You’re about to embark on a journey of discovery and growth. Code is a powerful tool that spans multiple industries, and it’s quickly becoming essential knowledge. In the future, most people will likely have at least a basic understanding of coding. A good coding bootcamp isn’t just about learning syntax—it teaches you how to learn quickly and effectively. The tech world moves fast, and staying relevant as a developer means continuously adapting to new languages, frameworks, and design patterns.
Bootcamps can be intense, challenging, and even overwhelming. I know this firsthand—I graduated from a coding bootcamp in 2015. Looking back, there were some lessons I applied during the bootcamp, and others I only realized in retrospect. Here’s what I wish I had known then—updated for today’s tech landscape.
Daily reminders to keep you grounded
We tend to forget the situation we’re in, so remind yourself of these things daily. They will help reset your mindset when stress kicks in:
- This is supposed to be hard. Struggle is a sign that you’re pushing yourself. If you find everything easy, you might not be challenging yourself enough.
- The biggest lesson you’ll learn is how to learn. A bootcamp isn’t a university course—it’s an intense, fast-paced environment designed to load your mind with useful knowledge in a short time. You won’t master everything, and that’s okay.
- You reap what you sow. Full-time bootcamps are typically just three months long. That’s a short amount of time, so maximize your effort. Every day matters.
- Pick a focus, but don’t stress about it. During your bootcamp, you’ll encounter many languages and frameworks. Pick one that excites you and go deep. You’re not married to it forever, but having a strong foundation in one technology will help you in projects and job hunting.
Motivation and impostor syndrome: The silent struggles
One of the biggest challenges I faced wasn’t technical—it was staying motivated. Learning to code was fun at first, but I quickly realized that coding is just a tool. Without meaningful projects, it felt empty. If you struggle with motivation, try this:
- Find a purpose. Work on projects that excite you. Whether it’s a personal app, a game, or a tool that solves a problem you care about, having a mission can make all the difference.
- Accept impostor syndrome. Coming from a non-technical background, I constantly doubted myself. But here’s the secret: every developer feels this way at some point. The key is to keep pushing forward.
- Celebrate small wins. Progress in coding isn’t always obvious. Every bug you fix, every concept you grasp—it all adds up.
Tapping into the industry: Networking and community
Your bootcamp is just the first step toward a career change. To land a job, immerse yourself in the tech community.
- Meetups and hackathons. Attending meetups at major tech companies is an amazing way to network and learn from professionals.
- Find a mentor. Many experienced developers are open to helping newcomers. Reach out on LinkedIn or Twitter and ask if they’d be open to a coffee chat.
- Contribute to open source. Engaging in open-source projects on GitHub is a great way to gain real-world experience, build credibility, and stand out in interviews.
AI and the future of coding
The tech industry has evolved significantly in recent years, with AI becoming an integral part of the development process. As a developer in today’s world, you should learn how to harness AI rather than fear it.
- AI as a coding assistant. Tools like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT can help you write cleaner, more efficient code faster. Learn how to use them, but don’t rely on them blindly.
- AI for debugging and optimization. AI-powered tools can analyze your code for errors, suggest optimizations, and even generate test cases.
- Automating repetitive tasks. Writing boilerplate code, refactoring, and documentation generation can be streamlined with AI, allowing you to focus on problem-solving.
- AI is not replacing developers. AI can write code, but it lacks creativity, problem-solving intuition, and the ability to architect complex systems. Instead of fearing AI, use it as an augmentation tool to improve your workflow. AI still needs someone who understands code to drive it. That’s you.
Continuing your education beyond the bootcamp
Three months isn’t enough to make you an expert, but it’s enough to get the ball rolling. Keep your momentum going:
- Learn computer science fundamentals. Bootcamps focus on practical skills, but understanding data structures, algorithms, and computer architecture will make you a stronger developer. Check out Open Source Society University for free CS courses.
- Stay up to date. Follow industry news via Hacker News, dev blogs, and tech Twitter.
- Build and keep building. The best way to improve is to keep creating. Make projects, break things, and learn from your mistakes.
Staying healthy: Mind and body
To perform at your best, take care of yourself. This is especially crucial in an intensive learning environment.
- Prioritize sleep. Sleep is essential for memory and learning.
- Eat well and stay hydrated. Drink water first thing in the morning and throughout the day.
- Take breaks in nature. Spending time outside, walking, or even touching grass can significantly boost mental clarity.
Final thoughts
Learning to code isn’t just about writing software—it’s about problem-solving, creativity, and continuous growth. The industry is evolving rapidly, and AI is reshaping the way we code. If you embrace a lifelong learning mindset, stay engaged with the tech community, and focus on meaningful projects, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.
I hope this helps you on your path to becoming a software developer and inspires you to contribute to the global coding community.
About the author
Emre Surmeli is a software developer, blockchain technology consultant, and educator. After completing a full-stack JavaScript bootcamp in Seattle in 2015, he became passionate about accelerated learning programs—both as a student and an instructor. He has worked at tech startups developing video and real estate technologies while maintaining a strong connection to education. In 2016, when no one could quite explain what a blockchain was to their parents, he developed a blockchain workshop for 老虎机游戏 Assembly.
Since transitioning to full-time education in 2021, Emre has worked on Polkadot, a Web 3.0 technology known for its unique architecture and scalability. In 2023, he joined 老虎机游戏 Assembly full-time to teach in-person bootcamps in NYC, where he continues to refine learning experiences and continue to develop landscape of technology education.