My Biggest Mistake as a New Coder (Nobody Warned Me)
21 Oct 2025 #coding“Focus on one thing,” a coworker used to tell me. But I didn’t listen.
I was in my first job about 10 years ago. I was learning C#, catching up with PHP, and reading about Python. I remember going through Hangfire documentation without knowing how I’d use it.
Like most new coders, I suffered from shiny object syndrome.
I was focused only on mastering syntax
At that time, for me coding was only about syntax, symbols, and languages.
One day, my boss called me to his office and I arrived late because I was “coding.” He lectured me that day. And I deserved it. Looking back, I’m surprised I didn’t get into more trouble.
And to make things worse, I picked Clean Code. By the time I finished it, I had become a Clean Code cop. I started to look for violations around me. Every piece of code had to follow the book.
Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!
The hard lesson: Coding isn’t only about syntax
Yes, coding is about syntax. But it’s more than just typing symbols.
Most coding happens away from a keyboard: in meetings, brainstorming sessions, and on whiteboards. You’ll spend a lot of time talking to non-tech people, negotiating deadlines, and managing change.
Junior me didn’t know that. And by trial and error, I had to learn the lesson. Getting fired was part of it.
Learning more languages will grow your toolbox, but it won’t necessarily make you a well-rounded coder. Work on your collaboration, clear communication, and writing skills too.
I wish someone had told me that when I started out. And that’s why I wrote Street-Smart Coding: 30 Ways to Get Better at Coding. Because coding is more than typing symbols fast.