Failing is not an option

M. Student. Coffee addict. Book lover. Languages & Literature.

[code-bug]

I was asked to make a masterpost on websites like Codecademy, so I’ve tried to compile a list of the best (and mostly free!!). In no particular order: 

1. Codecademy [x]

I couldn’t not include Codecademy! Just in case you haven’t checked it out, it’s pretty neat. It has courses for learning languages and web developer skills.

Languages: Python, Ruby, Java, PHP, jQuery, JavaScript, HTML/CSS

Extras: Git, SQL, Command Line, AngularJS, Ruby on Rails

2. Code School [x]

This is pretty similar to Codecademy with the in-browser coding and such. It also has additional features like teaching videos. A good introduction to programming languages.

Languages: Python, Ruby, Javascript, HTML/CSS

Extra: iOS development with Objective-C or Swift, Git, SQL

3. Learnaroo [x]

Has tutorials followed by mini challenges based on the concepts you’ve just learnt! It also has some reference pages called “Learn x by Example”. Looks pretty good.

Languages: Python, Java, Ruby, HTML/CSS

Extra: Algorithms, Mathematics, + a bunch of premium membership stuff

4. Learn … 

A set of related websites (see below) which have mini tutorials on language concepts followed by mini challenges, similar to Learnaroo.

Languages: Python, Java, C, C#,  JavaScipt, PHP, Shell

5. Code Combat [x]

Basically, it turns learning to code into a game! As you move through the levels, new concepts are introduced, so the code you need to write to play the game gets harder. 

Languages: Python, Java, JavaScript, CoffeeScript, Clojure, Lua

6. Codingame [x]

Similar idea to Code Combat, but a little more advanced. 

Languages: Python, Java, Ruby, C, C++, C#, Haskell, VB … there’s actually loads it supports.

7. Code Wars [x]

This is more for ‘training’ with a language you already know. It offers plenty of practice through challenges, so it’s really good for improving your coding skills. 

Languages: Python, Ruby, Java, C#, Haskell, JavaScript, CoffeeScript, Clojure

8. Coderbyte [x]

This offers some video tutorials and challenges for a few languages, plus special courses on specific algorithms and bootcamp/interview prep. You need a premium membership for quite a lot of things, though (e.g. I don’t think you can watch any of the videos with a free membership).

Languages: Python, Ruby, JavaScript

Extras: Algorithms, Bootcamp Prep, Job Interview Prep

9. Free Code Camp [x]

Mini tutorials followed by mini challenges. Has a number of courses on the languages below!

Languages: HTML/CSS, jQuery, JavaScript

Extras: Git, Algorithms, + a bunch of projects to complete

10. Programmr [x]

Has courses to learn various languages through doing little exercises/challenges in the browser, similar to previous examples. Also has ‘zones’ for more languages, where you can find challenges, example code and projects people have shared. 

Languages: Python, Java, C++, C#, PHP, jQuery

11. CheckIO [x]

Only offers Python, but I still think it’s really great. You move from level to level, getting challenges which are gradually trickier. Learn by doing!

12. Rails for Zombies [x]

For people who already know a bit of Ruby, but nothing about Ruby on Rails!  Each level begins with a short video followed by interactive challenges where you program Rails in the browser.

That’s all (for now!) Hope this is helpful! (ﾉ^∇^)ﾉﾟ

[emmacandothis-blog]

Now that I'm finally back (I was away for a couple weeks to work) I made some monthly calendar printables for myself and thought I’d share them with you lovely people :) There's one version with a touch of pink and a second option in black and white. Download links below (via dropbox). Have fun :)

Touch of Pink

April 2016

May 2016

June 2016

July 2016

August 2016

September 2016

October 2016

November 2016

December 2016

Black and White

April 2016

May 2016

June 2016

July 2016

August 2016

September 2016

October 2016

November 2016

December 2016

[oracle-at-deli]

actual real life study tips

Okay, so I see a lot of “how to make cute note” etc. etc. tips on here and while aesthetically appealing notes totally help some people, there’s way more to being studious and productive than spending hours writing or rewriting your notes! Personally, I get by just as well on functional notes as those that I’ve doodled, dotted, and dashed into oblivion– in terms of decoration, it’s best that you do you. I used to be a pretty awful student, and note taking guides did jack squat to help me. So my 4.0 and messy notes are here to give the advice that they can–  here are some study tips absent of frills and squiggly lines– how shit gets done. 

Weiterlesen

[emmacandothis-blog]

There are lots of tips out there on how to decorate your workspace. But to create - or rather find - your perfect workspace you have to find out what you need in terms of surroundings and atmosphere to get the most out of it.

>> Questions you should ask yourself

When do you work best? Morning, afternoon, at night?

Which atmosphere and surroundings do you need? Silence (like in a library)? Music? Background noise (like in a coffee shop)? Would you rather be surrounded by people or alone? What light works best for you? Do you work better outside (in a park) or inside?

What position is the most comfortable for you when writing or reading? Lying down, sitting, standing?

Do you prefer to write on paper or on the computer? Reading?

Now that you've answered all these questions, you should have an idea about where your ideal workspace should be. Or maybe you already had a preferred workspace. In that case these questions should have helped you figure out why that is your preferred workspace. That knowledge can help you with the next step.

>> Improving and perfecting your workspace

Are there any noises that disctract you? Are there any ways to eliminate them?

Maybe you like to study in a coffee shop because you like being surrounded by people but the music there distracts you sometimes. So you might give switching to a busy library a try or listening to white noise on your phone/iPod/... while at the coffee shop.

Other distracting factors?

Maybe you like to work on your computer, but the internet is too tempting and keeps disctracting you. You might want to consider studying somewhere where wi-fi isn't available. Or using software to block distractions on your computer (recommendation: Cold Turkey).

Make sure the room is well lit and well-ventilated - your brain needs oxygen!

Make sure you have everything you need right there with you (pens/books/dictionaries/snack/water etc.)

Make sure your workspace is well-organized. Give everything its designated place so you won't have any trouble finding what you need.

Now you should have a good idea on where to find your ideal space to study. More specifics on how to block distractions etc. to come.

[emmacandothis-blog]

Not everybody functions the same way. We all have different strengths and weaknesses which correspond to how well different methods of studying work for us. To find out which methods work best for you, you have to find out what type of learner you are.

>> The VISUAL Learner

strengths: good writing skills (written expression), isn't easily distracted by noises, good organizational skills

weaknesses: difficulties to concentrate for long periods of time during lectures/speeches, difficulties dealing with information that is not presented in written form, needs a well-structured overview of a topic

methods:

take notes when you have to listen to information

create diagrams and other graphics

use colors

try to take a mental picture of the information you need so you can visualize it in your head later

>> The AUDITORY Learner

strenghts: active participant in discussions, able to understand and memorize oral information, good listener

weaknesses: writing difficulties, easily distracted by noises, needs oral explanations for written material

methods:

read texts out loud, tell someone (even if it's the wall) the summary

say words and numbers out loud to memorize them

record information and listen to it

avoid distracting noises

>> The KINESTHETIC Learner

strenghts: doing instead of talking, learning by doing, assessing their own abilities

weaknesses: tends to spend more time on a problem than necessary, might lose track when dealing with unknown range of topics, doing things for the sake of doing things/acting without thinking

methods:

act out possible scenarios in your head

annotate texts

get someone to demonstrate things/ show them to you

avoid sitting down

[languageoclock]

this guide is intended for learners who already have a good grasp of standard written and spoken German and are familiar with basic linguistic terminology

contractions/reductions*

*apostrophes (’) are shown for explanatory purposes, they are usually optional

in sentences with a conjugated modal verb and one infinitive, the infinitive can be omitted if its meaning can be assumed by the relationship between the subject(s) and object(s) Sie will ein Glas Milch haben. > Sie will ein Glas Milch. Kann er Deutsch sprechen? > Kann er Deutsch? Wir wollen nach Deutschland reisen. > Wir wollen nach Deutschland. Ich will zu dir gehen. > Ich will zu dir. Das Kind muss ins Bett gehen. > Das Kind muss ins Bett. Das darf ich nicht machen. > Das darf ich nicht.

the verb infinitive ending -en can become -’n gehen > geh’n sehen > seh’n wollen > woll’n lecken > leck’n

-e can be removed from the end of conjugated verbs habe > hab’ hätte > hätt’ trage > trag’ wäre > wär’

es can be reduced to -’s on the end of the preceding word du es > du’s ich es > ich’s los geht es > los geht’s was gibt es? > was gibt’s?

the ei- can be removed from the beginning of the indefinite article ein > ’n eine > ’ne einen > ’nen einem > ’nem einer > ’ner irgendeine > irgend’ne etc.

if du proceeds its conjugated verb, it can be reduced to -e on the end of the preceding verb bist du > biste hast du > haste kannst du > kannste warst du > warste

unofficial prepositional contractions (ein/den/einen becomes -’n, dem becomes -’m, das becomes -’s) auf dem > auf’m durch das > durch’s für das > für’s für ein/den/einen > für’n hinter dem > hinter’m mit dem > mit’m (> mim) unter das > unter’s etc.

reduction of prepositional compounds (dar- becomes dr- and her- becomes r-) darin > drin darauf > drauf heraus > raus herein > rein etc.

in questions with a second or third person singular conjugated verb, “denn” can be moved to directly proceed the verb, where it is reduced to -’n, causing the t sound to be reduced to a glottal stop when pronounced was ist das denn? > was is(t)’n das? wie heißt du denn? > wie heiß(t)’n du? the above contractions/reductions are often used together das wäre es > das wär’s ich habe es > ich hab’s

some other words that can be reduced/contracted andere > andre besondere > besondre gerade > grade > grad irgendetwas > irgendwas/etwas > was irgendwelche > welche ist > is’ ist so > isso nicht > nich (north) or net/nit (south) nichts > nix mal > ma schonmal > schoma so ist es > so isses

other

corresponding relative pronouns instead of third person pronouns sie > die, ihr > der er > der, ihn > den, ihm > dem sie > die, ihnen > denen

instead of “ja” jap jepp jo joa ju jupp

instead of “nein” nee/ne nöö/nö

instead of “oder?” at the end of a sentence to make it a question ne? (north) gell? (south) nicht wahr? stimmt’s?

make sure you know how to use these words, they will help make you sound less sharp and robotic aber auch bloß doch eben eh einmal erst etwa gerade halt ja mal na naja nun nur ohnehin schon sowieso vielleicht wohl

fillers/expressions of surprise ach/achso - aha/I see/oh okay Alter/Digga/Mann - dude/man/bro/mate ah/äh/eh/oh - ah/oh ahm/ähm/ehm/öhm - um/erm au/aua/autsch - ow/ouch bäh/igitt/pfui - ew/ugh/yuck boah - wow ey - hey/jeez hä? - huh? oha - wow (oh mein) Gott - (oh my) god was zur Hölle/was zum Teufel - what the hell/what the fuck

texting/informal online usage

abbreviations bis bald > bb bis dann > bd bisschen/bisserl/bissle > bissn/bissl eigentlich > eig einfach > einf (gute) Nacht > (g)n8 hab dich (ganz doll) lieb > hd(gd)l ich dich auch > ida ich liebe dich > ild irgendwie > iwie, irgendwann > iwann, irgendwo > iwo, etc. jetzt > jz keine Ahnung > kA kein Bock > kB kein Plan/Problem > kP kein Ding > kD vielleicht > vllt was machst (du so)? > wm(ds)

laughing haha - normal laugh hihi - giggle hehe - cute/evil/annoying laugh höhö/hühü - cute/annoying/sarcastic/satirical/stupid laugh

use this emoji 🙈 (monkey covering eyes with hands) if you are nervous/embarrassed to say something you are talking to or about your crush/boyfriend/girlfriend/etc. something is cute/adorable someone has given you a compliment

pronunciation^

^these apply to the spoken language, written examples are only given for explanatory purposes

-en, -em and -el are pronounced as n m and l respectively heißen > heißn diesem > diesm Vogel > Vogl

short i can sound like an unstressed ü or like it has been omitted altogether schwimmen > schwümmn sind > sünt ich habe es > chaps

the combinations ls and ns can sound like there is a t before the s als > alts ich will es > chwüllts eins > eints übrigens > übrignts

-en before d and t is pronounced as n Duden > Dudn schneiden > schneidn t is reduced to a glottal stop braten > bra’n retten > re’n in the case of words that end in -nden, d is sometimes reduced to a glottal stop finden > findn > fin’n

-en after g and k is pronounced as ng Magen > Magng Flaggen > Flagng k is reduced to a glottal stop packen > pa’ng zocken > zo’ng in the case of words ending in -nken, n is pronounced as ng sinken > sing’n

-en after b and p is pronounced as m Krabben > Krabbm mobben > mobbm p is reduced to a glottal stop Waschlappen > Waschla’m klappen > kla’m in the case of haben, b is sometimes omitted altogether haben > habm > ham

▶ FAQ ▶ more German resources

[boomeyer]

Do yourself a favor. Learn to code. Here's how.

I’ve said this to my non-techie friends countless times. It’s no secret that being able to code makes you a better job applicant, and a better entrepreneur. Hell, one techie taught a homeless man to code and now that man is making his first mobile application.

Learning to code elevates your professional life, and makes you more knowledgeable about the massive changes taking place in the technology sector that are poised to have an immense influence on human life.

(note: yes I realize that 3/5 of those links were Google projects)

But most folks are intimidated by coding. And it does seem intimidating at first. But peel away the obscurity and the difficulty, and you start to learn that coding, at least at its basic level, is a very manageable, learnable skill.

There are a lot of resources out there to teach you. I’ve found a couple to be particularly successful. Here’s my list of resources for learning to code, sorted by difficulty:

Novice

Never written a line of code before? No worries. Just visit one of these fine resources and follow their high-level tutorials. You won’t get into the nitty-gritty, but don’t worry about it for now:

Dash - by General Assembly

CodeAcademy

w3 Tutorials (start at HTML on the left sidebar and work your way down)

Intermediate

Now that you’ve gone through a handful of basic tutorials, it’s time to learn the fundamentals of actual, real-life coding problems. I’ve found these resources to be solid:

Khan Academy

CodeAcademy - Ruby, Python, PHP

Difficult

If you’re here, you’re capable of building things. You know the primitives. You know the logic control statements. You’re ready to start making real stuff take shape. Here are some different types of resources to turn you from someone who knows how to code, into a full-fledged programmer.

Programming problems

Sometimes, the challenges in programming aren’t how to make a language do a task, but just how to do the task in general. Like how to find an item in a very large, sorted list, without checking each element. Here are some resources for those types of problems

Talentbuddy

TopCoder

Web Applications

If you learned Python, Django is an amazing platform for creating quick-and-easy web applications. I’d highly suggest the tutorial - it’s one of the best I’ve ever used, and you have a web app up and running in less than an hour.

Django Tutorial

I’ve never used Rails, but it’s a very popular and powerful framework for creating web applications using Ruby. I’d suggest going through their guide to start getting down-and-dirty with Rails development.

Rails Guide

If you know PHP, there’s an ocean of good stuff out there for you to learn how to make a full-fledged web application. Frameworks do a lot of work for you, and provide quick and easy guides to get up and running. I’d suggest the following:

Cake PHP Book

Symfony 2 - Get Started

Yii PHP - The Comprehensive Guide

Conclusion

If there’s one point I wanted to get across, it’s that it is easier than ever to learn to code. There are resources on every corner of the internet for potential programmers, and the benefits of learning even just the basics are monumental.

If you know of any additional, great resources that aren’t listed here, please feel free to tweet them to me @boomeyer.

Best of luck!

[thetrekkiehasthephonebox]

Oh perfect

[study-well]

Writing a CV:

The perfect resume for someone with no experience (by businessinsider​)

Guide to writing a CV

Common grammar mistakes to avoid on your CV

How to explain a gap in your CV

How to overcome common CV issues

What not to do on your CV

Should I include hobbies and interests in my CV?

CV layout: dos and don'ts

Free CV template

School leaver CV template

CV templates and tips

More free CV templates

Example CVs

How to tailor your CV to different industry sectors

Writing a Cover Letter:

How to write a cover letter

How to overcome common cover letter problems

Graduate cover letter template

Career break cover letter template

School leaver cover letter template

Free cover letter template

Referencing:

How to get a reference

References: workers’ rights

How to deal with employment references

How to include references on a resume

Interviews:

How to answer common interview questions

How to prepare for an interview

The interview itself

Advice to help you ace the interview

Answer curveball interview questions

101 Interview Questions You’ll Never Fear Again

Second interview questions and answers

Telephone interview questions and answers

Questions you should not be asked

What to wear to an interview: bloggers’ top tips

Group interview tips: do’s and don'ts

Interview questions for employers: What you should be asking

What not to do at interview

What job can I do?

How to decide what job to look for

How to find a new job

How to search for jobs online

Jobs in the retail industry

Jobs in the engineering industry

Jobs in the fashion industry

Jobs in the IT industry

Jobs in the motoring industry

Jobs in sport

Jobs in the education industry

Jobs in the energy industry

Careers with animals

Jobs in the media industry

Jobs in the leisure & tourism industry

Jobs in the catering industry

Jobs for history lovers

Jobs for geography lovers

Jobs for English lovers

Jobs for maths lovers

Volunteering:

7 Simple ways to make the best of volunteering

Benefits of volunteering

Benefits of mentoring

Volunteer Abroad

Resignation:

Resignation letters: What you need to know

Resignation letter templates  

How to resign

How To Resign & Hand In Your Resignation Letter

Redundancy /Job Loss:

Deal with redundancy

Things to do if you lose your job

Claim Jobseeker’s Allowance

Jobseekers allowance (UK) overview

15 tips to survive a job loss

How to Cope With Job Loss and Move On

At work:

How to start a new job

How to have a good first day

How to hold onto your job

How to handle bullying in the workplace

Commuting: how far is too far?

How to get a promotion

Summer workwear advice

Office Style Trends 2015

What You Can (and Can’t) Wear to Work

Dealing with stress at work

How to deal with a brutal boss

[artemisdesk]

I need this so much right now!