chapter 3: Focus on Related Skills

Imagine you have two years of experience in web development and want to expand your skill set to increase your marketability. What’s your strategy?

Select a skill that complements your current expertise rather than starting from scratch. This approach allows you to develop both skills concurrently. For instance, a web developer could explore app development, cloud computing, or blockchain technology, as these areas are interconnected with web development.

In summary, the skills you acquire will remain relevant and beneficial as you progress in your career.

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