Forem: Slick3gz

DLLs or Shared Objects

Slick3gz — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 01:18:41 +0000

I’ve been discovering the C language in my spare time. Today, I learned how to create .dll and .so files that I can dynamically load at runtime. 😁 As a teenager, I thought .dll files existed simply for me to pull an all-nighter trying to reinstall Windows because of corrupted .dll files. It’s nice to know that they aren’t some kind of computer voodoo that is meant to cause pain & suffering 🤣. Learning C is giving me a better understanding and deeper appreciation for those that created the digital 🌎 we live in.

June update

Slick3gz — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 18:38:10 +0000

Been a while. Been staying off of most social media platforms to concentrate on leveling up my coding skills. I’ve also been studying to take the CompTIA Security+ exam. Had been going hardcore and decided to break it up by learning C a little each day. On a whim I took the C assessment on LinkedIn... and passed. 😃 A small thing to most but I am very happy about it. I’m starting to delve into intermediate/advanced C topics and am getting a better understanding of how my computer functions. Really looking forward to get into Linux, Network, and maybe firmware programming.
I’m hoping to take & pass the Security+ exam in late August or early September. Trying to make the most of this insane year. Hope everyone is well. 🙏

Chugging along

Slick3gz — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 13:54:47 +0000

Just wanted to share a little bit of progress. If you have been following me, you may have seen that I was switching environments by moving into my new “office” space from my bedroom. I was able to get a decent size whiteboard that has already proven useful.

I’ve been working through the K&R C book very slowly. I’m trying to depend more on myself for solutions to problems instead of googling when I’m stuck. I’ve owned up to the fact that I tend to speed through things to get “there” but end up not getting the results I want. I’m trying to be more methodical in my approach by breaking each problem down into simple steps using the whiteboard, documenting my code as much as possible (I can always remove later if it’s obnoxious), and learning how to use the debugger. I think these steps keep me in the problem solving mindset that allows me to accomplish my goal.

I feel guilty that it’s taken me this long to get to this point in programming. But I keep in mind that there is no “set” path to becoming the “genius programmer”. There is only me and my ability to solve problems with the tools I have acquired so far.

Again, I would like to say that I’m thankful for everyone that has shared their knowledge that I can learn from every day.

Learning basic HTTP with netcat

Slick3gz — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 21:47:28 +0000

This past week I’ve been using SSH to connect to an old computer that was given to me. I installed a copy of Arch Linux just because I thought it would be “fun”. I’m learning new things that are keeping me curious about Linux, networking, and programming. Starting out with a basic install had me learning about the boot process, systemd, and configuration. I’ve spent most of my free time learning to use the command line more effectively. I remain in awe of all the tools that are available to allow me the opportunity to have a deeper understanding of my machines. Sometimes I try to envision the minds of the people who have created this electronic revolution.

Thank you to everyone that supports open-source. Hopefully I can return the favor someday.

💡 (waking up)

Slick3gz — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 16:07:57 +0000

I’ve been coding off and on since the early 90s on a Tandy Color Computer 2 my mom picked up at a yard sale. I’ve always closely followed instructions/tutorials on how to do this and that. But I think I wasn’t seeing the forest for the trees.

I’m really trying to dig in and figure out what I want to do. There are really so many avenues that it’s overwhelming at times.

I’ve just started working through the K&R C book. The end of section suggested exercises made a 💡 go off in my head. They have given me the tools to solve the exercise but haven’t told me exactly how to do it. I have to trust that I can solve this problem on my own. And that’s when it hit me. Programming is more about solving problems than coding. Some may say... duh. Well deserved. But I think this mind shift helps me put things into perspective.

I’ve been coding in my bedroom for the last couple years. I’ve committed to using some extra space that I have to making a small office type area with a desk and a whiteboard. Sketching ideas & algorithms on paper helps me visualize the problem and come up with strategies before I start coding. So I’m thinking a whiteboard will be a great asset for me.

I’m just wondering if any of you remember a “mind shift” in your programming journey that made you feel like you were progressing?

JS Data Privacy

Slick3gz — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 17:36:36 +0000

Hello again 👋

I’ve been grinding in the lab trying get a deeper understanding of Javascript. I’m currently working on a tiny project utilizing some ES6 features. I noticed while creating some classes that instance variables don’t seem to have much protection from outside interference. I would like to hear from other devs on how they go about protecting their instance data in production or if that’s even a valid issue?

What about TypeScript?

Slick3gz — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 19:33:28 +0000

👋

Just picked up a course about Angular from Udemy. Noticed that it uses TypeScript instead of JavaScript. Would love to hear people’s thoughts about TypeScript in general?

Useful?

Gonna be around a while?

Tried TypeScript but went back to Javascript?

Drop your comments below.

The Road Ahead

Slick3gz — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 13:59:09 +0000

Hello again.

After some careful consideration I’ve decided to withdraw from my Business Admin/Accounting program to focus on leveling up my full-stack development skills. My first order of business is going to be learning Javascript deeply. I really want to dig in and understand this evolving language.

Please drop a comment about your best Javascript resources that helped you understand the language more fully.

Udacity Nanodegree

Slick3gz — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 14:33:32 +0000

👋

I’m thinking about throwing down some 💰 for a Udacity NanoDegree for possibly Java programming, Cloud Programming, or DevOps. Is anyone familiar or have any experience working with Udacity? 🤔

Back from the 💀

Slick3gz — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 14:28:24 +0000

👋

It’s been a while but I just wanted to pop in and let everyone know how I’m doing. 2019 brought quite a few changes to my life. I started attending online university for Business Administration/Accounting. I also have been trying to level up my python skills in my spare time. I actually have received some interesting potential coding job opportunities at the end of 2019 and I’m actively engaged in landing a job. 2020 is looking good so far. I hope everyone is well. I’ll drop in more frequently to Dev.to this year. Have a wonderful week everyone.

Struggling

Slick3gz — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 17:24:36 +0000

I have been coding off and on for almost 20 years. I’ve tried a lot of different languages, but nothing ever feels like home. Something always ends up pulling my attention away. I am the type of person that likes to learn new things but I get bored with them very quickly.

I’m struggling because I have qualified to take the technical interview with a TripleByte rep, but I’m just blah about it.

I’m a Gemini. I’ve always felt there was two different sides to me. In college I dropped CS and switched to Music Education. I dropped Music Education and went back to CS.

Part of me wants to focus on traditional and digital art, but it may take a few years to get to where I want my art to be.

I’m just worried that if I pass the TripleByte interview and end up getting a coding job I might burn out too fast.

Has anyone else had similar feelings?

Anyone still using Emacs?

Slick3gz — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 14:28:13 +0000

I’ve been through a few code editors & IDEs. Been using VSCode on and off for the last couple years. A few others I have used over the years include DEV-C++, Eclipse, Atom, Code Blocks, Notepad++, Visual Studio, and some others I can’t remember 🤔. Lately I have developed a renewed interest in Emacs. I tried it before but didn’t really invest any serious time in learning how to use it. For some reason I woke up yesterday morning and decided to hop on the Emacs 🚂. I know people choose up sides and are very dedicated to their code editors or IDEs. Just really wondering how many devs use Emacs consistently in their workflow?