Common coding mistakes beginners make and how to avoid them

Learning to code is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Many of us have stared at a blinking cursor, wondering if our “Hello, World!” will even run; so you’re not alone.

6 coding mistakes beginners make#

Beginner mistakes? Totally normal. Mistakes are a key part of learning. Whether you’re writing your first program or debugging a small project, you might recognize some of these scenarios. Here’s what we’ll cover:

1. Diving in without a plan

2. Writing unreadable code

3. Skipping debugging and ignoring errors

4. Misusing version control (or not using it at all)

5. Inconsistent practice

6. AI as a co-pilot

We’ll discuss why it’s a mistake, show examples, discuss how AI helps us overcome these issues, and guide us on correcting the course. Let’s walk through these common missteps—and how to avoid them, and learn to code more effectively!

1. Diving in without a plan#

One of the biggest mistakes a beginner can make is jumping straight into writing code without planning. It’s tempting to open your editor and start coding when you have an idea. Unfortunately, coding without a plan often leads to disorganized, “spaghetti” code and lots of time spent fixing errors later.

A developer on one forum described how impulsive coding “led to a mess of errors and hours of fixing my blunders,” only to realize later that taking time to plan would have saved a lot of frustration. In other words, starting a project without a clear roadmap is like setting off on a road trip with no directions—you might eventually get there, but you’ll take many wrong turns along the way.

To avoid common coding mistakes, spend a little time planning your approach before you start writing code. You don’t need an extensive design document for a simple task; even jotting down a quick outline or sketching a basic flowchart can be extremely helpful. Ask yourself clear questions: What exactly should the program do? What inputs and outputs will it have? Which main components or functions might you need?

Taking just a few minutes to clarify these details can save hours of troubleshooting later. Break your problem into smaller, manageable sub-problems and identify how they’ll connect. Many experienced developers follow the mantra:

This emphasizes that coding is part of a broader, thoughtful process. In short, avoid improvising on larger tasks—have a clear plan. This strategy leads to cleaner code, fewer dead ends, and a more efficient coding experience.

2. Writing unreadable code#

Another common programming mistake is writing code that works but is difficult to read and understand. Beginners often underestimate the importance of code readability. Imagine picking up a book without punctuation or random jargon—you’d struggle to follow the story. Similarly, unclear code frustrates others (and even your future self).

New coders might use cryptic variable names, cram logic into one big function, or ignore proper formatting. Over time, this becomes a nightmare to debug or extend.

Symptoms of unreadable code include single-letter or non-descriptive variable names (x, data, temp), deeply nested logic that isn’t broken into functions, inconsistent or no indentation, and lack of whitespace. For example, a beginner in Java might write:

At first glance, it’s unclear what this code is calculating or why those variable names were chosen. The comments in this snippet are also overkill – they simply restate what the code does (// set x and y, // loop and accumulate) without explaining any higher-level intent. This kind of over-commenting adds clutter without providing insight. Comments that add no new information have negative value: they create visual noise, take time to maintain, and can even become inaccurate as code changes.

On the other hand, some beginners make the opposite mistake of under-commenting, assuming their code is “so crystal clear” that it needs no explanation. They might write an intricate function with complex logic and leave no comments. A few weeks later, they are still lost trying to understand their code. Remember the adage:

Comments act like guideposts for anyone reading the code (including you in the future). Neglecting them can turn your code into a maze with no clues.

How to write readable code#

Writing code with vague variable names, cryptic function names, or confusing logic, making it hard for others—or even your future self—to understand what the code does.

Beginners often rush to get their code working and choose short or generic names. Strive to make your code self-explanatory. Use meaningful variable and function names that convey intent. If your code handles a total sum of values, name the variable totalSum or sum rather than vague names like x or data. Similarly, if a function calculates an average, calculateAverage() instead of foo(). Clear naming often reduces the need for additional comments.

For example:

The code above now uses upperLimit and sum as variable names, clearly indicating their purpose. The loop is formatted neatly with proper indentation for readability. The comment retained explains context or intent (“Sum of 0 through 9”) rather than stating the obvious. Aim to use comments to explain purposes or complex logic, not to narrate what the code syntax already clearly shows. If you find yourself writing extensive comments, it might be a sign that your code needs refactoring for better clarity.

Many languages offer style guides or tools like linters to enforce readability standards. Writing clean, readable code helps others—and your future self—easily understand and maintain it. Prioritizing clarity through effective naming, structured formatting, and purposeful commenting will make debugging and future modifications much smoother.

3. Skipping debugging and ignoring errors#

Every programmer encounters bugs and errors. What separates good developers from frustrated ones is how they approach debugging. Beginners often develop poor habits:

• Ignoring error messages.

• Randomly tweaking code, hoping issues vanish.

• Testing only after writing large amounts of code.

These are critical mistakes. Error messages may seem intimidating, but they’re valuable clues. Instead of ignoring or panicking, carefully read them. Usually, the error message indicates exactly what’s wrong (e.g., “Index out of bounds at line X” or “NullPointerException in function Y”).

Effective debugging means adopting a systematic approach. First, reliably reproduce the bug. Then, use debugging tools like breakpoints in your IDE to inspect the program state. If you’re not familiar with debuggers yet, use print statements (e.g., System.out.println(“Debug: x=” + x);) to track your program’s execution and verify assumptions.

Consider this example demonstrating error handling:

In the above snippet, the error is ignored, providing no insight into what went wrong. A better practice would be:

Now, errors are reported, enabling easier debugging. Always handle exceptions meaningfully: log, recover, or notify users appropriately.

Remember: Confront errors directly, test frequently, carefully read error messages, and leverage debugging tools or print statements. Debugging is a skill; practicing a methodical approach reduces frustration and improves efficiency.

4. Misusing or skipping version control#

One essential tool developers rely on is version control, like Git. You might think Git is overkill for small projects. It’s not. A common beginner mistake is not using version control or using it poorly. You might assume your small project doesn’t need Git, but this decision can cause significant issues later. Without version control, you risk losing weeks of progress if a change breaks your program, leaving no easy way to revert to a working version. Skipping version control is similar to writing a long document without saving—one error can lead to disaster.

Version control tracks file changes over time, allowing you to easily recall previous versions and collaborate with others. Git and platforms like GitHub or GitLab provide a structured way to manage code history. Without it, beginners might rely on ineffective practices like saving multiple folder copies (Project_final, Project_final2, etc.) or commenting out code blocks. These methods are messy, error-prone, and hard to scale.

Common beginner misuses of version control include large, infrequent commits with unclear messages and not ignoring unnecessary files. However, the biggest mistake remains not using version control at all.

Even solo projects should be managed as if collaboration might happen. Write clear commit messages (e.g., “Implemented user login validation” rather than “changes”) and commit frequently. Regularly push your code to a remote repository to ensure backup. While beginners may initially find Git complex, mastering a few basic commands (init, add, commit, push, pull, and clone) is sufficient to leverage its benefits.

In short, always use version control—it’s essential for professional development. Starting early helps maintain code history, simplifies collaboration, and significantly reduces the risk of losing work. Embrace version control from the outset, and you’ll avoid this common beginner mistake entirely.

5. Inconsistent practice#

Learning to code is similar to learning a musical instrument or a new language—consistent practice is essential. A common beginner mistake is irregular coding habits: intense activity for a few days followed by long breaks. Such inconsistency causes you to lose momentum and forget previously learned concepts. Consistent practice is far more effective than sporadic, intense sessions. Coding for just 20 minutes daily is significantly better than coding for two hours once a month.

This issue often ties into impatience. Beginners sometimes expect rapid proficiency, get discouraged when results aren’t immediate, and stop practicing regularly. However, coding mastery is a gradual process that benefits from steady, incremental progress.

In short, treat coding practice as you would any skill-building activity: regular practice and patience are essential. Consistency builds confidence and deepens understanding. Developing a regular coding habit prevents skill lapses and steadily transforms initial struggles into genuine programming proficiency.

6. Underutilizing AI as a coding assistant#

AI-powered tools such as GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, and intelligent linters have become indispensable collaborators in modern development workflows. Rather than grappling with errors in isolation, you can leverage these assistants to identify syntax issues, propose refactorings, and suggest alternative implementations—effectively turning your IDE into a real-time code review partner.

Instead, maximize AI assistance#

• Begin with a minimal reproducible example: Isolate the problematic code and include relevant error messages. Providing context ensures more accurate AI suggestions.

• Craft precise prompts: Clearly describe your intended behavior, inputs, and outputs, and the specific challenge you’re facing (e.g., “Why does this function return undefined?” or “How can I optimize this database query?”).

• Validate and refine: Treat AI recommendations as hypotheses. Always run tests, step through logic in a debugger, and consult official documentation to confirm correctness.

Curious as to how to do that? Get started with the following course:

Over time, you’ll develop an instinct for when to trust AI suggestions and when to investigate further on your own. Think of AI feedback as a second opinion: the more detailed your context and the clearer your prompts, the more valuable its guidance becomes. This iterative process resolves bugs more efficiently and exposes you to industry best practices and coding idioms you may not encounter otherwise.

By embracing AI as a co-pilot, you transform debugging from a solitary slog into an interactive dialogue that accelerates your growth as a developer and leads to cleaner, more reliable code.

Final word#

Making mistakes is an inevitable and valuable part of becoming a programmer. Every experienced coder has made beginner errors. Each mistake offers a chance to learn and grow. Mistakes are not only expected but beneficial, as they help reinforce important lessons: writing clear, readable code, carefully handling errors, and understanding good debugging practices.

Remember, you don’t need to immediately become an expert in all these practices. Programming is about continuous improvement, and these habits will become second nature with consistent effort. When mistakes occur, analyze and learn from them rather than becoming discouraged. Each bug you fix or code you refactor is progress toward becoming a better developer.

Maintain a positive and curious mindset. Rather than thinking negatively when errors arise, ask yourself,

Over time, you’ll gain technical knowledge and wisdom in problem-solving and creating strong code. Even seasoned developers encounter mistakes, but they’ve learned to manage and learn from them effectively.

Keep coding, learning, and embracing mistakes as part of the journey. By avoiding these common beginner pitfalls and practicing good habits, you’ll experience smoother coding, faster debugging, and greater enjoyment. Each challenge overcome strengthens your skills, making you a more capable programmer. Happy coding!