The glamorous image of coding portrayed in YouTube vlogs often overshadows the gritty reality. Behind the code snippets and sleek projects lies a world of frustration, setbacks, and moments of doubt. As someone who's been coding for a while, I can attest that it's not always smooth sailing. In this post, I want to share the raw truth about learning to code—the frustrations, the challenges, and, most importantly, how to navigate them with resilience.

Embracing the Reality: Contrary to popular belief, being a software developer isn't just about writing elegant code or building fancy apps. At its core, it's about solving problems—sometimes complex, head-scratching problems that can leave you scratching your head for days on end. It's about using code as a tool to create solutions. And let me tell you, it's not always a walk in the park.

Facing Frustration Head-On: One of the harsh realities of coding is facing frustration—a lot of it. Picture this: you're on a tight deadline, staring at a bug for hours, maybe even days. It's enough to make you want to throw in the towel and call it a day. But here's the thing: frustration is part and parcel of the coding journey. It's not about avoiding it but learning how to manage it.

Lessons from #100devs: First few videos in Leon emphasized the importance of managing frustration, and boy, am I glad he did. "We don't get got—we go get," became my Mantra during the toughest of times. It's about being prepared for the challenges ahead and knowing that you have what it takes to overcome them.

Strategies for Managing Frustration: So, how exactly do you keep your cool when frustration comes knocking? Here are a few strategies that have been absolute game-changers for me:

1. You Owe You: Never lose sight of why you started in the first place. Whether it's chasing a dream career, providing for your family, or simply pursuing a passion, keep your "why" front and center. It'll serve as your anchor during stormy seas.

2. Community Taught, Not Self-Taught: Remember, you're not in this alone. Lean on your community—whether it's through Discord, Slack channels, or local meetups. Having a support system can make all the difference when the going gets tough.

3. Take Care of Yourself: Your health and well-being should always come first. Don't sacrifice sleep, exercise, or time with loved ones for the sake of coding. Remember, a clear mind and a rested body are your greatest assets.

4. Learn to Problem-Solve better: Programming is as much about problem-solving as it is about writing code. Cultivate your problem-solving skills by talking things out, using rubber ducks (yes, really!), or simply taking a step back and approaching the problem from a different angle.

5. You Can Do This: Above all, remember that you are capable of learning and growing. Every stumbling block is an opportunity to learn and improve. So, the next time you feel like throwing your computer out the window, take a deep breath and remind yourself: you've got this.