Why write about what and how you are learning to code? I think writing is a powerful way to start accessing and getting comfortable with your developer story. This skill is invaluable in job interviews and in your career in general.
Starting to write can feel like a daunting task! So I've made this loose template to help you. Why "loose"? Well, you don't have to adhere to this template strongly, or even use it at all. It is simply a tool. Feel free to write however comes most naturally to you. The only guideline I will give is to ensure you are communicating clearly.
Possible Topics to Write About
1. Discovered or learned something new (to you) in coding
Writing Prompts
- What did you discover or learn? Is there a URL, audio, video, etc?
- How did you find the resources you used?
- What did you learn? Did this knowledge help you in specific ways? How?
- What more are you looking forward to learning?
2. Resolved a bug or error
Writing Prompts
- What were you coding that produced the bug/error?
- Have you seen this bug/error before?
- How did you feel when you encountered the bug/error?
- What was the first step you took to try solving the bug/error? Where did you look and why?
- What other things (if any) did you attempt to solve the bug/error?
- How did you finally solve the bug/error?
- What did you learn from the process?
3. Encountered a bug or error that is proving difficult to solve
Writing Prompts
- What were you coding that produced the bug/error?
- Have you seen this bug/error before?
- How did you feel when you encountered the bug/error?
- What was the first step you took to try solving the bug/error? Where did you look and why?
- How do you feel about your ability to eventually solve this bug? (if you later solve the bug, update your piece about it)
4. Completed a coding feature or project
Writing Prompts
- How do you feel about this accomplishment?
- Why were you building this feature or project?
- What difficulties or obstacles did you encounter? How did you resolve them?
- What specific syntax, code patterns/techniques or skills did you learn through this project?
5. Had a coding-related experience that challenged, inspired or encouraged you
Writing Prompts
- Summarize the experience
- How did you feel about the experience? What did you learn? What did you discover about yourself? About others?
- How will you use what you gained in your career?
To include a code snippet in your piece, use the </> icon in the Editor toolbar. To add syntax-highlighting, add the language after the first set of 3 ticks (eg ```javascript):
const btn = document.getElementById('submit-btn');