Trying to learn front end
Posted by luckyseqqo@reddit | learnprogramming | View on Reddit | 16 comments
I've been trying to learn front-end development for a while now, but I don't understand much. I feel like I'm learning something, but I'm not quite where I want to be. Will this improve over time? Will I understand better as I do more? If you have any suggestions, please tell me, my confidence is dropping.
Aglet_Green@reddit
Yes, it improves over time, but it usually improves faster when you build small concrete things instead of just reading HTML/CSS tutorials.
Looking at your other posts, you seem much more interested in hardware, parts, peripherals, and how things connect together. So you might enjoy front-end more if you approach it from that angle instead of treating it as “make pretty websites.”
For example, learn enough HTML/CSS/JavaScript to make a simple dashboard for devices on your home network. Or make a page that shows fake router stats, PC temperatures, storage space, ping results, or a little “talking typewriter” interface where you press keys and the page responds. That still teaches frontend, but it connects to the stuff you already seem curious about.
You might also enjoy learning what happens underneath a web page: HTTP requests, DNS, IP addresses, local networks, routers, ports, APIs, and the browser’s Network tab. Frontend can feel abstract at first, but once you realize a website is just one machine asking another machine for files and data, it may click better.
So yes, keep learning HTML/CSS, but don’t force yourself to learn it only as graphic design. Use it as the control panel for the machines and systems you already like.
luckyseqqo@reddit (OP)
Thank you so much
Environmental_Gap_65@reddit
It really helps making progress when you have responsibilities. Often you can end up in a bit of a passive learning loop where you get introduced to new concepts but don’t practice them or at least not in any real project, and so you don’t actually make very much progress.
It’s difficult getting responsibilities as a newbie because you don’t have enough to show trust to clients, but what I would do in your situation is set deadlines for projects and build actual things not tutorials. Your own stuff. The cool thing about this as opposed to client projects is, if you screw something up, you’re fine.
luckyseqqo@reddit (OP)
Thanks i am in tutorial hell rn i think thats the main issue, i need to build something to improves i guess
swzer0@reddit
I's trying to start improving my front-end skills and found that I absolutely cannot start with the empty page. I found a github repo for a react frontend template and have just been playing around with it. So far its been helpful for understanding some of the more basic stuff without also having to worry about the setup part which is my nightmare. Plus, if there is already something on the page that works (courtesy of the template) I get more dopamine earlier on in the process that helps me motivate when I hit a blocker.
grantrules@reddit
Yes, the more you practice, the better you get. Same with learning anything on this planet.
ScientistPhysical782@reddit
you need a structural path. Check odin project and start it.
luckyseqqo@reddit (OP)
thank you
Strict_Culture9567@reddit
You could try some frontend web pages project tutorial on YouTube from the creator, SheriyanJS. He builds web pages using HTML,CSS, and JS, which is great for practicing. All the best for your journey.
aqua_regis@reddit
Will practicing anything improve your skills? What question is this even?
Did you instantly get writing, reading, math without ever struggling? Were you directly proficient or did you practice and through that improve?
luckyseqqo@reddit (OP)
true , thanks for reminding that
GrumpyOwl406@reddit
How much do you know? What are you learning currently? It's hard to tell with little context. Pogramming in general is hard, there's a lot to learn just to build something "basic", but once you get the hang of it, it becomes much easier, so don't get discouraged, consistency is key
Forsaken-File9993@reddit
the learning curve in frontend is pretty brutal at beginning, i remember feeling completely lost for months when i started. you're basically learning like 3-4 different languages at same time (html, css, javascript, maybe a framework) and they all work together in ways that aren't obvious
what helped me was building same simple project over and over but adding one new thing each time. like start with basic html page, then add some css styling, then maybe some javascript for button clicks. each iteration you understand little bit more how pieces fit together
don't worry about feeling behind or not getting it fast enough - frontend has so many moving parts and everyone learns at different pace. i still google basic css properties after few years of doing this professionally, nobody expects you to memorize everything
luckyseqqo@reddit (OP)
thank you so much this is what i needed i am encouraged now
luckyseqqo@reddit (OP)
i am currently learning html/css/ajvascript
parazoid77@reddit
It's quite difficult to know if your ever going to get better without having some sort of direction. Once you find that then you'll always look for a way to progress, and I believe the majority of the time there is a way.
There's two main ways that I personally use to measure my progress 1) how does my knowledge compare to the knowledge expected for roles that look interesting to me and 2) what do I like building in my free time, and how can I get better at building that thing.
I think if you do both of those things, then you wouldn't even bother asking your kind of question.