Learning from others is the best path to self-growth, especially in a field as dynamic as web development. Here are five hard-earned lessons from my journey that I wish I'd known from the start.

1. Plan with Figma (or Any Design Tool) First

Early on, I would dive straight into coding, figuring I’d design as I went. Big mistake! Jumping into development without a well-thought-out design was a fast track to wasted time.

Using a tool like Figma lets you lay out everything: the fonts, color schemes, layout flow, and user experience. This foresight saves hours of code tweaks later. So, take the time to design before you code; it will help you build a more polished, user-friendly site.

2. You Can’t Memorize Everything

In web development, you’ll come across endless HTML tags, CSS properties, JavaScript functions, and React components. Trying to memorize everything is not only unrealistic; it's counterproductive. What’s more valuable is mastering the art of finding answers quickly.

Resources like MDN Web Docs, CSS-Tricks, and Stack Overflow are your best friends. And remember, Google-fu (the ability to search efficiently) is a crucial skill for developers. You’ll never have all the answers—but knowing where to find them is just as powerful.

3. Communication Skills Are as Important as Coding

Asking questions and collaborating are essential. When I started, I hesitated to ask questions, fearing it might make me look unskilled. In reality, asking for help or clarity shows you’re open to learning.

If something’s unclear, reach out to a colleague, a mentor, or even online communities. Collaboration is key to growth, and effective communication is an irreplaceable asset in any team setting.

4. Prioritize Accessibility Over Fancy Designs

With the rise of tools like Webflow and Framer, there’s been a shift toward highly stylized websites. However, many of these designs come at the expense of accessibility, and fancy layouts are only impressive if they’re usable by everyone.

Fancy fonts, small text, and complex navigation might look stylish, but if they’re inaccessible, they’ll hurt user experience. Accessibility is key for reaching a broader audience, including those with disabilities. Embrace web standards, focus on usability, and remember that simplicity often enhances functionality.

5. Learning Doesn’t Stop After That First Course

In the beginning, I would scour the web looking for the “best” course that would teach me everything I needed to know. Spoiler: no single course can cover it all! Web development is an ever-evolving field, and learning is continuous.

Courses are valuable, but they’re stepping stones, not final destinations. Invest in multiple resources, try new challenges, and stay updated with new frameworks, libraries, and trends. The best developers are lifelong learners.

These are the top lessons I’ve learned from my experience as a web developer. Hopefully, knowing these now will help you avoid some common mistakes and set you on a faster path to growth. And remember, the learning never stops—embrace every opportunity to grow! 🚀

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