Coding is not just a course today. It’s a valuable life skill that can help you build a lucrative career. If you think it’s just for tech geeks and you have nothing to do with tech, you are wrong. There is hardly anything that is not touched by technology now. Learning the language of computers and writing codes can turn out to be a fascinating experience if you do it right.
Computer programmers are basically people who initialize problem solving. As long as you have curiosity, interest, and tenacity to solve problems, you can learn coding. You don’t need a formal degree in computer science to master the art & science of coding. Here’s a quick start guide to get you started on this captivating journey!
What is Coding?
Coding is communicating with computers using programming languages. A set of instructions or syntax are given to the computer to perform specific tasks. Coding helps you create webpages, mobile applications for android and ios, games with commendable user interface for windows and macOS, and software packages with user guide that are easy to use every day.
Why Do You Need to Learn Coding?
- Coding is a hot skill that can land you high-paying jobs. Software programmers & developers earn average salaries twice as much as other professions.
- Besides coding, software providers also work in software debugging (they spot and fix the errors in the software source code). So developers earn much higher than programmers with better growth prospects.
- Web designers with good knowledge of HTML, CSS, and Javascript, IDE, API, are in great demand.
- Knowledge and experience in coding can help you grab lucrative workflow in freelance opportunities by showing their templates and portfolios.
- Coding helps you leverage the full potential of the booming creator economy. You can collaborate with people across the world on creative projects by using an open-source platform like GitHub.
- Coding can be fun & enjoyable once you get the basics right. A hobby that you pursue in school or college can pave the way for a rewarding career later.
How to Learn Coding?
It has never been so easy to learn to code. A plethora of free and paid resources are available online. But the flood of options can confuse and intimidate you if you are a beginner. But here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this maze.
#1: Clearly Know Why You Want to Learn Coding
It may sound cliche. But you need to begin with the end in mind. Why do you want to learn the skill? Is it just a hobby, or do you want to turn it into a full-time profession? The answers will help you choose the right programming languages to learn. You can also select the projects that will hone your skills and prepare you for the real world.
Serious learners can start with programming languages like Java or Python. If you find this a tall order, you can begin with simple languages like HTML and CSS.
#2: Watch Video Tutorials on YouTube and Social Media
Once you have figured out why you want to learn to code, you can start watching tutorial videos on YouTube. You can find many curated playlists on coding & programming for beginners. Several instructors also offer live classes and webinars either free of cost or at a nominal fee.
LinkedIn Learning offers coding and programming courses by industry experts. You can also join specific groups on Facebook and Telegram to access relevant resources.
#3: Enroll for Paid Courses
Gone are the days when you needed classrooms & laboratories to learn advanced stuff. A simple smartphone is all you need today.
Everything from the basics of computers to advanced data science courses can now be learned from the comfort of your home. You can enroll in the best online courses offered by top institutions and universities in the world. These courses are live, interactive, and experiential. Real-time projects, regular assignments, and assessments also help to keep track of your learning.
Although most coding resources are available for free, paid courses provide a structured path to your learning process. You also get the support of expert trainers and a diverse peer group. The certifications also help to boost your career prospects. You can equip yourself for the job market at a fraction of what a full-time course will cost you.
#4: Join Online Coding Communities
You may feel a bit lost at times when you are all alone in the ‘learning to code’ journey. It’s time to join a few online communities and seek a mentor or an accountability partner to accelerate your learning. The best part about these groups is that you get to engage with people who have practical industry experience and learn from them.
Beginners can check out the following forums, which are quite active & vibrant.
- GitHub
- Reddit’s r/learnprogramming
- Stack Overflow
- Meetup
- Hackathon Events & Coding Challenges
Remember, you join a coding community not to learn to code. You join in seeking support when you feel stuck and cannot find a way out by yourself.
#5: Join a Coding Boot Camp
If you are serious about a career in coding, join a short-term coding boot camp for the ultimate learning experience. Boot camps are rigorous training programs that provide an immersive learning environment for students.
But it is advisable to join these programs after you gain some basic knowledge of coding. Make sure you have the resources and the motivation to complete an intensive program that can last a few months.
#6: Take Up Coding Projects
The best way to learn to code is by doing it. Reading books and watching videos can serve their purpose if you can put theory into practice. Working on a few real-time projects gives you practical experience. It helps you to assimilate & solidify the concepts. Clarity gives you the confidence to take up bigger challenges.
#7: Learn to Use the Right Tools
There are several software tools to simplify your job and quickly take your coding skills from good to terrific. Some of the tools that you can use are:
- Text Editor: A software program that edits plain text and helps you write clean code
- SQL: A language that helps you create and manage a database
- Linux: It is an open-source operating system. Linux commands are commonly used by coders to troubleshoot issues
- Console: It helps you to experiment with code. So coders have to learn how to navigate the console.
To Sum it Up!
This was a brief walkthrough to learn how to code for beginners. But coding is not just about writing lines of code incessantly. It is learning the language of computers and using them to solve your problems. Creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving are the offshoots that develop when you start coding.
