Coding, Debugging, and Everything in Between: Your Web Dev Journey Starts Here

Hey there! I’m Amy, and I’ve been knee-deep in web development for what feels like forever. Seriously, I can’t believe it’s been over 15 years since I first stumbled into this crazy world of code.

Back in the day, I was working as a high school math teacher. Yeah, I know, totally different ballgame. But I always had this itch to create stuff, you know? So one summer, I decided to build a website for my classroom. How hard could it be, right? Oh boy, was I in for a surprise.

I spent weeks banging my head against the wall, trying to figure out HTML and CSS. My first attempt looked like something straight outta the 90s, complete with a spinning “Under Construction” gif. Cringe-worthy doesn’t even begin to describe it. But hey, we all gotta start somewhere!

That frustrating experience lit a fire under me. I started devouring every web dev tutorial I could find. Spent way too many late nights debugging JavaScript and wondering why my layouts were breaking. But man, when I finally got something to work? That feeling was better than solving any math equation.

Eventually, I realized I was spending more time coding than grading papers. So I took the plunge and switched careers. Best decision I ever made, even if my mom still doesn’t quite get what I do for a living.

Now, I’m running this little corner of the internet to help folks who are where I was all those years ago. Whether you’re a total newbie or just looking to level up your skills, I’ve got your back.

Here’s the thing about web development – it’s always changing. One minute you think you’ve got a handle on things, and the next there’s some new framework or API throwing you for a loop. But that’s also what makes it so dang exciting.

I’ve learned a ton over the years, mostly through trial and error (emphasis on the error part). So lemme share some wisdom:

1. Don’t be afraid to break things. Seriously, that’s how you learn.
2. Google is your best friend. No shame in looking stuff up – we all do it.
3. Version control is a lifesaver. Trust me, future you will thank past you for using Git.
4. Responsive design isn’t just a buzzword. Mobile-first is the way to go.
5. Accessibility matters. Like, a lot. Don’t forget about it.

Oh, and here’s a pro tip: comments are your friend. You might think you’ll remember why you wrote that weird function six months from now, but trust me, you won’t.

I’m still learning every day, and that’s what I love about this field. There’s always some new challenge to tackle or problem to solve. It keeps me on my toes and stops me from ever getting bored.

So, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the game for a while, welcome! Let’s dive into the wonderful world of web development together. And remember, if your code isn’t working, have you tried turning it off and on again? (Kidding… sort of.)