Thanks to the internet, there’s never been a better time to learn to code. But the delicate proportion of options can postpone some new coders before they even begin.
Do you want to learn how to code but don't know where to start? You don't have to worry anymore because in this tutorial I will be teaching you all you need to know to get started with coding. Before we dive into this tutorial let us first know the meaning of coding.
What is coding?
In a simple tone, coding is the process of translating human language the way computers can understand it. It is a set of rules that tells the computer what we want them to do. These languages are called programming languages
Since computers don't understand human language, we have to teach them what will want them to do for us.
Let's take, for example, you want to tell a computer to play music for you, and the language you understand as a human is English language and you know the computer will not understand, 'play me music tone'. How will you tell the computer since it does not understand you when you speak? This is where coding plays a role.
Like the way we have thousands of languages today, that is also how computers have their language. There are languages to build a website, languages to build apps, and languages to make robots perform certain tasks. It relies on what will want to build that determines which language to use.
A few facts about coding
- You don't have to be a computer guru before you can take the step of becoming the next programmer. You only need basic computer knowledge to start this journey the rest will be added when you are progressing well in the course.
- No age is required to start coding. No matter how old you are, you are not limited to learning how to code. Whether you are a kid, in your late 30s, 40s, 50s, or even above you are still good to go.
- No degree is required. You don't have to earn a higher degree before you can start.
- You must be passionate about it. Coding should always be interesting to your time
In this tutorial, I am going to discuss 4 things you need to know before you jump into the world of coding. These things are:
Why learn how to code?
This is the first question you need to ask yourself before you conclude becoming a coder. Different things make many people start coding.
Some people start programming just to earn money. Yeah, you make a lot of money from writing code. Programming is among the top 10 highest paying in the world
Others start it because they want to have fun with it or to boast about it with their friends. Many people who are coders are doing it just because it is their hobby. They just wanna build stuff for fun or for other developers to use.
Still, others want to learn it because of the job market. Because there is a higher demand for developers than for other workspaces, many people are going in this direction.
No matter what makes to have the mindset of becoming a coder you have to be specific in this case because that is the thing that can boost your morale. Once you know why you are joining the programming space, the next step is how to start it.
How to start coding as a beginner
To start writing code, you have to get a compiler which could be an integrated development environment (IDE). This tool is a software application that provides comprehensive facilities to computer programmers. You need a Source Code Editor like Visual Studio Code which is used to write code and a web browser where you can run or debug errors like the Chrome development tools.
Since most of these tools are not compatible with some mobile devices, you will have to purchase either a laptop, desktop, Mac OS or any other devices that can run the specific language you want to start learning.
In addition to getting the above tools, you will also have a version control system like GitHub to store your codes for you.
Which language should you learn first?
To answer this question let's talk about what can make a beginner successful. Here are 5 things you need to consider.
1. Let the language be easy to learn.
2. Make sure the programming language syntax is easy to understand and write. It should not be a language that needs a dozen lines of code to work.
3. Make sure the language is written or can be understood in English.
4. The programming language should be versatile and have many applications. As a beginner, you don't have to be learning a new language every time you want to build or work on a new application. So, you should focus on programming that can work or do most of the things on the web, mobile, or desktop applications.
5. The language should be fast to write and not a language that requires plenty of variables before it performs a task.
1. Python
Based on what I mentioned above, the best programming language that best suits those points is Python. Python is just an amazing language that a beginner should start with. This language is very easy to learn Its syntax is easy to understand. It is versatile. It can be used almost across all websites, and applications whether for Android, Apple, or even Windows and Mac OS. Oh... I almost forgot to mention that different types of games can also be built with Python.
2. JavaScript
JavaScript is a text-based scripting language that can be used to create energetic, interactive website content. JavaScript is also easy to learn. Its syntax is also easy to understand. You are also good to go with JavaScript if you are interested in website development. To start JavaScript you have to know the basic HTML code. So it is advisable to master some basic tags of HTML.
3. Java
Java is one of the fastest programming languages in the world. For a person with no prior programming experience, Java would make a good start for him/her. Java syntax is almost the same as human language so it will not be an issue for beginners to understand.
For web development, I will advise you to start with the below-recommended languages
HTML
Almost all web pages we have today are built with HTML. The full meaning of HTML is (Hypertext Markup Language) They are the building block of all the websites you see online. In fact, without this language, you can't start any web development. Sometimes, Even Python language depends on HTML. You should learn it. It is recommended for beginners.
CSS
CSS means Cascading Style Sheet. Is a language that is used to style web pages. If you love designs you should pay constant attention to CSS.
JavaScript(A scripting language)
Those of you who are interested in backend development should consider starting with the following
PHP
Hypertext Preprocessor(PHP) is a general-purpose scripting language tied to web development. PHP is an open-source, server-side programming language that can be used to create websites, applications, etc. Although Python can work on scripts as PHP does, I recommended going for PHP
These are some of the programming languages that are recommended by experts.
Learning roadmap
The truth of the matter is, if you are just starting, all you need to know right now are the basics. You don't have to focus on the advanced level. Even if you try to follow the advanced level now it will just be as if you are wasting your time because those things you are trying to learn are bigger than what a beginner can take. Trying to learn the advanced ways of programming as a beginner is just like a high school student who wants to start solving Calculus- Differential, and Integral without even knowing how to solve addition and subtraction first.
Resources to learn how to code
1. YouTube Video Tutorials: Explore a wide range of coding tutorials on platforms like YouTube, where experienced developers share their knowledge and guide you through coding concepts, step by step.
2. Online Coding Courses: Enroll in structured online coding courses offered by platforms like Coursera, Udemy, edX, or Codecademy, which provide comprehensive learning paths and interactive exercises to deepen your coding skills.
3. Engage in Open-Source Projects: Contribute to open-source software projects on platforms like GitHub. This hands-on experience allows you to collaborate with experienced developers, apply your skills in real-world scenarios, and learn from peer reviews.
4. Social Media Following: Follow coding experts and influential developers on social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. By staying updated with their posts, you'll gain insights into industry trends, new technologies, and coding best practices.
5. Online Coding Communities: Join online coding communities and forums such as Stack Overflow, Reddit's programming subreddits, and Dev. to. Participating in discussions, asking questions, and helping others can enhance your problem-solving skills and broaden your knowledge.
6. Books and Documentation: Explore coding books and official documentation for the programming languages and frameworks you're interested in. These resources provide in-depth explanations and reference material to strengthen your understanding.
7. Practice Coding Challenges: Solve coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or Codeforces. Regular practice enhances your problem-solving abilities and prepares you for technical interviews.
8. Coding Bootcamps: Consider enrolling in coding bootcamps, which offer intensive, immersive coding programs to accelerate your learning and prepare you for a career in software development.
9. Pair Programming: Collaborate with fellow learners or experienced developers through pair programming sessions. This approach fosters teamwork and exposes you to different coding styles and techniques
What language are you planning to start in? Let me know in the comment section below.
Nice write-up
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