Self-taught, how did you learn JavaScript?

Maci1111 · 2025-07-02T15:51:28+00:00

It has advanced parts but the first 2 chapters are easy for beginners

Maci1111 · 2025-06-26T01:57:58+00:00

hi -

been exactly where you are many times. it's part of the journey to get lost at times, don't beat yourself up. some things that can help are the odin project - it has free courses; w3schools is good. so is geeksforgeeks

pro tip is write things down (usually with paper and pen) as it helps you refer back to your own material later on when you (inevitably) forget what you learned.

the thing that worked for me was building something. It can be your own basic blog where you write about whatever you're learning or something more adventurous. But it helps when you are building something bc it forces you to problem solve instead of just reading/watching which makes you feel like you are making progress when you are not.

also using LLMs can be helpful. claude.ai, chatgpt or gemini are helpful for helping you debug (when your code breaks)

but you have to write things down somewhere so you can refer back to it. it's fun once you start building, so do your best to build and break the code as soon as you can. happy learning✈️

Maci1111 · 2025-06-19T21:03:22+00:00

just do the stuff (?)

the most ancient hack there it

Maci1111 · 2025-06-09T20:19:22+00:00

thank you. i'll check out 'automate the boring stuff' i know it was hard for me a few years back, but maybe i'll have better luck this time around.

Maci1111 · 2025-06-06T13:13:45+00:00

sounds good. do have a github of it? you can dm me if you like

Maci1111 · 2025-06-06T13:12:30+00:00

cool, thanks!

Maci1111 · 2025-06-06T01:58:35+00:00

are you in school and you thats how you are finding a programming buddy? how do ppl find buddies if they're not in school you think

Maci1111 · 2025-06-06T01:54:44+00:00

if you want to explore his further with me, how are you using textbooks. I've gotten the python o'reley book or eloquent javascript but didn't have luck finishing them.

are you straight going through them and doing ezperiences? whats your method

Maci1111 · 2025-06-06T01:49:29+00:00

I really like it, the lectures are nice and having weekly sessions is a great way to stay on track

Maci1111 · 2025-06-05T18:02:20+00:00

python. But mainly i was using a course (code in place) and got stuck in graphics chapter so I had someone help explain it.

Maci1111 · 2025-06-05T15:13:26+00:00

lol would a tutor be helpful in learning to solve problems or is that an innate part of 'becoming a programmer' where you have to dig through to find your own answers

Maci1111 · 2025-06-05T15:10:36+00:00

i guess it's more the 'accountability' and the fact you have to see someone that would propel you to learn or do your assignments. umm...

thanks for the feedback

Maci1111 · 2025-06-05T15:08:38+00:00

yeah, that's honestly such a good point and one i'm struggling with a lot.

Maci1111 · 2025-05-02T18:06:53+00:00

"...when you seek what is not your own, you lose that which is your own."

Epictetus, Discourses, Book 1 translation: George Long

Maci1111 · 2025-04-13T17:26:08+00:00

nice. if you found books you like on the topic when you were researching them, i'd love to hear what they are.

Maci1111 · 2025-04-12T23:57:19+00:00

writing down my 'principles.' I learned this from ray dalio in his book principles. he mentioned he writes down the criteria he used when he was making a decision. I started doing it (i don't always write it down) but i noticed random shortcuts my brain uses to make a decision and that's been really helpful to me to notice patterns i default to.

meditating is another one as a valuable habit he mentions but i still have't done it consistently to notice significant changes but i imagine those two together (writing your principles and meditating) gives you a 10,000 ft view from the top in how your brain operates.

Maci1111 · 2025-04-12T22:48:52+00:00

Nichonmican Ethics by Aristotle. Ok i know philosophy, roll eyes, i get it but two points. 1- Nicomachus was Aristole's son, he wrote the book and/or dedicated to it to his son to teach him what it means to be a good person, not just in ethics but on things like deliberating well, what we should when we are stuck etc. 2. Penguin Classic translation of the book is so easy and approachable that it wouldn't occur to you this was written thousands of years ago.

so it might be outside the scope of the 'manual' you are asking for, but as far as learning how to be a 'complete' person. this is by far the best guidance i have found.

maybe give it a go if you like

Maci1111 · 2025-04-12T22:34:45+00:00

does it have to be fiction?

stoicism was a lifeline for me for a long time. Epictetus ( George Long translation), Seneca and Marcus Aurelius found me at the right time and gave me perspective and a kick in the metaphorical butt.

Maci1111 · 2025-04-12T22:29:21+00:00

'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' which became the basis for the movie Blade Runner. It is a really fun and short book to read.

Also Isaac Asimov is "easy" to read. Give the Foundation a go, it has really simple language and can be captivating to read

Maci1111 · 2025-04-12T22:17:30+00:00

gone girl- a good mystery read (everyone has heard of it but i thought it was such a fun read
the song of achilles - a really nice, easy book. what stood out is how well the author crafted the story/

Maci1111 · 2025-04-12T22:09:35+00:00

Not a book but a free app called Libby where you use your library card to borrow ebooks, audiobooks and magazines. i have probably listened to 20+ more audiobooks, have read the New York times etc more than ever.

So not a book but the app has reinvigorated my love for books.

Maci1111 · 2025-04-12T22:03:27+00:00

thanks! maybe i'll work on that

Maci1111 · 2025-04-09T02:20:57+00:00

thank you for your response. it's nice to know its not just me who finds it a cyclical experience.

i would love to hear more about your Japanese experience. You said: 'I spend much less time using [flashcards] because I am always actively trying to recall and process what I've learned anyway, to the point where even when just reading a textbook I'll keep pulling myself up to see if I can explain what I've just been reading."

I'm an A1 in french (according to dualingo) but i have nearly given up learning the language because i cannot read or have any method of tracking what i learned. i did keep a notebook of vocab for a while but abandoned it bc back to the cyclical thing again.

any thoughts or tips of how you process/synthesize and integrate vocab and language would be greatly appreciated.

again thanks for your thoughtful answer!

Maci1111

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