Introduction
Coding is a relatively new skill that is becoming increasingly popular. Because it is so popular, even high schools have included programming in their curricula.
Programming and coding are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are two distinct concepts that you can learn more about here.
Learning to code has become the need of our era, with every chore becoming digitized and becoming smart, and automotive with AI technology.
Everything you can think of can be done using an app or a website, including hiring a cab, ordering meals, shopping online, watching movies, and even taking a course or improving your gaming abilities.
As more applications become digital, the demand for developers and programmers grows, therefore mastering a programming language is advantageous.
This article explains how to learn your preferred programming language and how to get started with programming. So let's get this party started!
How to Learn to Code
Before we continue reading, let me remind you that you have chosen a route that requires patience and the determination to never give up, no matter how difficult the journey may be. To become a programmer, read through and follow the procedures outlined below.
Learn Programming Fundamentals
The first and most important step is to decide the language you want to study. It is suggested that you begin with Python because it is as simple as English and very easy to learn.
You may find some of the top Python tutorials online and get started. However, you have the option of selecting a language that interests you, as well as a project that you would like to work on in the future.
So, if you want to make a mobile app, you should start with Java or Kotlin for Android and Swift for iOS, and if you want to make a website, you should start with Javascript. AI & ML, Python & R are the languages to learn if you want to work in data science.
You can choose between two methods for learning the languages:
1. Through Interactive Websites
For interactive coding sessions, websites like Codecademy and Freecodecamp are advised. These were created with the thought that many beginners get stuck at the start of their coding journey while setting up their development environment.
These websites provide online text editors and compilers so that you can start coding right away.
2. Through Video Tutorials
If you want a detailed study with step-by-step instructions, we propose enrolling in an online programming tutorial that teaches you everything from how to install and download the essential IDE to basic language ideas and culminates with a capstone project to put your coding skills to the test.
Some tutorials and courses also provide credentials that may be useful later on when looking for work. For starter tutorials in your selected language, we recommend Pluralsight and Lynda. You might also want to have a look at some of the RK stores' most popular tutorials.
Focus on Learning Programming Basics
To become a pro coder, it is usually recommended to strengthen your fundamentals. Learn the fundamentals completely before attempting to decipher the code by creating and solving your own challenges. To begin studying, focus on the following subjects, as they are found in practically all languages.
- Types of Data
- Variables
- Functions
- Lists or Arrays
- If assertions are true
- Loops with conditions
- Objects and classes
- Handling of exceptions
- There are trees, maps, and more.
Build your First Project
The greatest method to study and learn what you've learned is to create your own unique project.
Building a project of your choice would provide you with an extensive practical language learning experience, as you would encounter the application of concepts that you had previously learned, as well as learn how to deploy the project for usage by you and others.
Furthermore, when you complete your projects, add them to your profile or GitHub account; this will assist you in the future when looking for a programming job.
The most pressing question at this point is:
How Should I Choose a Project?
This is where the majority of people get stuck when determining what to develop. The answer is straightforward. Let's have a look at it:
1. Choose What Interests You
Pick a topic that interests you.
You must do what interests you the most, whether it is studying or coding. You must appreciate the project area you select so that you are enthusiastic about it and remain engaged until it is completed.
If you chose something that does not interest you, you may find yourself abandoning your project in the middle because you have lost interest in it.
So find something that will keep you occupied, such as developing a video game of your choice if you enjoy playing games.
Similarly, if you enjoy photography, you may want to create a portfolio website to showcase your work, or if you enjoy trading, you may want to create an app or website to examine your stock charts. Before you start building, analyze and think about what you enjoy.
2. Start With Something Simple
Begin with something easy.
It's fine to be confident in your talents, but being overconfident isn't. As a result, it is recommended that you start with modest and straightforward projects to have a better understanding of the language before moving on to more sophisticated ones.
For example, if you want to make a video game, don't start with something complex like League of Legends; instead, start with something simple like tic-tac-toe; if you want to make a website, don't start with something complexes like Amazon or Facebook; instead, start with something simple like a to-do list.
3. Build Something Useful for Yourself and the Community
Be creative and create something that is both beneficial to you and interesting to the community.
Building something of community interest would provide you the possibility to get a lot of downloads or viewers for your project, which would give you something to show off and give you an advantage over other job seekers.
Few Ideas to Get Started
If you're not sure where to begin, we've come up with a few suggestions to get you started on your project. Start with a simple website, such as a to-do list, or if you want to develop a game app, games like Poker Offline, Score Hero 2, and Asphalt 9 Legends are wonderful places to start learning to program.
If you're looking for a challenge, consider creating a website similar to Twitter, but with fewer features and some basic functions, such as the ability to tweet and follow.
RK store provides you with a plethora of project ideas in a variety of languages, ranging from beginner to advanced. Here are some examples of projects in various languages:
- Projects in Python
- Projects in Java
- Projects in HTML
- Projects for Android
- Projects in PHP
- Stuck in a rut?
There will be moments when you will feel stuck while working on your projects. This could be due to mistakes, your program crashing without a message, or even your coding executing well but not giving the desired result. You may become agitated to the point where you want to give up.
What should you do in such a situation? Please don't give up! Keep yourself motivated, and consider the following suggestions as you continue to work on your project.
1. Learn to Google the Error Correctly
This is an extremely important stage that you should master. Searching for and finding the mistake in your code can help you fix it in a matter of minutes, but if you don't know how to do it, it'll be like diving into a maelstrom of code without a map.
Before searching on Google, I recommend enclosing the error message created by your compiler in double-quotes (" ") This would allow Google to target the error as the same sentence, resulting in a far more accurate filtered result.
2. Popular Websites to Guide You
Stack-Overflow and Reddit are at the top of the list for assisting developers all over the world with their code.
It's a full-fledged community of developers from various fortes who join together to assist one another with their projects.
Posting your questions here may take up to two weeks to receive a response, but it is worthwhile, even though you may have found the solution to your problem because many others have experienced the same problem.
It is also encouraged that you answer some of the questions that you can in order to assist others and learn in the process.
3. Events and Meetups
This stage may be challenging to begin with because it takes you to move outside of your comfort zone, but trust me when I say that once you get started, you will enjoy it.
So, start by identifying people who share your interests and getting to know or working with them. You might look for "coding events" on Facebook's event page or go to meetup.com and connect with folks who are interested in learning more.
Get a Job or an Internship
Finally, many people learn programming languages in order to work in the development field. So, after you're confident enough or believe you know some basic programming, you might wish to start with an internship in the development sector.
Start working as a paid or unpaid intern on a project that interests you, or assist or collaborate with an experienced developer to learn.
Working as an intern allows you to get experience, improve your abilities, and sometimes even get compensated.
Even if you are not in pain, you will have the opportunity to build your industry network for future references and jobs.
- You could start your internship hunt in one of the following ways:
LinkedIn: It is the most reliable site with a large audience that can assist you in finding a variety of internships that match your interests.
Career Fairs: These are beneficial since they allow you to meet recruiters in person and discuss your interests as well as assess whether the project is of interest to you.
Networking: This is the best technique to get an internship since if you receive a job through someone's recommendation, you'll have an advantage over other candidates because they'll be more likely to trust you if someone from their firm refers you.
- As mentioned above, you can expand your network by attending events and meetups.
Computer Science Degrees or Bootcamps: Which is beneficial to learn to program?
Should you enroll in a degree program or a Bootcamp to further your education? Is a common question that people ask when they first start learning to code.
There is no definitive answer to this question because it is entirely dependent on the individual and their learning capacity.
To further assist you, if you are a high school student who has not yet enrolled in graduate school and wish to pursue a career in programming, you should pursue a degree in computer science; however, if computer science and coding is something you wish to pursue later in your career, you should pursue a Bootcamp in a programming language of your choice.
However, it is also recommended that you start with a paid or free online course to gain a feel for coding before investing in a Bootcamp because they are pricey.
Conclusion
This concludes the beginner's guide to programming. I hope that after reading this post, you will feel inspired to learn to code and begin working on your first project.
We at the RK store have compiled a list of the finest courses for practically every programming language you might be interested in learning.
So get ready to embark on your path to becoming a developer. Do you have any other programming tips you'd like to share with the rest of the community? Please let us know. Good luck with your coding!
