Programming. Coding. Web development. Software development. Numerous names that all mean the same thing. To a non-programmer, it's lines and lines of gibberish. What's a 'DOCTYPE Html'? Is 'Img src' even a real thing? Is that why you bought a laptop, Inimfon? To type lines and lines of nothing?

On the down days, when those mischievous thoughts break through, when you feel unworthy of everything, probably due to dwindling confidence levels, you might have similar thoughts. Is programming really worth it?

Programming can be frustrating, especially when you're stuck with a bug in a line of code, and you've run out of ideas. Or when you possess the knowledge, but lack the resources to implement such knowledge.

Individuals who have been at programming for a long time have talked about how they felt like giving up at a point in their programming career. If people who have been at it for years can fee that way, how about beginners like me and most probably, someone out there?

Just as a child is fascinated by a toy, programming is fascinating at the onset. That drive, that passion, there will make you delve into programming. That fire can slowly burn out with time. I, as a beginner, am not pretending to know everything about programming, I won't even say I know 1/4 of programming, but from what I have seen so far, and what I have learnt from my elder brother, who's a fullstack developer, here's how I think you can keep that passion in your programming journey.

How To Keep The Fun in Programming

You know why you started programming. However, what do you do to KEEP programming?

Create a Project For Yourself

The advice that has worked for me so far, and what I would advice people, if I was to ever dish out advice, is to create a project for yourself, something that is personal, even if you're just starting. It keeps you focused and pushes you to learn more and more to achieve that goal you're working towards. There is nothing better than to see results for the time you put in.

Do Not Follow What People Think a Programmer Does.

Many people think that a programmer is a computer enthusiast that sounds all day sitting in front of a computer. Doesn't that sound like a boring and sad life?

Do something different. Lie down on your bed, sit in your balcony or garden, go the park and work on a project. You can even meet with other programmers and run ideas through each other. That restaurant that you adore. Go out there, order a snack or two, and work on your project. If you're like me and you hate sitting in one position, change places from time to time. As you do this, you won't feel limited, and you won't get bored so easily.

Programming has the same appeal to me as the building blocks game does to a young child who can create anything he desires out of them. I'm astounded that I can apply what I've learned about a computer language to practically any computational challenge that comes my way.

Programming also has the benefit of never being monotonous, which is one of my favorite aspects. You're never out of a jam because there's always something to troubleshoot. There is no end to the learning process. And there's never a dull moment!

However, these are merely my opinions; do you have different opinions?

PS: You've probably noticed that I use the phrase, "lines and lines" a bit too much. What's a phrase or word you learnt while programming that you can't stop using?