In the ever-evolving world of software development, adhering to best practices is crucial for producing clean, efficient, and maintainable code. Here are the top 10 coding practices every developer should follow:

1. Write Clear and Concise Code: Always aim for simplicity. Code should be easy to read and understand, which increases maintainability.
2. Use Meaningful Names: Choose variable and function names that clearly describe their purpose, enhancing code readability.
3. Comment Your Code: While self-explanatory code is ideal, judicious comments can assist others (and your future self) in understanding complex logic.
4. Practice Version Control: Use tools like Git to track changes, collaborate with others, and maintain a history of your codebase.
5. Write Unit Tests: Implement testing at various levels to validate code functionality and catch issues early in the development process.
6. Refactor Regularly: Continuously improve and restructure your codebase to enhance performance and maintainability, without changing functionality.
7. Follow the DRY Principle: 'Don't Repeat Yourself' is essential; strive to avoid redundancy by abstracting common functionality into reusable methods or classes.
8. Keep Code Modular: Break your code into smaller, manageable components that are easier to develop, test, and maintain.
9. Stay Updated with Best Practices: The tech landscape is always changing, so regularly update your skills and knowledge on coding standards and practices.
10. Collaborate and Seek Feedback: Regular code reviews and constructive discussions with peers can significantly enhance code quality and foster learning.

As a beginner coder, it's common to experience imposter syndrome, feeling like you're not as qualified as others in the field. To overcome this, start by acknowledging your feelings and understanding that many others share similar doubts. A great way to combat these feelings is by connecting with other learners or professionals in coding. Participate in coding forums or local meetups where you can discuss your experiences and challenges. This sense of community can help normalize your feelings and provide support through shared experiences.

Another effective strategy is to celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Keep a journal of your coding journey, noting the skills you've acquired and projects you've completed. This tangible record of your achievements can serve as a reminder that you are indeed making progress. Additionally, make it a point to set realistic goals for yourself, breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable ones. By recognizing and rewarding yourself for these milestones, you'll gradually build your confidence and push through the imposter syndrome that holds you back.

Choosing the right coding languages to learn first can significantly impact your programming journey. Beginners often find it helpful to start with languages that are both easy to grasp and widely used in the industry. For instance, Python is an excellent choice due to its simple syntax and versatility, making it suitable for various applications such as web development, data analysis, and artificial intelligence. Another solid option is JavaScript, essential for web development, enabling you to create interactive websites and applications.

As you consider your options, it's also important to think about your goals as a programmer. If you're interested in mobile app development, you might want to explore Swift for iOS apps or Kotlin for Android. Alternatively, if you are leaning towards game development, C# is commonly used with the Unity game engine. Ultimately, the best approach is to start with one or two of these languages, build a strong foundation, and then branch out into other languages as your skills and interests develop.