Every single day, we're swamped with choices.

But here's the kicker: When you're in the tech world, the choices never stop coming.

About a decade ago, I got into tech. I just knew it was the place for me, and I didn't hesitate. As a complete newbie and fresh out of high school, I had a lot of questions and no manual for answers.

What's the best way to start in programming? Where should I even begin? What types of jobs are out there? With a zillion options, I had to lean on something solid — logic and common sense.

First steps in coding

So you're new and you're wondering where to start. Your initial moves matter. Picking the right language or framework can set the tone for your entire coding journey and also get you key job opportunities. JavaScript is usually a solid bet for beginners.

On Hashnode, you can find dozens of articles in the JavaScript tag. Our Hashnode community is filled with events, hackathons, and open-source projects. So you get to learn, make friends, and network at the same time. It's a win-win 🥇

Choose your language wisely

So what's next on the menu? Picking your programming language is a big deal. In today's tech ecosystem, trends change so fast that it's easy to get left behind. For those of you who've mastered JavaScript and are looking for what's next, React is a great pick.

This JavaScript library has been around and is here to stay. But React isn't just about building user interfaces. It also opens doors to mobile app development with React Native. So you're not just locked into web development; you will get to enter and explore a broader world of app development.

Get the right guidance

Stepping into 2023, one thing's clear:
The old-school, one-size-fits-all approach to tech education is outdated.

With the tech landscape constantly changing, you need resources that are as agile as the industry itself. And that's where Next.js comes in. It offers out-of-the-box features like static site generation and server-side rendering.

It doesn't just stop there. Next.js is part of the Vercel ecosystem, which means you get features like continuous deployment from git, serverless functions, and much more, all tied up in a neat bow. So your learning isn't just about coding; it's about understanding the full development cycle.

What's next?

So, what's the plan? Remember, choices in coding are a constant. It's a balancing act between intuition and well-informed decisions. Keep that learning curve steep and you're golden.

Oh, and while you're at it, consider blogging about your journey on Hashnode. It's not just about logging what you know; it's about solidifying your understanding, getting noticed for job opportunities, and sharing your new skills with friends and our community members who are just starting. How cool is that? 😉

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