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CSS CSS Basics (2014) Fundamental Concepts Learning Tips and Tools

Angela Montgomery
Angela Montgomery
2,759 Points

So lost with Web Developer Track?

So I am so lost on where to start. I just finished CSS basics and Guil just said to doing projects to practice what I have learned. What?? So I went back through my notes and to some of the videos on how to write HTML and launched Workspace and I am like what the heck. I feel like I was just copying what he said to do and now I am lost. I have no idea what to do right now. So should i just go back and review everything and start a project of my own? Ugh, this sucks that I need to watch the videos again just to get started. I mean did I miss something? I look at the HTML when I launch workspace and it has everything that was saved and that just doesn't help at all. What do I do? Feeling like I am in way over my head.

Hi Angela Montgomery,

This happens to us all, especially at the beginnig, when there is just so much to learn and we do not really know where to start. However, like you mentioned making use of all the theory and apply it on your own project is a great idea, since your are using the things you have just learnt and therefore you will remember it better.

What I think is important is to set you a goal that you wanna achieve. With no goal you don't really know what you want to create or achieve. So my suggestions is write down what exactly you want to create and if you get stuck with something go back and watch the video again and then come back to your code.

This method always helps me when I get stuck or just don't know what to do next or simply cannot come up with any ideas :).

Hope I could help you out :).

3 Answers

Max Senden
Max Senden
23,177 Points

Hi Angela,

It can be intimidating to look at a blank canvas, whether you're an artist, designer or developer. The only way you can overcome that sense of dread is by starting to do things. Maybe you can build a portfolio website for yourself? Or perhaps there's a client who wants you to do some work? Write down what you want to achieve and make a plan. You'll soon find yourself applying what you've learned so far, learning plenty of new things, and doing things you never thought yourself capable of. But whatever you do, don't just keep following tutorials here on TreeHouse or elsewhere. They will teach you many things, but if you never use that knowledge to actually create something it's a waste of time and effort.

Angela Montgomery
Angela Montgomery
2,759 Points

Thank you for taking the time respond. This really helps me to move forward. I did check out some books so I had something in front of to jog my memory instead having to watch videos all the way through just to find certain things I'm forgetting.

Cliff Jackson
Cliff Jackson
2,887 Points

Hi i have been through that the last week or so on the PHP track, got really confused with the loops but took a step back and got over my imposter syndrome and went back a few days later and pushed through it. I think everyone at some point goes through this. Can i do this ? Am i out of my depth etc? etc. Just have a few day's off and clear your head of it all and go back and start over. It's not a race it's best to do small amounts each day instead of too much at once. The good thing about this is you can go at your own pace as we all learn at different speeds.

Angela Montgomery
Angela Montgomery
2,759 Points

Thank you so much! Everyone's responses were so helpful.