I am new to FCC, so I apologize if my reply is a bit off. I have learned to code on my own without help from such a great resource as FCC. Right now, I am about 4-5 years into learning java, mysql, and basic html and css. In my daily life I note areas where it would be great to have a program/app do something for me. Then I start building. My initial programs are often poorly written but I can make something that is useful for me. I find this approach the best way to learn (for me). It may not be the fastest, but by coding various projects I learn new skills as I solve the problems. Below are some of the examples of programs I have built, and continue to build and/or improve upon.
I am a family physician so my job has many opportunities where new apps can help. Just consider looking around at your daily life and think about what you can build.
Vaccine refrigerators are very costly. Their benefit is they have alarms when the temperature goes out of range. Much cheaper to build alarm and use dorm fridge. Using Java and a hardware device called a Phidget (Arduinos are much cheaper) I created an app to measure temps in fridge and freezer, or if door ajar for too long. Then visual, audible, and if selected, text alert to my phone, are triggered. I learned a great deal from this program. It is very simple, but I learned how to text cell phones from email. I also learned how to talk with a hardware device. All written in java.
Patient check-in software. When a patient presents to a doctor’s office, this solution allows a patient to check in and answer basic questions about the visit from a computer in the waiting room.
Group text/email program to send appointment reminders to patients. Although these programs exist, I wanted one that did not charge a per text fee. I learned how to interface with a cellular modem. Now I text my patients appointment reminders and I only pay $9/month for a low cost cellular plan and can text any number of times for that $9.
Medication list generator. Many of my patients do not speak English, or they are illiterate. I am creating a medication list generator that can create med lists in other languages and using graphical representations.
Hopefully you get the idea. Early on, this approach definitely is hard with much delayed gratification. Start with small projects and build from there as your coding knowledge grows. I still consider myself a beginner, but I keep learning and keep building things that make my life easier.
Good luck!
Doug
(following link was me playing with html and css a few years ago, way basic and ugly)
http://www.integramedicalso.byethost7.com/IntegraMSOS/