1. Introduction

Everyone has their own journey when stepping into the world of programming, and mine is no exception. Looking back at the early days when I first discovered programming, I can see how much has changed.

In this article, I’ll share my journey—from being a gaming enthusiast to taking my first steps toward becoming a fresher developer.

2. The First Lines of Code

I was exposed to technology at an early age, but before high school, I never really explored coding. Most of my time was spent gaming—from simple farming games like Nông Trại 24h to more complex ones like TDK FPT and 3Q Củ Hành.

It wasn't until 11th grade that I discovered programming, specifically Pascal, with its bright green IDE that was an absolute eyesore.

passcal ide

That was when I started learning about basic data structures, algorithms, and tackling my first coding exercises. It was incredibly exciting—like a fresh breeze sweeping through my life—giving me the thrill of conquering new knowledge.

Despite my growing passion, I felt lost when facing the decision of choosing a university major. Even at the start of my freshman year, I was uncertain. I knew I loved technology, but I had no idea what programming could offer me—how it applied in the real world, whether hardware knowledge was necessary, and so on. So, I spent that time sending emails and asking around, trying to find clarity.

But beyond the confusion, there was something exciting about the idea of creating things I envisioned through programming.

3. Exploring the World of Technology

For me, learning to code felt like leveling up in a video game—I could clearly see my progress every day. Today, I know more than I did yesterday, and tomorrow, I’ll know even more than today. That sense of continuous improvement was incredibly exciting, as I watched my skills grow over time.

From my first year of university until the beginning of my third year, I spent a lot of time reading and expanding my knowledge. I explored different fields like mobile app development, web applications, desktop software, AI, and databases, trying to get a feel for each area.

Although I didn’t dive deeply into any specific field during this period, I built a solid foundation and gained a general understanding of how each technology is applied in the real world. This broad exposure gave me a clearer, more well-rounded perspective on the programming industry.

4. Choosing Frontend as My Starting Point

After exploring various fields like mobile, data, and desktop development, I decided to specialize in Frontend. I was drawn to React and Next.js because of their extensive documentation and the instant visual feedback they provided. To learn effectively, I followed resources like NghiepUIT, freeCodeCamp, and Kevin Powell.

I started with simple projects like building a to-do app, then gradually took on more complex ones—integrating Firebase, creating an e-shop, and even custom-building Redux back when Redux Toolkit didn’t exist.

My learning approach was hands-on: I worked on various mini projects, some cloned from YouTube, others entirely self-conceived. My philosophy was simple—if I lacked knowledge, I researched; if I encountered issues, I debugged; and if something was beyond fixing, I tore it down and rebuilt it. I rarely planned out designs beforehand—I just jumped straight into coding.

5. Stepping Into the Industry (Fresher)

After graduating, I landed my first job as a Frontend developer working with Next.js. It was a whole new experience—every implementation required careful consideration, and I had to ensure smooth collaboration with teammates, which was quite different from working mostly alone during my studies.

Fortunately, my prior self-learning in Next.js made the transition into the job much easier. Beyond work hours, I made an effort to explore how the backend, built with NestJS, was implemented, so I could deepen my understanding and expand my skill set.

6. Wrapping It Up

My journey from entering university to becoming a fresher developer wasn’t always easy, but the challenges along the way helped me grow. I discovered my passion and career goals, and I continue to learn every day. For me, programming isn’t just a job—it’s an integral part of my life.

Having a clear direction and a solid foundation in a specific field (in my case, Frontend) made it much easier to adapt when starting my first job, rather than relying solely on company training.

I’d love to hear your feedback so I can improve and find the best way to share my experiences with everyone!

How I Got Into Programming

Article index

Programmer Out of Ideas? Suggestions for When You’re Tired of Coding

From the First Lines of Code to a Completed Project

Web Development: Should You Start with Backend or Frontend?

React or Next.js: The Optimal Choice for Interface Deployment?