The most difficult things about learning to code by yourself — and how to tackle them

Learning to code is an increasingly popular pursuit, with millions of people worldwide teaching themselves programming through online courses, tutorials, and bootcamps. In fact, Research shows that a whopping 69.7% of professional developers are at least partially self-taught.

But while it‘s never been easier to access coding education, that doesn‘t mean the self-taught path is easy. Learning to code on your own presents a unique set of challenges that can frustrate and discourage even the most dedicated learners.

As an experienced full-stack developer who transitioned from a different field, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate the world of programming without formal guidance. In this article, I‘ll share some of the toughest obstacles you‘re likely to encounter as a self-taught coder and practical strategies to overcome them.

Challenge #1: Figuring out what to learn

One of the first and most daunting challenges of learning to code independently is figuring out where to start. With so many programming languages, frameworks, and tools to choose from, it‘s easy to feel paralyzed by choice.

Should you start with front-end or back-end development? Are you better off learning JavaScript or Python? What about trendy frameworks like React and Angular? The sheer number of options can be overwhelming for beginners.

While there‘s no one "right" path, I generally recommend starting with the fundamentals of programming and web development before diving into more specialized areas. Having a solid grasp of HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript will serve you well no matter what direction you ultimately go in.

It‘s also a good idea to do some research into the most in-demand skills in your area and the types of jobs you‘re interested in. Look at job postings for junior developer roles and make note of the languages and technologies they mention most often. While you don‘t need to learn everything right away, this can give you a sense of what skills to prioritize.

Finally, don‘t be afraid to experiment and try out different languages and tools to see what clicks for you. You may find that you have a knack for front-end development or that you really enjoy working with a particular framework. The key is to stay curious and open-minded as you explore the vast world of programming.

Challenge #2: Staying motivated without external accountability

Another major challenge of self-directed learning is staying motivated and consistent without the structure and accountability of a formal program. When you‘re teaching yourself to code, it‘s entirely up to you to show up day after day and put in the work—even when you‘d rather be doing anything else.

This is where having a clear goal and roadmap becomes crucial. Whether you‘re aiming to build a specific project, land a job as a developer, or just learn a new skill, having a concrete target to work towards can help you stay focused and motivated.

I recommend breaking your goal down into smaller, achievable milestones and tracking your progress along the way. Celebrate each victory, no matter how small, and use them as fuel to keep going when your motivation starts to flag.

It‘s also important to be realistic about the time and effort required to learn to code. Expect to spend hundreds or even thousands of hours practicing your skills before you feel truly proficient. Embracing a growth mindset and viewing challenges as opportunities to learn can help you stay positive and persistent when the going gets tough.

Finally, surrounding yourself with a supportive community can make a huge difference in your motivation and morale. Join online forums, attend local meetups (when it‘s safe to do so), and connect with other developers on social media. Knowing that you‘re not alone in your struggles and having people to celebrate your successes with can be powerfully motivating.

Challenge #3: Learning tricky concepts without an instructor

Programming is full of abstract concepts and complex topics that can be difficult to wrap your head around, especially without an experienced teacher to explain them. From data structures and algorithms to asynchronous programming and object-oriented design, there‘s no shortage of concepts that can leave self-taught coders scratching their heads.

When you encounter a tricky concept, it‘s important to break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Look for clear, concise explanations from multiple sources and try to understand each component before moving on to the next. Don‘t be afraid to spend extra time on foundational topics like loops, functions, and data types—a solid grasp of these building blocks will make more advanced concepts much easier to tackle.

It‘s also crucial to learn by doing as much as possible. Reading about a concept is one thing, but actually implementing it in code is the best way to solidify your understanding. Challenge yourself to build small projects or work through coding exercises that force you to apply what you‘re learning.

If you‘re truly stuck on a concept, don‘t hesitate to reach out for help. Post a question on Stack Overflow, ask for an explanation in a developer forum, or even consider investing in a short-term mentorship or tutoring session. Sometimes all it takes is having someone else explain an idea in a different way for it to finally click.

Challenge #4: Dealing with imposter syndrome

Imposter syndrome—the feeling that you‘re not good enough or that you don‘t belong in the tech industry—is incredibly common among developers of all skill levels. But it can be especially potent for self-taught programmers who don‘t have the validation of a degree or formal training.

It‘s important to remember that your skills and worth as a developer are not determined by your educational background. Some of the most successful and respected programmers in the world are self-taught, and many employers are more interested in your ability to solve problems and learn quickly than in your formal credentials.

One way to combat imposter syndrome is to focus on your own progress and growth rather than comparing yourself to others. Keep a record of the projects you‘ve built, the concepts you‘ve mastered, and the skills you‘ve acquired. When you‘re feeling inadequate, look back at how far you‘ve come and remember that everyone starts somewhere.

Another strategy is to reframe your inexperience as an asset rather than a liability. As a self-taught developer, you‘ve likely had to be resourceful, persistent, and adaptable to get where you are—all valuable qualities in the tech industry. Embrace your unique background and perspective, and use it to your advantage.

Challenge #5: Preparing for technical interviews

For many self-taught developers, the ultimate goal is to land a job in the tech industry. But the interview process for programming roles can be daunting, especially for those without a traditional computer science background.

To set yourself up for success, start preparing for interviews well before you start applying for jobs. Work through common coding challenges and algorithm questions on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. Practice talking through your thought process out loud and explaining your solutions in plain language.

In addition to technical skills, interviewers will also be evaluating your problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and overall fit for the role and company. Be prepared to discuss your projects and experiences in depth, and have specific examples ready to illustrate your strengths and achievements.

Remember that interviews are a two-way street, and it‘s important to ask questions and gather information to determine if the role and company are a good fit for you as well. Don‘t be afraid to inquire about the team‘s culture, development practices, and opportunities for growth and mentorship.

Finally, try to reframe interviews as learning experiences rather than high-stakes tests. Each one is an opportunity to practice your skills, gain insight into the industry, and refine your interviewing technique. Even if you don‘t get an offer, you‘ll walk away better prepared for the next one.

The road ahead

Learning to code independently is a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey. By being proactive, persistent, and strategic in your approach, you can overcome the common obstacles and build a successful career as a self-taught developer.

Remember that becoming a programmer is a lifelong process, and there will always be new languages, tools, and concepts to learn. Embrace the discomfort of being a beginner, celebrate your progress, and never stop growing.

With hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes, you‘ll be amazed at how far you can go—no formal education required.