DonTheDeveloper Podcast

In this, I break down five major mistakes that can instantly sabotage any junior developer’s chances of landing a real coding job. I’ll talk about how inconsistent coding habits, half-finished side projects, and a questionable online presence are some of the biggest turn-offs for hiring managers, along with one or two surprises you might not expect. If you’re serious about becoming a software deve...

In this, I break down why every junior developer needs a capstone project that goes beyond simple tutorial or clone apps. I share why code-along and copycat projects may reinforce your skills, but ultimately fall short in showcasing true problem-solving ability. Instead, I explain how to create a meaningful project built around something you genuinely care about—one that solves real problems, targ...

Here's what I have planned for 2025, but also, we need to talk about the state of many aspiring developers out there right now... --------------------------------------------------- 👾 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper ⚙️ Learn Backend (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTH...

Struggling with your New Year's resolutions each year? Maybe you're not ready to make any. Try this instead. --------------------------------------------------- 👾 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper ⚙️ Learn Backend (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER 🐱 Le...

I'm done with frontend. It's time to become a backend developer, and here is why... --------------------------------------------------- 👾 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper ⚙️ Learn Backend (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER 🐱 Learn NestJS (free) - https...

Ever wondered what it takes to create a course that truly makes an impact? In this episode, I sit down with Lane Wagner, the creator of Boot.dev, to dive deep into the philosophy and decisions behind one of the most comprehensive backend development platforms out there. Lane shares his journey from a backend developer to an educator, revealing the challenges, insights, and strategies that helped B...

Thinking about starting a side hustle or launching your own app? In this episode, I chat with the founders of Little Planets about their journey from idea to execution. We dive into their challenges, tech stack choices, marketing struggles, and valuable lessons learned along the way. Perfect for developers looking to turn their passion projects into reality! James Ebentier (guest): Twitter - https...

In this episode, I talk with two senior developers, Danny Peck and John Ostler, as they share the real story behind their side project journey—the good and the bad. They delve into their experiences building Golden Record , an app designed to preserve personal memories through audio recordings. Despite their extensive backgrounds in development, Danny and John discuss the unexpected challenges the...

Here's where I share my goals, failures from last month, and what I'm going to do about it next month. The goal of this is to just provide some transparency into my own struggles with trying to grow and provide community updates. --------------------------------------------------- 👾 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-fronten...

This episode explores why many aspiring developers who start with intense excitement and motivation often end up quitting. Overexcitement can lead to unrealistic expectations and burnout, derailing your coding journey. Learn how to recognize this pattern, set achievable goals, and build sustainable habits to successfully navigate the path to becoming a developer. ----------------------------------...

Are your personal projects failing to get you hired? In this video, I break down the common mistakes aspiring developers make with their projects and why they aren't standing out to employers. Many think that just building a variety of projects is enough, but the scattershot approach often misses the mark. I’ll guide you through a more strategic way to approach personal projects that will res...

Feeling stuck in your dev job? You’re not alone. In this, I’m breaking down why so many developers end up in dead-end positions and, more importantly, how you can break free. No fluff, just real talk about what’s holding you back and what you can do about it. I’ve been there—comfortable, bored, and not growing. If your job is sucking the life out of you, it’s time to shake things up. We’ll chat ab...

In this video, I’m going over three key ways you can level up as a junior developer. These aren’t magic tricks or quick fixes; they’re real strategies that many successful developers have adopted. First, we’ll talk about why mastering the fundamentals matters more than you think and how it sets you up for success beyond just following tutorials. Then, I’ll cover the importance of improving your pr...

Breaking into tech is tougher than most people think, and the journey to becoming a developer is filled with misleading promises and unrealistic expectations. In this video, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the brutal truth about why most aspiring developers fail to land their first job—and how you can avoid making the same mistakes. We’ll dive deep into the biggest misconceptions about sa...

In this video, I’m diving into why senior developers often refuse to mentor junior developers. If you’ve been struggling to find a mentor, it might be because of some common mistakes that are easy to fix but often overlooked. I’ll share five harsh truths that explain why senior devs aren’t jumping at the chance to help you—and, spoiler alert, it’s not just about them being too busy. This isn’t abo...

In this video, I’m going to dive into one of the most controversial topics in the developer community—gatekeeping. I know it’s a term that gets thrown around a lot, usually with a lot of negativity. But today, I’m here to tell you why you should actually be thanking developers who are accused of gatekeeping the industry. I’m not here to sugarcoat things. If you’re struggling to break into the indu...

As many of you know, learning to code as an adult with a full plate of responsibilities is no small feat. Over 75% of you watching my channel are over 25 years old, so I get it—you’re balancing jobs, family, relationships, and more. In this video, I dive into the gritty reality of what it takes to succeed in learning to code when you’re not just out of high school, but a real adult with serious re...

When I was trying to break into the software development field, I used to dread rejection. Every rejection email, every interview where I was told I wasn’t a good fit—it all felt like confirmation that I wasn’t cut out for this. As someone without a CS degree, I constantly battled that voice in my head telling me I didn’t belong, that I wasn’t smart enough. But over time, I learned that rejection...

Hey everyone! I’m starting a new series (monthly) where I get real about my goals, challenges, and the changes I’m making. From recording a LOT more Youtube videos to reviving old projects and setting ambitious 28-day goals, I’m sharing it all. I'll be sharing channel & community updates in this series as well. --------------------------------------------------- 👾 Join Discord - https://...

Learning to code can feel like a grind, and for some, the passion might never develop. In this video, I respond to a viewer who's feeling burned out and frustrated, questioning if they'll ever truly enjoy coding. I'll discuss the reality that, for some people, the passion for coding might never develop, and that's okay. Maybe coding isn't the right fit, and there's no...

Today, we're diving into a topic that might ruffle some feathers: the traditional developer portfolio. It's time to rethink what we've been told about showcasing our skills. I've got Derek Wood with me, a seasoned web developer and director at Perpetual Education, who believes the typical developer portfolio just doesn't cut it anymore. We'll explore why the old patte...

Can you really afford to uproot your life for a new developer job offer? With the alarming trend of companies, including big names, rescinding signed offers, please listen to this if you're looking for your first or next developer job. --------------------------------------------------- 👾 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-fronte...

Here are 3 traits in aspiring developers that I've noticed, who eventually break into the industry. --------------------------------------------------- 👾 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper ⚙️ Learn Backend (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER 🐱 Learn NestJS (fr...

I ran 8 students through an experimental frontend cohort for 6 months. We used Scrimba's Frontend Developer Career Path for the curriculum. I went through it myself, with my students, and here are my honest thoughts about Scrimba's program. If you're a self-taught developer and have come across Scrimba, but haven't decided if it's worth it, this honest review is for you. -...

Are coding bootcamps worth it on 2024? Absolutely. Let's talk about why that is. --------------------------------------------------- 👾 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper ⚙️ Learn Backend (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER 🐱 Learn NestJS (free) - https://scrim...