Learn How to Code Online and Land a 100k Job ASAP
Learn How to Code Online and Land a 100k Job ASAP
BASHIRI SMITH
Hey!
A LITTLE ABOUT ME
01
Foundational Programming Concepts
CHAPTER
02
Frontend Development
CHAPTER
03
Backend Development
CHAPTER
04
Version Control
CHAPTER
05
Testing and Debugging
CHAPTER
06
Deployment and CI/CD
CHAPTER
07
Web Security
CONTENT
CHAPTER
08
Containerization
CHAPTER
09
Interviews & Soft Skills
CHAPTER
10
Resume Projects
CHAPTER
11
Need 1-on-1 Help?
01
Overview
Programming languages are like special codes that tell computers what to do. Think of them
as the secret languages that computer programmers use to make games, apps, and websites.
Just like we use English or Spanish to talk to each other, programmers use these languages to
give instructions to computers.
There are lots of different programming languages, and they can be grouped into a few types:
1. High-level languages are the easiest for people to understand. They are a bit like
talking in full sentences. Examples include Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript. Programmers
use these for making all sorts of things, like video games, apps, and websites.
2. Low-level languages are more like the computer's own language. They're harder for
people to understand but let the programmer control the computer very closely. Assembly
language is an example. It's used for special jobs that need the programmer to manage exactly
how the computer works.
3. Markup languages aren't exactly programming languages, but they help set up how
things look on websites or organize information. HTML, which helps create web pages, is an
example.
Each programming language has its own set of rules on how to write and organize code, kind
of like how English has grammar and spelling rules. When programmers write code, they
have to follow these rules so the computer can understand them.
Choosing which programming language to use depends on what the programmer wants to
make. Some languages are better for certain tasks than others, like how some tools are better
for certain jobs.
01 Foundational
Programming Concepts
What is an IDE?
- A code editor: This is where you write your code. The editor often highlights syntax and
can auto-complete some of your code, making it easier to read and write.
- A compiler or interpreter: This tool translates your written code into a language that
computers can understand, either by compiling the code into executable files or by
interpreting the code directly.
- A debugger: This tool helps you find and fix errors in your code. It allows you to run your
program step by step, inspect variables, and understand what your code is doing at each step.
- Build automation tools: These tools automate common development tasks, like compiling
your code into an executable application or deploying your web application to a server.
Some IDEs are designed for a specific programming language, such as Eclipse or IntelliJ
IDEA for Java, while others, like Visual Studio Code or Atom, can be used with a wide
variety of languages through the use of plugins. IDEs can greatly improve a programmer's
productivity by providing all the necessary tools in a single application, making it easier to
write, test, and debug software.
https://code.visualstudio.com/download
01 Foundational
Programming Concepts
Terminal
As a software engineer, using the terminal or command line is essential because it provides a
powerful and direct way to interact with your computer's operating system and software. It
allows you to perform tasks more efficiently and quickly than through a graphical user
interface (GUI). With the command line, you can execute commands for compiling code,
managing files, accessing databases, and controlling version systems like Git. It's also
indispensable for automation, scripting, and working with servers or development
environments that don't have a GUI. Learning to use the terminal can significantly enhance
your productivity, troubleshooting skills, and understanding of how systems work under the
hood.
- HTML is the standard markup language used to create the structure of web pages.
It allows you to define elements such as headings, paragraphs, links, images, and
more. Essentially, HTML tells the web browser what each part of a website is (for
example, a piece of text, an image, or a video), so the browser can display that
content to users.
- CSS is a stylesheet language used to describe the presentation of a document
written in HTML or XML (including XML dialects such as SVG). CSS defines how
elements should be displayed on the screen, in terms of layout, colors, fonts, and
more.
HTML is like the skeleton of a website—it helps make the basic structure and
content, like text and pictures. CSS is like the website's clothing—it makes
everything look nice by adding colors, styles, and layouts. Together, they help create
websites that are both functional and attractive.
** These are listed in the order that I recommend you take them.
** COMPLETE THE ENTIRE COURSE, skipping steps will lead to a gap in
knowledge down the road
Courses:
Free HTML & CSS course (MUST COMPLETE):
https://v2.scrimba.com/html-css-crash-course-c02l?via=bashifuirkashi
Courses:
Free Intro to JS Course (MUST COMPLETE):
https://v2.scrimba.com/introduction-to-es6-c0t?via=bashifuirkashi
What is React?
Courses
Before Node.js, JavaScript was primarily used for creating interactive features on web
pages (frontend development). Node.js extended JavaScript's capabilities to the server
side, enabling developers to use a single programming language across the entire
development stack. This uniformity can simplify the development process, making it
easier for developers to switch between frontend and backend work.
In summary, in backend development, Node.js is used to write the code that runs on
the server, handling the logic and data processing that supports the user-facing side
of web applications and websites. Its use of JavaScript for server-side programming,
efficiency, and scalability make it a popular choice among developers for building a
wide range of web applications.
Courses
Free Codecademy Node.js Course:
https://www.codecademy.com/learn/learn-node-js
03 Backend Development
Database Coursework
Understanding databases is crucial since they're where all the data your app
creates and uses is stored. There are two main types of databases: relational and
non-relational. Let's break them down:
What is Git?
Git is a version control system that software engineers use to track changes in their
code over time. Think of it as a history book of your code, where you can save
different versions of your projects as you make changes. This way, if something goes
wrong, you can easily go back to a previous version. Git also makes it easier for
multiple people to work on the same project by allowing them to merge their
changes together. Essentially, Git helps manage and collaborate on code projects,
making it easier to fix mistakes and work together.
Git: Basic commands (clone, commit, push, pull), branching, merging, and
workflows.
Deployment is the process of taking your application or website from a development environment (like
your computer) and making it accessible to users on the internet. This typically involves hosting your
app on a server or cloud service, where it can be accessed 24/7. Tools like Vercel, Netlify, and Heroku
make this process straightforward by allowing developers to push their code online with just a few steps.
These platforms handle the complex setup, such as configuring servers and managing resources, so you
can focus on building your app rather than setting up infrastructure.
CI/CD stands for Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery, and it's a set of automated practices
designed to streamline and improve the software development workflow.
Continuous Integration (CI) means regularly integrating code changes into a shared repository, where
automated tests can quickly catch any bugs or conflicts.
Continuous Delivery (CD) then ensures that these code changes are ready to be deployed to production
with minimal effort. Platforms like CircleCI make CI/CD accessible by automatically building, testing,
and preparing your app for deployment every time you make a change, so updates can go live faster and
with more confidence.
Deploying Apps:
Vercel
https://vercel.com/docs/getting-started-with-vercel
Netlify
https://www.codecademy.com/learn/deploying-with-netlify
Heroku
https://www.codecademy.com/learn/deploying-with-heroku
CI/CD:
Circle CI
https://circleci.com/ci-cd/
07
Web Security
Web security is a crucial area for anyone building websites or applications, as it ensures that both
the site and its users are protected from potential threats. Good web security practices prevent
attackers from exploiting weaknesses in your application that could expose sensitive data, take
down your site, or cause other serious issues.
Some common web security threats include Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), where attackers inject
malicious code into a webpage viewed by other users; SQL Injection, where malicious code is
sent into database queries to retrieve or modify data without permission; and Cross-Site Request
Forgery (CSRF), where unauthorized commands are transmitted from a user that the web
application trusts. Secure applications use practices like validating user input, employing HTTPS
encryption, and managing user sessions securely to prevent these attacks.
With strong web security practices, developers protect not only their apps but also the users who
rely on them. By learning about potential vulnerabilities and implementing defenses against
them, you can build applications that are more resilient to attacks and better equipped to handle
sensitive information.
Docker is the leading tool in containerization and lets you define this environment in a configuration file called a
Dockerfile. Inside the Dockerfile, you specify everything your application needs to run: the operating system,
libraries, dependencies, and configurations. Once built, Docker packages these files and instructions into an
image, which you can then use to create containers. Think of the image as a blueprint and the container as an
actual instance of your application.
1. Consistency Across Environments: Since containers encapsulate everything your app needs, the same container
can run on a developer’s laptop, a testing server, or a production environment without requiring special
configurations.
2. Isolation: Each container is isolated, meaning that it doesn't interfere with other containers or the host system,
making it safer and easier to manage.
3. Scalability: Containers are lightweight, which means you can run many on a single machine or quickly scale up
or down in response to demand.
4. Efficiency: Containers share the same OS kernel and resources more effectively than virtual machines, making
them faster to start up and less resource-intensive.
By using Docker, you also unlock tools like Kubernetes for managing large numbers of containers across clusters
of machines. Kubernetes automates the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications,
making it ideal for production environments where applications need to be reliable and scalable.
In software engineering, technical expertise is crucial, but soft skills are equally essential for long-
term success. Hiring managers increasingly value candidates who demonstrate strong
communication, problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and teamwork skills. Cultivating these skills
can set you apart and make you a more effective team player and leader. Here’s a guide on how to
showcase these skills effectively during interviews and tips on refining them in practice.
Behavioral questions help interviewers understand how you approach challenges, work within teams,
and manage your work. Prepare using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, and Result. For
example, if asked about a time you resolved a conflict, outline a specific situation, the challenge or
task, the actions you took, and the results. Use concrete examples from past experiences—whether
personal projects, internships, or previous jobs—that illustrate your ability to handle similar
situations in the workplace.
Example Question: "Describe a time when you faced a challenging project deadline."
Answer (STAR): Briefly describe the project and its importance (Situation), your role and
responsibilities (Task), the steps you took to prioritize tasks or collaborate (Action), and the final
result, focusing on any positive outcomes.
Effective communication in software engineering involves not only explaining your work clearly but
also understanding others’ perspectives. During interviews, practice summarizing complex technical
details in simple terms that a non-technical person could understand. This will showcase your ability
to convey information across different audiences, a skill that’s vital when working with cross-
functional teams, stakeholders, or clients.
Example Exercise: Practice explaining a technical concept like “RESTful APIs” or “object-oriented
programming” in layman’s terms. It’s not just about simplifying terms but also ensuring the listener
grasps why the concept matters.
In the interview, actively listen to the questions, ask for clarification when needed, and structure
your answers logically. Showing that you listen and respond thoughtfully is part of good
communication.
09
Interview & Soft Skills
3. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Example Approach:
- Define the Problem: Explain how you identify and understand the core of a problem.
- Break Down the Solution: Share your approach to breaking a problem into manageable parts.
- Evaluate and Adapt: Discuss how you choose tools or methods and adapt when encountering
roadblocks.
For technical problem-solving, don’t rush to answer. Take a moment to structure your response or
even ask if you can write down key points before explaining them. This shows the interviewer that
you approach problems systematically.
Adaptability is about staying flexible in the face of change, which is especially valuable in fast-paced
tech environments. Interviewers may ask about times when you had to learn a new skill quickly or
work under new circumstances.
Software engineers frequently work in teams, often with members from diverse backgrounds.
Employers look for candidates who can contribute positively to team dynamics and work
harmoniously in collaborative settings.
In interviews, emphasize:
- Empathy: How you value and respect others’ ideas, even when they differ from your own.
- Contribution and Ownership: Share examples of taking initiative in group projects while also
supporting others.
- Conflict Resolution: Describe a time when you resolved or helped diffuse a conflict, focusing on
your collaborative approach to problem-solving.
Being a good team player means not only being a leader when necessary but also supporting and
empowering others. Displaying humility and a genuine interest in collaborative success can go a long
way.
Conclude your interview by summarizing both your technical and soft skills. Reinforce how your
communication, problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and teamwork make you a well-rounded
candidate ready to tackle challenges and contribute effectively.
Finally, ask questions at the end of the interview to show interest and enthusiasm. Inquire about
team dynamics, the role’s collaborative aspects, or the company’s approach to professional growth.
Thoughtful questions underscore your interest in fitting in well with the team and contribute to a
positive, memorable impression
Free Material:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZSnCV_R4
10 What is a
"Resume Quality" Project
Qualities of a Resume-Level Project
Complexity: Demonstrates a high level of technical skill and problem-solving
ability.
Scalability: Shows consideration for scalability and performance.
Usability: Has a well-designed user interface and user experience.
Documentation: Includes comprehensive documentation for both users and
developers.
Testing: Includes unit tests, integration tests, and possibly end-to-end tests.
Version Control: Uses version control with a well-documented commit history.
Deployment: Is deployed and accessible online, showcasing real-world usability.
1. Outline Your Idea: Write a brief outline of your project idea, including the problem it
addresses, the features you plan to implement, and the technologies you intend to use.
2. Contact Me: You can DM me or use the link on the last page to book a call with me.
3. Receive Feedback: I will review your project idea and provide feedback, suggestions, and
verification to ensure it aligns with the qualities of a resume-level project.
Don't hesitate to reach out for verification; it's a critical step in your journey to becoming a successful
software engineer.
11 Need 1-on-1 Help?
I know learning how to code on your own can be extremely
daunting and just make you feel so lost. I felt the same way
while I was on my journey. So now I help aspiring coders who
feel lost land their first $100,000+ coding job!
On the call, you and I will come up with a custom plan of action
personalized for you so you can see exactly how to become a
$100,000+ software engineer.
Fill out the form below and I will reach out to you ASAP!
https://forms.gle/8LrEjeho39KvrPGG9