Stop Doing Tutorials. Here's The Best Way To Learn Programming.

When I first started learning to code, I did what most people do—I followed tutorials. They seemed like the perfect way to learn, offering clear steps and a finished project at the end. But after a while, I noticed something was off. I could follow along with the tutorials just fine, but when I tried to build something on my own, I felt stuck. Does that sound familiar?

If you’re serious about getting good at coding, it’s time to take a different approach. Here’s how you can really learn to code without relying on tutorials.

1. Build Your Own Projects

Tutorials are great for getting started, but they often give you a false sense of accomplishment. You might finish a project, but how much did you really learn? Could you build something similar without the step-by-step guide?

Instead of just following along, start building your own projects. They don’t have to be big—think of a personal blog, a to-do list app, or even a simple calculator. When you build from scratch, you’re forced to solve problems and figure things out on your own. That’s where real learning happens.

2. Read the Documentation

Documentation might seem boring or confusing at first, but it’s one of the best tools for learning. Instead of searching for a tutorial every time you get stuck, try looking at the official documentation for the language or tool you’re using.

Whether it’s JavaScript, Python, or a framework like React, the docs can help you understand how things really work. It’s not just about copying code—it’s about knowing why the code works the way it does.

3. Play Around with Your Code

One of the best ways to learn is by experimenting. When you’re coding, don’t be afraid to try new things, even if you’re not sure they’ll work. Change up your code, try different methods, and see what happens.

For example, if you’re learning about loops in Python, try writing the same loop in a few different ways. What happens if you change a line or two? By experimenting, you’ll get a deeper understanding of how things work.

4. Learn by Debugging

Debugging is more than just fixing errors—it’s a powerful way to learn. When your code isn’t working, take the time to figure out why. Use debugging tools in your editor, check your variables, and step through your code.

As you debug, you’ll learn a lot about how your code runs and why certain things happen. It might be frustrating at first, but it’s worth it. The more you debug, the better you’ll get at understanding how to write clean, working code.

5. Join a Community

Coding can be tough, and it’s easy to feel like you’re on your own. But you don’t have to do it all by yourself. Join online communities where you can share your work, ask questions, and learn from others.

Whether it’s GitHub, Stack Overflow, or Twitter’s #100DaysOfCode, being part of a community can give you the support and motivation you need. Plus, explaining your code to someone else is a great way to make sure you really understand it.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Fail

Learning to code is hard, and you’re going to mess up. But that’s okay! Every mistake is a chance to learn something new. When you run into problems, don’t see them as failures—see them as opportunities to get better.

Remember, every experienced coder has made a ton of mistakes. The difference is, they learned from them. So, embrace the challenges and keep pushing forward.

7. Work on Real Projects

The real test of your coding skills is using them on real projects. Whether it’s a freelance job, contributing to an open-source project, or building something for yourself, real-world experience is where you really learn.

Working on actual projects will teach you things that tutorials never will—like how to manage a big codebase, optimize performance, and handle unexpected issues. Plus, you’ll have a portfolio of work to show off your skills.

Conclusion

Tutorials are a great starting point, but if you want to become a true programmer, you need to go beyond them. Focus on building, experimenting, and solving real problems. It’s not always easy, but it’s the best way to really learn.

So, stop doing tutorials. Start learning programming by doing, experimenting, and embracing the ups and downs of the journey.