📚Book Review: The Pragmatic Programmer

The Pragmatic Programmer

by Dave Thomas and Andy Hunt

ISBN 13: 978-0-13-595705-9

Where to Buy: https://www.amazon.com/Pragmatic-Programmer-Journeyman-Master/dp/020161622X#averageCustomerReviewsAnchor 

Goal: 

Ironically enough, my blog wasn't originally inspired by this book. But, I am happy to say that the title alone caught my attention. 

Hope: 

I hope to gain a better understanding of Pragmatism and how it correlates with Programming. 

Outcome: 

Honestly, I wasn't able to complete this book. I returned it to the library, but I intended on purchasing it or checking it out again. It seemed to have some excellent tips for Programmers when making decisions in the workplace and when dealing with projects. 

I will definitely be circling back around to this one and providing better updates. 

📗YES, for adults. Maybe even download the audiobook. This isn't a code based book but more or less how to approach problems and solutions pragmatically. 

📕NO, to Kids. (the end)

📙MAYBE, as a reference book, if you aren't interested in reading this type of information from cover to cover. 

Read More

📚Book Review: Beginners Step by Step Coding Course - Scratch

Beginners Step by Step Coding Course - Scratch 

Learn Computer Programming the easy way

Penguin Random House 

ISBN: 978-1-4656-8221-1

Where to Buy: https://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Step-Step-Coding-Course/dp/1465482210 

Goal: 

Harvard CS50 requires me to understand Scratch for the projects. 

Decide to use this book to learn and do a few introductory projects to save to my website (portfolio)

Hope: 

I hope that it helps me to understand the logic of coding from a kids point of view and give me the confidence to move forward into more difficult things. If a kid can do it then I can. 

Outcome: 

Book was returned. Was a nice overview but NOT for my age group. Not very useful for me but encouraged me to continue looking into textbooks to learn versus online platforms. I wouldn't say SCRATCH is for babies, but I am beyond that point in my learning. 

Recommendation: 

📗YES, for Kids 

📕NO, for someone with beginner-level or moderate experience

📙MAYBE, for anyone super afraid to get started

Read More

Circling Back

July 11, 2025

I am back to where I started; 

I was exploring LinkedIn Learning last month and became easily bored with the content. 

I have no justification for the boredom other than I felt like i was going nowhere fast. 

the course work seemed like college level (blah blah) all practical and not applicable. 

I considered exploring this site name PLURALSIGHT which i found to be a federally connected resource, but felt it would make me essentially feel the same......in short, I am back where I started. 

I returned to my original stomping ground and to the website that inspired me to start coding in the first place......@Traversy Media. 

💜WEBSITE: https://www.traversymedia.com

💜YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@TraversyMedia

This time, I spent $25 to take his HTML, CSS from the Beginning 2.0 course just to make sure I remember everything he originally taught me. 

SOOOO MANY FREE VIDEOS. 

Already I feel like I am back to my old self. I am so inspired by his teaching style/method that I am rearranging everything to make sure i take adequate notes and am able to give his course my undivided attention 

Maybe after i run through a bunch of Traversy Media courses and complete my planned projects; I will circle back around to those other sites and explore what more they have to offer. but right now i think the most important thing is to build my confidence where i feel the most comfortable. 

Note: I am taking all of my notes in this new app on MACBOOK called OBSIDIAN 

so far it seems far more superior than Stupid Notion which was a literal pain in the ass to deal with. 

as of this draft 7/11/25 - I was inspired to wake up at 1:00am to get on my PC and work towards my Full Stack Goal. (now tell me that isn't a great sign of motivation and inspiration)

I have my Traversy Folder and my Blogger Folder in one place now so that I can stay focused. 

Logging off - DYYANNA 7/11/25

Read More

Greetings from the Webmaster

Welcome to The Pragmatic Empiricist: A Midlife Journey into Full Stack Web Development

Hello and welcome! I’m Dyyanna Draw, and I’m excited to kick off this blog — The Pragmatic Empiricist — where I share my journey learning to code and transitioning into tech in my 40s. After more than a decade (12 years, to be exact) working in the federal government, I’ve decided it’s time for a major shift. I’m diving headfirst into the world of full stack web development, and I’m inviting you along for the ride.

Why "The Pragmatic Empiricist"?

The name reflects how I approach this journey: with practicality, curiosity, and a willingness to learn by doing. I believe in testing ideas, iterating fast, and embracing mistakes as stepping stones — values that align beautifully with both scientific thinking and modern software development.

Changing Careers After 40: Why Tech?

As a woman in her 40s starting over, I know the doubts that can come with learning to code later in life. But I also know the strength that comes from years of problem-solving, team collaboration, and systems thinking. The tech world thrives on adaptability, and those of us making a midlife career change bring valuable skills and perspectives to the table.

Tech isn’t just for twenty-somethings. It’s for anyone willing to learn, grow, and build. I’m here to show that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself — and that includes becoming a developer over 40.

Inspired to Start Now, Not Later

After reading an inspiring post on DEV (Blogging Your Learn to Code Journey), I realized I didn’t have to wait until I became “job ready” to start documenting this journey. In fact, that’s the whole point. This blog is my digital journal — full of lessons, challenges, resources, and progress updates as I level up my skills.

What You’ll Find on This Blog

• Reflections on learning programming over 40
• Project walkthroughs as I build my portfolio
• Reviews of helpful coding resources and tutorials
• Career change insights for those transitioning into tech careers
• Real talk about the ups and downs of learning to code

🧿Purpose of this Blog

The Pragmatic Empiricist Blog will serve three purposes; 

1. **To catalogue my thoughts**

1. Rants, Reflections and Revelations 

2. Manifesto - redefining myself

3. Accountability Log - to keep track of my evolution (no matter how small)

2. **To publicly bookmark**; 

1. Tech Resources

2. Books

3. Music

4. Movie

3. **To serve as folder for my main website**; 

1. Where I document my journey through the tech world; 

2. Where I remind myself to stay inspired; 

3. Where I brain dump ideas for my Web Portfolio.

Read More