Question 1

What should I know before my first developer job as a self-taught developer?

Accepted Answer

I wish I had practiced real version control workflows, collaboration, and communication before I started. I learned quickly that shipping code with a team is different than building solo projects. Also, semantics, research skills, and mindset matter way more than I expected.

Question 2

Do I need to learn Git and version control before getting hired?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but not just the basics—you want to know how to collaborate and merge into an existing codebase without breaking things. I didn’t really understand that until I got into my first role (we used GitLab). Hackathons and group projects help you get comfortable with that.

Question 3

What are semantic HTML tags and why do they matter?

Accepted Answer

Semantics is choosing elements for the right reason, not just because they “work.” Once I learned it, it helped me structure HTML better, which translated into cleaner CSS too. It also ties into SEO and accessibility, which I didn’t fully grasp early on.

Question 4

How do I get better at communicating on a developer team?

Accepted Answer

For me, it came down to practicing collaboration before the job—because I did almost everything solo. I had to learn that asking for help isn’t “looking dumb,” it’s being efficient and honest. Managers would rather you ask than silently struggle for way too long.

Question 5

How do developers research faster without memorizing everything?

Accepted Answer

I had to accept that you can’t memorize everything—tech changes too fast. The goal is to get good at researching, and doing enough due diligence before you ask someone else. Tools like ChatGPT can help now, but you still need enough coding knowledge to ask the right question.

Question 6

What is pseudocode and how do I use it?

Accepted Answer

Pseudo code is writing the steps in plain language before you write actual code. It helps you break a problem into chunks so you’re not overwhelmed by the full solution all at once. I started using it after learning through 100Devs, and it made problem-solving feel way calmer.

Question 7

How do I approach coding from a design file like Figma or XD?

Accepted Answer

I used to just jump straight into coding, and it made me slower and more stressed. Now I “wireframe” by marking up the design—drawing boxes around sections and writing what each element should be (H1, p, button, nav, etc.). Then I build section-by-section: HTML for that part, then CSS, and move down the page.

Question 8

How do I deal with imposter syndrome in my first developer job?

Accepted Answer

Mindset is everything—seriously. The days I went in already defeated, I had anxiety and struggled the whole day. When I told myself, “I’m going to have the best coding day,” I felt calmer, asked questions sooner, and handled problems better—even if everything didn’t get finished.

What I wish I knew before getting my first Developer job | Self taught developer

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