Learning to code is one of the most rewarding skills you can develop today. Whether you want to build your dream app, become a software developer, or just understand how the tech world works—coding opens up endless opportunities.
But like any new skill, there are common mistakes that can slow down or completely derail your learning journey.
As a developer, YouTuber, and someone who has mentored thousands through videos and projects, I’ve seen beginners struggle with the same issues over and over again and I was one of you I had face same issues when I started learning that is why I know exactly what are the things you should avoid which will help you to learn fast. So, in this blog, I’ll break down the Top 5 Mistakes Beginners Make While Learning to Code—and how you can avoid them.
Topics We’ll Cover in This Blog
- 1. Jumping Into Frameworks Without Learning the Basics
- 2. Only Watching Tutorials Without Building Projects
- 3. Ignoring Problem-Solving and Logic Building
- 4. Not Being Consistent With Practice
- 5. Comparing Yourself to Others
- Final Thoughts from Developer Shaurya
- Share Your Journey!
- Stay Updated
- Recommended Resources
- Thanks for Reading!
1. Jumping Into Frameworks Without Learning the Basics
The Mistake:
Many beginners rush into learning flashy tools like React, Django, or Flutter without a solid understanding of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or Python fundamentals. If your fundamentals are strong you can easily learn or switch to any other language you want.
Why It’s a Problem:
Frameworks change, but core concepts remain the same. Without a strong foundation, you’ll constantly feel lost, copy-pasting code without truly understanding what’s going on.
How to Avoid It:
- Master the basics first: variables, loops, functions, data structures. Spend more time on learning the core concepts of programming.
- Build small vanilla projects (e.g., a to-do list app in plain JavaScript or Python). These projects give a core idea of building something from whatever you have learn so far.
- Use frameworks after you’re comfortable with the core language.
2. Only Watching Tutorials Without Building Projects
The Mistake:
Endless tutorial-watching feels productive, but if you’re not writing code yourself, you’re not truly learning.
Why It’s a Problem:
Tutorials give you a false sense of progress. You’ll struggle to solve real-world problems because you’re not practicing problem-solving. When you start coding you will face lots of issues, bugs which you can only solve by writing the code.
How to Avoid It:
- Follow the 80/20 rule: 80% coding, 20% tutorials.
- Build your own projects, no matter how small. Build something which you need in your daily life build to solve your problem first. When I started coding that time I do not have abundant of data so I had to download the Youtube videos in order to watch it. The problem was other websites do not provide HD(1080p) video quality so i built my own using python.
- Try building without looking—then check the tutorial if you’re stuck. While learning how to build a project don’t take help either from ai or tutorial try to solve it by yourself by looking at the problem. If you struggle too much then only go for tutorials or AI help.
3. Ignoring Problem-Solving and Logic Building
The Mistake:
Beginners often avoid platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or basic algorithm practice because it feels hard or boring.
Why It’s a Problem:
Coding isn’t just about writing code—it’s about solving problems. Logical thinking is the core of programming.
How to Avoid It:
- Spend at least 30 minutes a day solving basic problems.
- Start with easy-level problems, gradually level up.
- Don’t just memorize syntax—understand the “why.”
4. Not Being Consistent With Practice
The Mistake:
Taking long breaks between coding sessions breaks your momentum. Coding is like learning a language—consistency matters more than long sessions.
Why It’s a Problem:
Irregular practice leads to forgetting concepts, losing confidence, and giving up altogether.
How to Avoid It:
- Code daily for 30–60 minutes, even if it’s a small task.
- Use habit trackers or planners (I’ll be launching one soon on the blog ).
- Join coding challenges or accountability groups.
5. Comparing Yourself to Others
The Mistake:
It’s easy to look at others building full-stack apps, getting jobs at Google, or creating viral GitHub repos and feel discouraged.
Why It’s a Problem:
Comparison kills motivation. Everyone has a different starting point and pace.
How to Avoid It:
- Focus on your journey, not others’.
- Track your own progress (e.g., “I built my first website this month!”).
- Celebrate small wins, and stay inspired—not intimidated.
Final Thoughts from Developer Shaurya
I’ve been exactly where you are. Confused. Overwhelmed. Unsure if I was “good enough” to be a developer.
But the truth is: consistency, curiosity, and patience will take you farther than talent alone.
Start small. Stay curious. Keep building.
Your journey to becoming a confident developer starts today.
Share Your Journey!
Are you a beginner coder? What mistake have you made or avoided?
Share your experience in the comments — I reply to every one!
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Recommended Resources
Thanks for Reading!
If you found this blog helpful, share it with your fellow coders, and don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel where I simplify tech, share tutorials, and help you grow as a developer.
Read my other blogs
- Top 5 Mistakes Beginners Make While Learning to Code (And How to Avoid Them)
- Best Programming Languages to Learn in 2025 (and Why)
- Before You Learn Web Development: The Advice No One Gave Me
- How to Start Coding in 2025: Beginner’s Roadmap
- Why Coding is Important: The Language of the Future
- Are Coding and Programming the Same? – The Complete Truth You Need to Know
- Will Coding Be Replaced by AI?
- C++ Programming: Everything You Need to Know
- Why HTML is Called a Markup Language