Chapter 1: The Beginning of a New Adventure

Here I am, lounging on my couch with my trusty (and budget-friendly) Samsung Chromebook. It boasts impressive battery life and is incredibly lightweight, making it perfect for writing on the go.

Let’s dive into the world of coding.

Many claim it’s a challenging field. For some, perhaps it is! There’s a narrative floating around that programming is on the decline. Yet here I am, embarking on this journey at the age of 30. It’s a story worth sharing, one about taking risks and embracing new skills.

Some believe coding is reserved for the exceptionally bright. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m just an ordinary person, not a genius by any means. But I’ve accepted this challenge, and I invite you to join me through a year filled with its highs and lows. This is genuine. This is my coding journey.

🌟 Day 1: Kicking Off My Coding Journey

"Is programming really outdated?" I strongly disagree. At 30, I’m ready to dive into coding. It’s now or never, right?

Let’s get started! It feels like choosing to dance the classic waltz while everyone else is doing the electric slide. A thrilling contrast, indeed! With a mindset of “let’s see where this takes me,” I embark on my first coding lesson. Meanwhile, my cat, Mr. Whiskers, watches me with a mix of amusement and skepticism. Challenge accepted!

🌞 Day 15: My New Digital Companion — AI

“AI is going to take over your job!” a friend laughs during our coffee chat.

"I wish it would handle my laundry too," I respond, grinning playfully. Challenges? Bring them on—even in this era of AI advancements. However, I prefer a peaceful approach; no digital wars for me. Is AI a friend or foe in the programming landscape? One thing is clear: it will never match my love for coffee.

🔍 Day 30: Debunking Coding Myths

“Why bother with coding?” my young niece asks, twirling spaghetti on her fork.

“Think of it as being a detective without the hat,” I suggest. “Though you might end up more sleep-deprived.” Her curiosity peaks. “I’m in!” she declares. Am I looking at a future coding prodigy? My advice: chase your dreams without hesitation—just a playful nudge!

🧙‍♂️ Day 60: Coding — A Classic Touch

“Isn’t coding a bit retro for you?” a younger coder remarks, half impressed.

“Consider me a fine vintage wine,” I reply with a smile. “Every day, my online sleuthing skills sharpen.” He seems intrigued. In my hoodie, I feel like a covert agent in a world of digits. I’ve always adored vintage cars—they’re magnificent in their own right! Eager to embrace the new while honoring the old, I delve into the coding universe.

🚀 Day 90: The Existential Thoughts of a Programmer

“Will coders eventually become obsolete?” a colleague wonders, deep in thought.

“Not until creativity is no longer necessary,” I respond, channeling my inner poet. We share a laugh, but the idea lingers. Coding is more than just typing; it’s a medium for creative expression. Our relevance will endure, at least for the foreseeable future.

💃 Day 120: Debugging — A Dance of Its Own

Ah, debugging—it’s like a complex dance routine.

I LOATHE IT! Every step forward seems to bring a step back, all in pursuit of that perfect rhythm. “Eureka! The elusive semicolon!” Mr. Whiskers remains unfazed, observing me with indifference. “Your moral support is invaluable,” I tell him, but he continues his casual disinterest in my coding escapades.

🎉 Day 150: Celebrating Small Wins

My first program runs successfully.

It’s a simple “Hello, World!”, but it feels akin to landing on Mars. “We did it, Mr. Whiskers!” He bolts away. “Dramatic much?” his expression seems to say. My apologies, dear feline, for interrupting your nap with my mini-celebration.

🌱 Day 180: The Classroom Without End

“Programming is like life—a continuous class,” I reflect while endlessly scrolling.

Every new concept sparks a lightbulb moment. It’s more of a marathon than a sprint. “Keep learning,” I jot down. That’s the coder’s creed.

🐞 Day 210: Embracing the Bugs

“Embrace your bugs,” reads a post I stumbled upon.

They’re hidden lessons in disguise. If only life offered a ‘debug’ option! “Relationship debugging,” I chuckle as Mr. Whiskers gives me a knowing look—or maybe just his typical cat face.

👥 Day 240: Joining the Coding Community

I’ve joined a coding group.

“Welcome to the bug fest,” they greet me. There’s something comforting about this sense of camaraderie in the coding jungle. Here, we’re all bug whisperers.

🔥 Day 270: The Art of Perseverance

Stuck on a coding puzzle. “Keep going,” I encourage myself.

Hours later, success! Exhausted but victorious. Mr. Whiskers meows—maybe in celebration, or perhaps just indicating that he’s hungry.

🔮 Day 300: Reflecting on My Journey

Looking back over 300 days.

From clueless to somewhat knowledgeable. “Not bad, old-timer,” I tell myself. Mr. Whiskers purrs in approval. The journey is far from over.

🌪 Day 330: Riding the Wave of Technology

The tech world is a whirlwind, and I’m riding the crest.

Learning to code at 30 isn’t just about acquiring a new skill; it’s about adapting to the times. “Let’s do this,” I declare, eyeing the vast horizon ahead.

⚓ Day 360: A Year in Code Wonderland

One year filled with coding, coffee, and the companionship of my cat.

“Programming is far from dead,” I tell a snoozing Mr. Whiskers. It’s thriving, just like us.

THE END (Or merely the beginning?)

In this inspiring video, a coder reflects on their decision to leave a stable job to pursue programming in their 30s, emphasizing the transformative power of learning to code.

In this thought-provoking video, the CEO of Nvidia discusses the future of coding and whether or not aspiring programmers should feel discouraged by the idea that "coding is dead."