Think about feeling unsure if you could ever learn to code. That’s how Danny Huang felt. Bugs and problems made him quit, thinking coding wasn’t for him. But in 2016, he decided to change that. Now, he’s proof that the #100DaysOfCode Challenge can turn doubts into success. In this story, we’ll explore Danny’s journey, the tough times, the victories, and the path that led him to success.
The Journey to Learn
Danny’s coding story started in college. Coding seemed too hard, and he believed he wasn’t smart enough. Even passing CS101 didn’t make him feel like he knew how to code. In 2016, trying Ruby on Rails ended in frustration. But regrets pushed him to try the #100DaysOfCode Challenge. This time, he promised not to quit, no matter what. It was a promise to get better and beat self-doubt.
Simple Goals, Big Achievements
Danny’s plan was simple: code for at least one hour every day. In this simplicity, he found the key to change. During the challenge, he did amazing things. He got his freeCodeCamp front-end certificate, wrote 34 blog posts, gained GitHub stars, ranked in Codewars, and even got two job offers.
Coding Timeline
Danny’s journey unfolded in different coding phases. From learning through tutorials to finishing the freeCodeCamp front-end certificate and building React projects – each step showed progress. He worked with technologies like HTML, CSS, ES5, ES6, SCSS, Gulp, React, Vue, and D3, proving how much he learned.
Daily Coding Routine
Danny’s success didn’t come from long coding sessions. Instead, he coded for 2 to 4 hours daily, focusing on quality over quantity. Besides coding, he watched YouTube, read Medium, and listened to podcasts about coding. Keeping a log helped him track progress and celebrate achievements.
Hacks for Success
Danny shares some essential tips that helped him:
1. Focus on one thing
Master front-end development instead of juggling front-end and back-end. Danny realized that focusing on one area, like perfecting user interfaces, made his learning journey more manageable. It’s better to excel in one thing than to spread thin and struggle with both. This approach allowed Danny to build a strong foundation before tackling back-end complexities, setting him up for success.
2. Make your projects look good
Spend extra time in GitHub readme files for a striking visual impact. Danny’s sleek presentations with user stories, video walkthroughs, and demo links grabbed attention, making his projects easily understandable. This sharp presentation not only showcased quality but also invited feedback, boosting project recognition in the coding community. The lesson is that a well-crafted presentation can elevate your projects and invite valuable input.
3. Share your projects on social media
Share projects on Facebook for feedback and exposure. Danny shared his work on local front-end Facebook groups, gaining recognition at coding meetups. This strategy expands your project reach and connects you with valuable feedback in coding circles. Social media is a potent resource to showcase your work and propel your coding journey forward.
4. Stand out with your resume
Danny, create a visually appealing resume that stands out. His unique design caught his attention, setting him apart from others. Your resume is your first impression—make it visually striking and distinctive to leave a lasting impact on potential employers.
5. Code Daily
Develop momentum and ease the coding journey by coding every day. Danny’s success is rooted in this simple habit. Make coding a daily ritual to eliminate hurdles and integrate it seamlessly into your routine. The takeaway is that daily coding strengthens your skills and transforms it from a challenge to a manageable endeavor.
6. Market Yourself
Danny excelled at showcasing his skills by actively participating in local meetups, consistently engaging on social media platforms, and proactively sharing his projects on coding forums and groups. This multifaceted approach to self-promotion not only expanded his exposure but also positioned him as a respected and visible figure within the coding community.
By becoming an active participant in discussions, sharing expertise, and fostering connections, Danny strategically marketed himself, creating valuable opportunities for feedback, collaboration, and recognition within the coding landscape.
The lesson here is clear: actively market yourself by being present, engaged, and proactive in various coding spaces to amplify your impact and visibility.
7. Don’t Quit
Danny’s unwavering commitment to daily coding, sharing work, and a unique resume paid off—earning GitHub followers, stars, and job offers.
The #100DaysOfCode Challenge not only honed his skills but also served as a reminder not to quit. Amid challenges, Danny experienced a pivotal “aha” moment—a turning point where coding complexities aligned, making it more manageable.
This clarity was the reward for consistent effort, turning coding from a struggle into a fluid process.
Beyond his achievements, this revelation empowered Danny. His journey emphasizes perseverance. With dedication and proactive sharing, you not only become a skilled coder but also discover transformative moments.
This shift turns coding from a challenge into an enjoyable endeavor, propelling growth and success in the coding landscape. Key takeaway: don’t quit—persevere through challenges, and you might discover your own transformative moment in the coding journey.
In wrapping up Danny Huang’s coding adventure, the article serves as a call to action for aspiring developers. Danny’s journey is a message of hope for those who doubt their coding skills. Keep it simple, code daily, market yourself , and don’t quit – these lessons from Danny’s story can be your guide. As you start your coding journey, remember that with effort and the right mindset, you can overcome challenges, just like Danny did in his amazing #100DaysOfCode Challenge.