My Coding Journey – From Dreamweaver to Web Expert
Introduction
In 2018, I embarked on a journey that would shape my career and passions. I was fresh into the world of coding, eager to create and solve problems. Now, with 6 years of experience under my belt, I look back at where it all began and how far I’ve come. Today, I’m a software engineer at PesaPal, overseeing key marketplace platforms like ticketsasa.com and reserveport.com. But the journey to this point is one filled with learning, growth, and a deepening love for technology.
The Beginning: A School Website and Teachers’ Management System
My coding journey started with a simple yet ambitious project: building a website for a school using Dreamweaver. At the time, I knew little about web development, but I was determined to create something functional and useful. The website served as a platform for the school to advertise and communicate with the outside world. It was my first real taste of what coding could do—turning ideas into tangible solutions.
Around the same time, I developed a teachers’ management system. This system allowed teachers to enter students’ marks, process results, and automatically send those results to parents via text messages at the end of each term. The impact of this system was profound. It streamlined communication between the school and parents, and it gave me a glimpse into the potential of software to improve everyday processes.
University Years: Strengthening My Skills
With these initial projects fueling my passion, I went on to pursue a degree in Computer Science at Chuka University. University wasn’t just about academics for me; it was a playground for honing my skills. I participated in hackathons, joined coding clubs, and engaged in various tech-related activities that pushed my boundaries.
These experiences were invaluable. They not only deepened my technical knowledge but also exposed me to teamwork, problem-solving under pressure, and the importance of community in tech. I was no longer just building websites—I was creating systems that could scale, collaborating with others, and contributing to a larger ecosystem of innovation.
Entering the Professional World
After university, I took my first steps into the professional world. The transition wasn’t always smooth—I faced challenges that tested both my skills and my resolve. However, each obstacle was a learning opportunity. I worked on various projects, each with its unique demands, which helped me grow as a developer.
My early professional experiences taught me the importance of writing clean, maintainable code, and the value of understanding user needs. I learned that coding wasn’t just about making things work; it was about making things work well and making sure they met the users’ expectations.
My Role at PesaPal: Marketplace Platforms Engineer
Today, I’m proud to be part of PesaPal, where I serve as a software engineer responsible for our marketplace platforms. Among these are ticketsasa.com and reserveport.com—platforms that facilitate transactions and reservations for users across the region. My role involves not only ensuring that these platforms run smoothly but also continuously improving them to better serve our users.
Working on these platforms has been a rewarding experience. I’ve had the opportunity to tackle complex problems, optimize systems for better performance, and collaborate with a talented team. The journey from that first school website to now leading these platforms has been remarkable, filled with challenges that have only made me a better developer.
Reflecting on 6 Years of Experience
Looking back, it’s clear that the past six years have been a time of immense growth. From the early days of Dreamweaver to now, each step of the journey has taught me something valuable. I’ve learned the importance of persistence, the power of collaboration, and the need for continuous learning in the ever-evolving field of technology.
To anyone just starting out in coding, my advice is simple: be curious, be resilient, and never stop learning. The road ahead may be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Every line of code you write is a step closer to your goals.Conclusion
Conclusion
As I continue on this journey, I’m excited about the future—about the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This blog is a way for me to share my experiences, connect with others in the tech community, and hopefully inspire those who are just starting their own journeys.
Thank you for reading, and I look forward to sharing more insights and stories from my journey. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to discuss anything tech-related!