too long; didn't read:
Each phase of your code course, create a new github repo project folder called "Phase-X-Project-Starter"
Use one of your assignments as the starting point for this project by copying all the files into this new folder.
As you complete assignments, update "Phase-X-Project-Starter" with the new code features you learn and commit your changes to GitHub.
Make your "Phase-X-Project-Starter" into a GitHub template repository
Use the "Phase-X-Project-Starter" template repository as the foundation for your end of phase project.
Feeling overwhelmed with assignments, labs, and projects in your coding bootcamp? Discover the "Phase-X-Project-Starter" strategy—a lifesaver for every coding newbie!
By the end of this post, you'll learn a simple trick to create a cheat sheet of all your new coding skills, while also making it easier to finish your coding projects!
Let's get started explaining this tactic that will make it easier to manage your coding course assignments and projects at the same time .
Coding bootcamps are intense. You're learning new skills every day, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed.
As you move through your course, reading the curriculum and completing the sample assignments, you're gaining new skills. But how do you keep track of all these new skills? And how do you apply them to your projects?
The "Phase-X-Project-Starter" strategy is a simple way to keep track of your new coding skills and apply them to your projects.
Here's the general idea:
Rather than starting a phase, completing the reading and exercises, then at the end finally starting your project from scratch, begin building a project starter from day one.
Remember you will likely overwrite portions of the code as you learn new techniques, but that's okay and should be expected. As long as you are committing your changes to GitHub, you can always go back to a previous version if you need to.
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Each Phase, Create a new GitHub Repo: Create a new GitHub repository and name it "Phase-X-Project-Starter" (where X is the phase number).
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Copy an Assignment: Copy one of the first assignments from your phase into this new repository. This will be the foundation for your project starter.
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Update as You Learn: As you complete exercises and labs, update your project starter with the new code snippets you learn. Make sure to commit your changes to GitHub regularly.
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Convert to Template: Once you've completed the phase, convert your "Phase-X-Project-Starter" repository into a GitHub template repository. This will allow you to use it as the foundation for your end of phase project.
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Use Your Project Starter: When you're ready to start your end of phase project, use your "Phase-X-Project-Starter" template repository as the foundation for your project.
This strategy is a simple way to keep track of your new coding skills and apply them to your projects.
Here's why it works:
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It's a Cheat Sheet: Your "Phase-X-Project-Starter" is a cheat sheet of all the new skills you've learned in the phase. You can refer to it as you work on your project.
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It's a Time Saver: Rather than starting your project from scratch, you can use your "Phase-X-Project-Starter" as the foundation for your project. This will save you time and help you finish your project faster.
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It's a Confidence Booster: As you work on your project, you'll have an example of all the new skills you've learned. This will give you the confidence to tackle your project with ease.
Here are some tips to help you get started with your "Phase-X-Project-Starter":
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Go Generic: Start with generic basic features.
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Front End:
Header,NavBar,SignUpForm,LoginForm,Footer, etc. -
Back End:
Usermodel,Itemmodel,UserItemsmodel, Simple CRUD routes, etc.
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Branch Out: Want to experiment? Create a new GitHub branch to keep your main one pristine. This will allow you to try out new features without affecting your main project starter. If you like the new features, you can merge them into your main branch.
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Tool Up: Add your go-to tools like ESLint or Prettier. This will help you keep your code clean and consistent.
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Keep It Simple: Don't overthink it. Your "Phase-X-Project-Starter" is a work in progress. You can always add new features later.
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Fork It: Maybe you want to add a new library or framework to your project starter. Rathern than changing the original, make a copy of it and make your changes in the new modified version "React-Bootstrap-OAuth-Phase-X-Project-Starter". This also means you can have templates for different types of projects or different frameworks.
The "Phase-X-Project-Starter" strategy is a simple way to keep track of your new coding skills and apply them to your projects.
Here's a quick recap of the steps:
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Each phase, create a new GitHub repo called "Phase-X-Project-Starter".
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Copy one of the first assignments from your phase into this new repository. This will be the foundation for your project starter.
-
As you complete exercises and labs, update your project starter with the new code snippets you learn. Make sure to commit your changes to GitHub regularly.
-
Once you've completed the phase, convert your "Phase-X-Project-Starter" repository into a GitHub template repository. This will allow you to use it as the foundation for your end of phase project.
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When you're ready to start your end of phase project, use your "Phase-X-Project-Starter" template repository as the foundation for your project.
Why wait? Implement this strategy today and set yourself up for coding bootcamp success.
Tried this strategy? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Your feedback helps us all grow!