Where have you been?

I get this question alot from my Blog fans, I have been active everywhere else but here and I’m not so proud of that. But I’m here now - for a good time and a long time!

Welcome to My Web Dev Wonderland! 🎢

Hey there, future tech trailblazer! 👋 I’m Joy Tari-Bagshaw, a software developer with 3 years of (glorious) coding under my belt, a penchant for teaching (and geeking out while at it), and an ambitious dream of becoming a Developer Advocate someday.

Spoiler alert: I’m obsessed with helping people like you navigate their way into tech—specifically, the amazing world of Web Development !

Why this blog series, you ask?

Well, after years of building projects, teaching Web Dev, AI and Robotics in over 8 tech communities, Attending over 58 events in 2024 where I facilitated over 5 sessions and spoke on several keynotes and panels, I now proudly lead the Google Developer Student Club at my university, one thing is crystal clear: Tech is a journey, not a race. 🚶‍♀️ And while bootcamps are great, those 3-4 months are often a whirlwind that leaves many feeling overwhelmed. You might end up googling, "Why does my code hate me?" more times than you’d like.

So here’s the plan: I’m taking this journey slow, steady, and impactful—sharing everything I’ve learned (and continue to learn) as a software developer. From resources to installation tutorials to everything you need to go from beginner to advanced, this series will be your free, no-judgment tech sanctuary.

Oh, and let’s be honest—this isn’t just for you. It’s for me too. Writing is how I teach, and teaching is how I learn. Win-win! 🎉

Introducing: Build, Break, Debug, Repeat! 🚀💻

Drumroll, please… 🥁🥁🥁

Welcome to Build, Break, Debug, Repeat, your ultimate guide to conquering web development one step (and one bug) at a time!

Why this name, you ask? Well, if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years as a software developer, mentor, and facilitator, it’s this: coding is a beautifully chaotic cycle. You build something, it inevitably breaks, you debug it (sometimes with tears and coffee), and then—you repeat the process until magic happens. ✨

This name embodies the true essence of web development: embracing the journey of trial, error, and growth. It’s not about being perfect on your first try (trust me, even senior developers aren’t); it’s about learning, experimenting, and improving with every step.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves, dive into the code, and tackle this adventure together! Whether you’re a total newbie or you’ve been dabbling in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for a while, Build, Break, Debug, Repeat is here to help you level up—one line of code at a time.

Let’s do this! 💪🚀

Before You Dive In: Let’s Talk Mindset

Before we start building apps, styling with CSS, and taming JavaScript dragons, let’s have a quick heart-to-heart about mindset shifts.

1. Embrace the "Hello, World!" Moment:
   Every coder starts from scratch. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t understand everything immediately. Even I didn’t know what an <div> tag was at some point. 🙈 Trust the process.

2. Mistakes are Your BFFs:
   Broke your code? Good. That’s how you learn. Fixing bugs will teach you more than a thousand tutorials ever can. Be curious, not frustrated.

3. Consistency Over Intensity:
   It’s not about pulling an all-nighter to finish a course. Spend 30 minutes every day on coding, and watch your skills grow.

4. Ask Questions Fearlessly:
   No question is dumb. Seriously. Ask why, how, and what. If you’re still stuck, ask Google. Then Stack Overflow. And then me. 😊

5. Enjoy the Ride:
   Learning web development is like solving puzzles. It’s frustrating yet fun. Let’s celebrate every tiny victory—whether it’s styling your first button or deploying your first project. 🎉

What to Expect From This Blog Series

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll be binging on (Netflix-style, but with more code):

1. Getting Started: Setting up your coding environment like a pro.

2. HTML Basics: Building the skeleton of your website.

3. CSS Fundamentals: Making your websites pop with style!

4. JavaScript Essentials: Adding interactivity and magic. ✨

5. Version Control with Git/GitHub: Keeping your projects safe and collaborative.

6. Frameworks and Libraries: Intro to Bootstrap, Tailwind, and React.js.

7. Beginner-Friendly Projects: Create a personal portfolio, to-do app, and more!

8. Deployment 101: Taking your projects live for the world to see.

9. Debugging Like a Boss: Common mistakes and how to fix them.

10. Mindset & Motivation: Staying consistent and enjoying the journey.

Who Is This For?

This series is for you if:

• You’ve ever stared at a blank code editor and felt overwhelmed.

• You’ve tried to learn web development but didn’t know where to start.

• You want to learn in a fun, supportive way that celebrates progress over perfection.

Why Trust Me on This Journey?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of web development, let me share a bit about my tech journey and the milestones that brought me here. 🌟

Over the past 3 years, I’ve not only honed my skills as a software developer but also found immense joy in sharing that knowledge with others. Teaching and mentoring have been an integral part of my journey, and here’s a quick highlight reel of what I’ve accomplished in the tech space:

• Internships:
  I’ve worked on exciting projects as a software development intern, gaining hands-on experience in both frontend and full-stack development. This has taught me how to build scalable, user-friendly applications and solve real-world problems with code.

• Facilitating Beginner-Friendly Programs:
  As a mentor and facilitator, I’ve had the privilege of teaching beginner girls in tech in various programs, including TechitGirls, Sierra Girls Code Club, and others. These programs aim to provide young women with the skills and confidence to break into tech.

  • Many of my students have gone from writing their very first line of code to landing internships and entry-level roles within their first year of learning. Watching their growth has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my career.

• Community Leadership:
  I’ve served as a tutor for over 5 tech communities, covering areas like frontend development, full-stack development, and even AI/ML fundamentals. Through this, I’ve built a reputation for explaining complex concepts in the simplest, most relatable way (you’ll see this in my blog too).

• Recognition & Impact:
  My contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. I’ve been recognized by tech communities for my commitment to teaching and mentorship. And now, as the Google Developer Student Club (GDSC) Lead for my university, I’m excited to create even more opportunities for students to learn and grow in tech.

• Mentorship:
  Mentoring is a passion I hold close to my heart. I’ve worked with mentees through programs like TechsiStars, where I’ve helped them:

  • Set up professional profiles like LinkedIn,

  • Improve their technical skills through personalized feedback and resources,

  • Gain confidence in their abilities to tackle coding challenges, interviews, and internships.

• Success Stories:
  One of my proudest achievements is seeing my mentees thrive! Some of the beginner girls I’ve mentored have gone on to:

  • Build impressive projects within weeks of learning.

  • Secure job opportunities and internships within their first year of coding.

  • Start their own journeys of teaching and mentoring others—creating a ripple effect in the tech space.

I’m sharing all this not to toot my own horn (okay, maybe a little! 🚗🎺) but to show you that it’s possible. With the right guidance, resources, and mindset, anyone can build a successful tech career. And that’s exactly what this blog series is here to help you do!

So, whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to refine your skills, I hope my experiences and lessons will inspire and empower you to take that first (or next) step confidently. Let’s build this journey together! 💻✨

So buckle up, folks! This is going to be a wild, rewarding, and slightly nerdy ride. I’ll share resources, personal anecdotes (including some hilariously frustrating moments), and beginner-to-advanced tutorials designed to empower you to start and thrive in tech.

Don’t forget to bookmark this blog, subscribe for updates, and connect with me on social media! And hey, if you ever feel like giving up, just remember: Coding is like cooking—start with one recipe (or line of code) at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be serving Michelin-star-worthy websites. 👩‍💻✨