Hey Everyone!!!
My name is Atharva and I am a high school student who is passionate about programming, content writing and open-source. I am curious about the world of technology and how it can be used to make a difference in the world. I love learning new things and pushing myself to be the best that I can be. I am an avid learner, and I am always looking for new ways to improve my skills. I am constantly on the lookout for new challenges, whether it is learning a new programming language or taking on a new content writing project.
I am excited to share my journey with you through this blog, and I hope that you will join me on this journey as we explore the world of programming, content writing and open-source together. In this blog, I will be sharing what I learnt in 2022.
Let's Begin !!!
My Journey :
Looking back at the year 2022, I can’t help but reflect on all the things I’ve learned and accomplished as a high school student, patiently waiting to join a college, that has been diving into the world of programming and content writing.
Learning C/C++ :
Just like any other beginner, I started coding with C, followed by C++. My journey into the world of C and C++ programming was like a symphony, a beautiful and intricate composition of code, logic, and creativity. Each note was a new challenge, each melody a new lesson. And, as I played, I discovered that learning to code was not just about mastering the technical aspects, it was also about mastering my creativity.
Like many young artists before me, I was immediately enchanted by the possibilities that this language held. But, like any great journey, mine was not without its challenges and obstacles.
I had heard tales of a powerful wizard known as the “compiler” who could turn the simplest of spells into a maddening array of error messages. I had also heard stories of a powerful curse known as “debugging” that could leave even the most experienced programmers feeling lost and bewildered.
But, I was determined to master this language and unlock its full potential. I knew that the path to mastery would not be easy, but I was willing to put in the hard work and dedication that was required.
I found that the key to success was to learn in public, to share my code and my learnings with others and to ask for feedback and advice. It was like playing in an orchestra, listening to the other musicians and making adjustments. And, as I shared my code, I discovered that the community was like a conductor, always there to guide and support me. I was not afraid to show my mistakes and admit when I needed help. And, I quickly realized that this was the only way to truly master these languages.
I also discovered that practice makes perfect, so I spent countless hours working on projects, experimenting with different codes, and honing my skills. We know that the key to success was to practice, practice, practice. I spent countless hours working on projects, experimenting with different codes and debugging my programs. I knew that the more I practised, the better I would become. It was like a musician, practising the same piece over and over again until it becomes second nature. And, as I practised, I discovered the power of project-based learning, as I was able to apply what I had learned in a meaningful way, and I saw the impact that my code was having on the world around me.
But, just like in any symphony, there were moments when the clock was ticking and time was running out. As a student, I had to balance my studies with my coding and it was not an easy task, but I learned to manage my time effectively by breaking down my goals into smaller tasks and prioritizing my time.
Earlier, I used to find myself jumping from one YouTube tutorial to another, never really committing to one and completing it. I would start a tutorial and get bored or lose interest after a few minutes. This not only wasted my time but also made it difficult for me to retain the information and make progress in my learning journey. However, I realized that this approach was not effective and decided to change my approach. I started to stick to one tutorial and committed to completing it before moving on to the next. This helped me to stay focused and motivated, and I was able to retain the information better. It also helped me to build a solid foundation of knowledge and make progress in my learning journey. This small change in my approach made a big difference in my learning and I'm glad I took the time to reflect on my methods and make the necessary adjustments.
I also found that using documentation was a powerful tool for learning. After watching youtube tutorials, I found that diving deeper into the documentation helped me to understand the concepts better and to solidify my knowledge.
Using documentation is extremely helpful when learning a programming language. It provides detailed information about the language's syntax, functions, and libraries. It serves as a reference guide that you can consult as you write your code, and it can help you understand how to use the language's features effectively.
Additionally, documentation often includes examples of how to use the language, which can be especially helpful for beginners. By reading through and experimenting with the examples, you can learn how to apply the language's features in a practical setting. Documentation also includes information about common errors and how to troubleshoot them, which can save you a lot of time and frustration. It can also help you to understand best practices and conventions for writing clean and efficient code.
Furthermore, reading and understanding the documentation can also help you to understand the big picture of the language, and how it fits in the larger ecosystem of programming languages and its real-world applications. This can help you to become a more well-rounded programmer and to make more informed decisions about when and how to use the language.
Thus, I mastered the art of C and C++ programming. But, just like in any symphony, the performance never truly ends, and there is always room for improvement. And, as I continue on my journey, I am excited to explore new notes and new melodies. I know that there is still so much more to learn and so much more to discover, but I am ready to take on the challenge and keep playing the symphony of code. I have learned that learning to code is not just about mastering the technical aspects, it's also about mastering your creativity and learning to think outside the box.
I have learned that the key to success is to be open to new ideas and to be willing to learn from others. I discovered that the community was an essential part of my journey, and I am grateful for the support and guidance that I received along the way. And, as I continue on my journey, I am excited to explore new ideas and discover new ways of thinking. I am ready to take on the challenge and continue to play the symphony of code.
Diving into Open Source :
As I dove deeper into the world of programming, I found myself particularly drawn to the idea of open source. For those who may not be familiar, open source refers to a type of software whose source code is publicly available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute.
My journey into the world of open source was like a journey to a new land, a land full of possibilities, where collaboration was the currency and communities were the backbones. Each step was a new adventure, each interaction a new lesson. And, as I explored, I discovered that open source was not just about code, it was about people and the power of bringing them together.
One of the things that initially drew me to open source was the sense of community and collaboration that it promotes. In the world of programming, it can often feel like you’re working in a vacuum, but with open source, you have access to a whole community of people who are working towards the same goal. This sense of community was incredibly motivating and helped me push through the times when I felt stuck or frustrated.
I found that the key to success was to collaborate with others, to share my ideas and to learn from others. It was like a traveller, discovering new places and meeting new people. And, as I shared my ideas, I discovered that the open-source community was like a guide, always there to support me and to show me the way.
I also discovered the importance of communities, and how they can be a powerful force for good. I found that by joining a community, I was able to learn from others and gain new perspectives. It was like a traveller, finding a new home in a new land. And, as I joined communities, I discovered the power of non-code contributions, and how they can be just as important as code contributions.
I finished 2022 by joining the SheBuilds Hackathon. For preparation, I researched the different ways to contribute to Open Source without having much technical knowledge and found that "Documentation" plays a big role in any project. On the surface level, documentation appears to be insignificant compared to the code like an invitation compared to the main event. However, without an invitation, we cannot have access to the event let alone contribute to it
In conclusion, my journey of learning about open source and making non-code contributions has been a challenging but rewarding experience. I have explored the vast and exciting world of open-source, and I have made meaningful observations. And, as I continue on my journey, I am excited to explore new opportunities and to continue to make a difference in the open-source community. I know that there is still so much more to learn and so much more to discover, but I am ready to take on the challenge and continue to be an active member of the open-source community.
Content Writing :
It was around November that I decided to start my blog on Hashnode, to document my journey of understanding C++ and to share my thoughts and learnings with others. I had always been interested in writing, and I found that blogging was a great way to combine my passion for programming with my love of writing.
Blogging and writing are like a warm hug on a cold day, a sanctuary where I can be myself and share my thoughts and ideas with the world. It's a place where my words come to life, where my thoughts take shape and where my imagination runs wild. It's a place where I can express myself freely, without fear of judgment or criticism. It's a place where I can make a difference and a place where I can grow. Writing and blogging are not just a hobby, it's a passion, and it means the world to me. It's a way to let my creativity flow and express myself in a way that I never thought possible. It's a way to connect with others, learn and improve. It's a way to make a difference in the world, one word at a time.
I find that writing and blogging is a form of self-expression that is both therapeutic and empowering. It allows me to explore my feelings and thoughts, process my emotions and make sense of the world around me.
Additionally, blogging and writing have also been a way for me to connect with others, and to share my journey with others. It's a way to reach out to people who can relate to my experiences, learn from their perspectives, and build a community of like-minded individuals.
Furthermore, writing and blogging have also been a way for me to develop my skills as a writer. It's a way for me to learn about different writing styles, experiment with different formats and improve my grammar and vocabulary. It's a way to hone my craft and become a better writer.
Additionally, blogging has also been a way for me to learn about the latest trends, technologies and advancements in my field of interest, as well as to be part of a community of people who share the same interest. I had to learn about the Markdown Editor :
As I started writing my blog, I realized that one of the things that I enjoyed most about it was the sense of connection that it brought. Through my blog, I was able to connect with other programmers and developers who were also on a similar journey. This sense of connection was incredibly valuable and helped me to stay motivated and focused.
My journey into the world of blogging was like a journey into a new dimension, a world where words were the bricks and my thoughts were the mortar. Each post was a new chapter, each comment was a new lesson. And, as I wrote, I discovered that blogging was not just about sharing my journey, it was about connecting with others and learning from them.
I found that the key to success was to read multiple blogs and take note of important points. It was like a treasure hunt, searching for gems of wisdom in the vast ocean of content. And, as I read, I discovered that the blogging community was like a compass, always pointing me in the right direction.
I also found it important to appreciate other bloggers for their content, by commenting and leaving feedback on their blogs, it was a way to show that I was paying attention and to encourage them to keep blogging.
As I continue on my journey, I am excited to explore new ideas and connect with new people. I know that there is still so much more to learn and so much more to discover, but I am ready to take on the challenge and keep exploring the world of blogging.
Resources I Followed for Tech Blogging and Writing in General:
Conclusion :
Looking back on the year, I am proud of all that I have accomplished. I have a deeper understanding of C++, I have been able to collect info to contribute to open source projects even with limited coding knowledge but with my ability to come up with strings of letters perfectly arranged to make a difference to the project, and I have been able to share my journey with others through my blog.
Another important lesson that I have learned is the importance of perseverance. Programming can be incredibly challenging, and there were many times when I felt like giving up. But, I have learned that the key to success is to keep pushing through, even when things get tough. This is something that I have been able to apply to other areas of my life as well, and it has helped me to become a more resilient and determined person.
Lastly, I want to talk about the power of community and collaboration. As I mentioned earlier, one of the things that initially drew me to open source was the sense of community and collaboration that it promotes. This sense of community has been invaluable to me throughout the year. When I have been stuck on a problem, I have always been able to turn to the community for help. And, when I have been able to help others, it has been incredibly rewarding.
To summarise, the year 2022 has been a year of growth and learning for me as a high school student who is learning programming and content writing. I am excited for the new year and all the opportunities that it will bring, and I look forward to continuing my journey as a programmer, writer and open-source contributor.
Stay determined, stay focused and keep pushing forward !!!
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