The Tech Mindset Masterclass That Lit a Fire In My Coding Journey
We hosted Taiwo Adebisi, a senior Software Engineer at ALX for an insightful masterclass. Having attended the session, David GIft, a learner in our 8-month ALX backend program, shares his reflections.
I recently attended the Tech Mindset: Your Secret to Success masterclass on the ALX software Engineering YouTube channel — and let me tell you, it was lit! 🔥
The session featured Taiwo Adebisi, a senior developer at ALX Africa, who shared powerful insights that are already reshaping how I approach learning and problem-solving in tech.
Here’s what stood out — and why I think every aspiring developer should hear this:
🔑 Master the Fundamentals — Go Deep, Not Just Broad
Taiwo made it clear: before you chase the latest frameworks or libraries, build a solid foundation. That means really understanding the core elements of programming — variables, loops, functions, data structures — inside out.
"Strong fundamentals are the backbone of every great developer."
When you go deep rather than wide, you’re better equipped to take on complex challenges in any tech stack.
🧠 Think Before You Code
This one hit hard. According to Taiwo, jumping straight into VS Code (or any editor) when starting a new project is a recipe for frustration.
His process?
60% planning
30% coding
10% refining
And his favorite planning tool? Pen and paper. 📝
That intentional pause before coding is what separates spaghetti code from scalable solutions.
🛠️ “The Best Way to Learn Is to Do”
Yes, tutorial hell is real. And I’ve been stuck in it more times than I care to admit.
Taiwo’s advice? Embrace Test-Driven Development (TDD) — it forces you to think logically, write real code, and iterate based on results. It’s the difference between passive learning and active doing.
“Learn and build. Don’t just learn and learn.”
That line stuck with me. And honestly, it’s changing how I approach every coding session.
📅 Build a Daily Coding Routine
Want to grow? Then show up daily — even if it’s just for 20–30 minutes.
Taiwo quoted James Clear, author of Atomic Habits:
“You don’t rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
This isn’t about grinding non-stop. It’s about consistency, and creating a rhythm that makes growth inevitable.
This masterclass wasn’t just inspiring — it was practical. These aren’t abstract theories; they’re actionable strategies I’m now using in my daily coding journey.
If you’re a developer (or on your way to becoming one), I highly recommend attending and/or watching these sessions. With the right mindset, coding becomes more than a skill — it becomes your superpower.
To keep in touch with David Gift, find him on X and LinkedIn.