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The freeCodeCamp Podcast

#164 How to become a self-taught developer while supporting a family

Mar 14, 2025
Jesse Hall, a software engineer and developer advocate at MongoDB, shares his inspiring journey from fixing computers at Geek Squad to creating popular YouTube tutorials. He discusses the challenges of balancing coding with family life, the importance of self-education, and navigating the rapidly changing tech landscape. Jesse also reflects on his early interest in Web3 and the unexpected pitfalls of becoming an 'NFT tutorial guy.' Tune in for engaging insights on mentoring self-taught developers and the ethical responsibilities in tech education.
01:22:59

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Quick takeaways

  • Dedication and consistency in learning, even with just an hour a day, are essential for mastering coding skills.
  • Jesse Hall's journey illustrates that practical experience in technology often outweighs formal education when pursuing a software development career.

Deep dives

The Importance of Consistency in Learning

Dedication and consistency are crucial for mastering coding. Setting aside even an hour daily to learn can significantly contribute to developing programming skills. Resources like Free Code Camp and YouTube provide ample materials for self-education. Continuous learning ensures you keep up with evolving technologies and methodologies in the software development industry.

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