Coding is a craft—a mix of logic, creativity, and grit. But like any craft, it’s easy to get complacent, to hit a plateau where you feel you “know enough” to get by. That’s exactly where I found myself. And that’s why I’m diving headfirst into the 100 Days of Code RTFM challenge.
RTFM isn’t just an acronym. It’s a mindset. It stands for “read the f’ing manual” (with a sharper edge), and it’s about going back to the source—the documentation, the fundamentals, the very building blocks of coding—and getting better. Not broader, but deeper.
The Goal
This isn’t about learning every language under the sun or chasing the latest framework. It’s about mastering what I already know and plugging the gaps in my understanding. Python, Rust, JavaScript, Bash, and C are my core focus. These aren’t new to me, but every time I revisit them, I find areas where my knowledge is either rusty or outright flawed.
Why Now?
The tech landscape moves fast. It’s tempting to jump from one shiny tool to the next, but that leads to shallow knowledge. I’ve realized that the best way to stay relevant isn’t to know everything; it’s to deeply understand the tools I’ve already committed to. Plus, the act of consistent learning sharpens not just your skills but your mindset.
How I’m Doing It
Each day, I focus on one specific aspect of coding:
RTFM: Diving into official documentation. The stuff people skip when they’re Googling.
Practice: Applying the concepts with hands-on coding. Theory doesn’t count without action.
Reflection: Writing these posts, sharing what I’ve learned, and engaging with the community.
Neovim is my tool of choice for this journey. Why? Because it’s not just a text editor; it’s a philosophy. It demands you understand your tools, your code, and yourself.
What I Hope to Achieve
By the end of this challenge, I want:
Cleaner, more efficient code.
A renewed appreciation for fundamentals.
A stronger, more disciplined mindset that spills over into all aspects of my life.
If you’re someone who’s been stuck on autopilot or struggling to go deeper, this challenge might be your wake-up call too. Follow along—or better yet, join in.