Day 0: The 180-Day Challenge That Will Transform Me Into a Better Developer

Every developer, at some point in their career, wants to become a better developer. So, to become a better developer — i have to choose the uncomfortable path of pushing myself to the edge consistently. What better way to start this journey by posting the journey online. When i commit to this journey, there would be accountability and pressure to show myself everyday.

I am familiar enough with developing projects to call myself a junior developer. I do not have any real job experience too. In this era of AI and junior developers are getting replaced left and right. I guess i need the skill level of a senior level developer. It’s been 2 years since i started this journey. I know basic DSA ( 200+ problems mostly easy), some system design, basic DevOps, web dev and my fundamentals are clear. I had my shares of tutorial hell and getting out of it by applying what i learned. So my goal would be to learn for 4 hours and if possible 10 hours ( if i am motivated ). Nothing beats consistency though.

I am starting this journey to become a better version of myself who could maintain a level of consistency, avoid distractions and maintain an emotional control over desires. My monetary goal would be to land a job but why this challenge, you may ask, when there are 1000+ AI applications stacked against me. I don’t think i have any advantage or even a way to showcase my skills.

I will do all of these tasks every day to get better.

1. Creating projects which are tough enough to push me

2. Learning about system design which scales large applications

3. DSA ( It’s a proof of work to companies that i worked hard and understand complexity of code. A basic handshake for them)

4. DevOps ( I was always curious about hosting and deploying, so win-win)

5. Open source ( Later in my journey after i learned enough )

6. Blogging ( For accountability reasons )

I have tried to contribute to open source, but if i at least learn about different components of a project like DevOps, core logic, testing, integrating parts, large system design for scale. Then i could make an impact and bring value. Open source is on my list for not some fancy remote jobs but actually learning how large companies handle code. Do not think open source could land any one a fancy, high paying job. Interacting with people and solving issues together is what open source is. Real value would be the network of people, I would say.

Any suggestions or criticism would be helpful. Here is my day — 0 of this journey. No fancy mondays or 1st of any month or year. Because “THERE IS NO TOMORROW” ( i am not dying, just a quote ). I am recording this journey and i will post what I have learned every day. Follow me if you are curious what would be at the end of the journey. I’m about to find out. You could too.