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Putting what you learn into practise

Posted on June 23rd, 2008.

I’ve been learning how to program on and off for about 3 to 4 years now. I’ve never taken it too seriously, but I’ve tried to follow a few books, and tutorials. However, I’ve never become proficient at any language I’ve tried to learn.

I’m currently doing a little bit of freelancing, and am designing a plugin for Wordpress in PHP. I’m really enjoying building it, and for the first time I’m using what I’ve learnt (programming-wise) over the years. I’m actually putting what I’ve learnt into practise.

Not only that however, I’m also learning new things by the bucket load. When I face a problem when working on the plugin, I first sort out what the actual problem is, and then I get onto the internet or pick up one of my many programming books, and try to find a solution. I then solve the problem and continue to write the plugin. I’ve probably learnt the most in the last few days than I’ve learnt in a year! I suppose there’s no better time to call it learning by doing.

I remember reading that it can take someone a lifetime to master any skill. Now I don’t want to be a master programmer, but I’d like to be good, and I think that I’ve come a step much closer to achieving that goal.

For anyone looking to learn how to program, I believe it’s best to just get stuck in. I know books tell you to type in code sample after sample, but that gets boring and is no real substitute for proper experience. Do a bit of book learning, and then get working on an application of some sort. Then when you come across problems, read, learn and solve those problems.

I’ve always had a fear of being smart, but not actually being useful. Being smart is fantastic, but it’s those who put their knowledge to good use, who are the real successful people. So, I’m probably going to go and throw myself into a few more projects. The more experience you get the better, and the more you’ll learn.

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