왜 나는 기본으로 돌아갔는가: W3Schools에서 20,000 XP가 코딩에 대해 가르쳐 준 것
Source: Dev.to
You can’t build a skyscraper on a weak foundation. Here is why I spent 500+ lessons refining my core skills.
In the world of software development, there is always something new to learn—a new JavaScript framework, a .NET update, or a trendy library that everyone is tweeting about. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype and rush to build complex projects. Recently, I took a step back and realized that the best engineers aren’t just the ones who know the latest tools—they have an unshakeable command of the fundamentals. So, I made a decision: I went back to the basics.
My W3Schools Journey
I started using W3Schools not just as reference documentation, but as a training ground. I set a goal to consistently work through exercises, test my knowledge, and fill in any gaps I might have missed during my initial learning phase.
Progress Summary
- Total XP: 20,670
- Lessons Completed: 591
- Exercises Solved: 905
Crossing the 20k XP mark wasn’t just about gamification. It taught me three key things.
Key Lessons Learned
1. Syntax Memory Matters
Modern IDEs and AI tools are great, but relying on them too much can make you lazy. By solving 900+ exercises without auto‑complete, I forced my brain to actually remember the syntax. Whether it’s complex CSS selectors or C# logic, having that knowledge “in your fingers” makes you a faster developer.
2. There Is Always a “Better Way”
Even in lessons I thought I knew perfectly, I found small details I had overlooked—a cleaner way to write a loop or a specific SQL command I rarely used. Revisiting the basics showed me that there is almost always a more efficient way to solve a problem.
3. Discipline Beats Motivation
There were days I didn’t feel like coding. But seeing the progress bar move became a habit. Writing code is a muscle; if you don’t use it, you lose it.
Looking Ahead
As I prepare for my upcoming role as an SDE Intern, I feel more confident than ever. I know that whatever complex challenges I face in the .NET ecosystem, I have a solid foundation to fall back on.
If you are a self‑taught developer or a CS student, don’t underestimate the power of the basics. Go solve some exercises. Get that XP. Your future self will thank you.
Note: This article was originally published on Medium.