25 Tips for New Developers: Advice from a (Mostly) Self-Taught Software Engineer

Stay on Track!

You may be tempted to completely pivot topics, especially if your current one gets difficult. But, only pivot as an absolute last resort. There are usually peaks and valleys in learning, and you need to get through the difficult parts to really learn something.
It's also important to not get shiny object syndrome where you see a new tool come out or see someone discussing a technology and you decide to abandon everything and go in that direction. Stay steady in what you're learning, depth of knowledge in an area is much better than being able to write "hello world" in 20 languages.

Build a Habit

I feel like I bring up Atomic Habits in half of my blog posts, but it's just that good! There are groups like #100DaysOfCode that can help you build up the programming habit, or you could use a habit tracker like Done.

Don't Just Use Tutorials

I have written about this extensively in the past, but make sure to actually build things yourself. Problem solving is the most important skill to build as a programmer.
When I teach classes, I follow the format "I do, we do, you do" in which I conceptually explain something, then we do a code along where I write code on a projector and everyone follows along on their computers, finally the students do an exercise on the same topic. You could re-create this process independently by watching or reading a tutorial, following along with the code pieces, and then challenging yourself to build an app or feature with what you've learned. Then test yourself again in another context!
There are studies that lectures and reading alone are not good for making learning stick. Tutorials follow the same model. Make sure to test yourself by building applications, taking notes, and quizzing yourself on concepts.
As with learning a new spoken language or an instrument, practicing is key. When you start learning a new topic, the neural pattern for it is weak. When you have it down cold, that neural pattern will be more permanent. Practicing a bunch is the best thing you can do. Reading about riding a bike will help to a certain extent, but at some point you just have to ride it to get better. Write code as much as possible, and challenge yourself to solve difficult patterns.