Coding, also known as programming
Whether you are looking for a new opportunities, you may want to enhance your current job, or are simply searching for a new hobby, We all have dreams, hopes, and plans for the future. Coding can help you to reach your goals. And believe me, anyone can learn coding!
Coding
Coding is how we communicate with computers. Code gives instructions to computer what actions to be taken, and coding is like creating a set of instructions. By learning coding, you can give instructions to computers what to do in a much faster way. You can use this expertise to make apps & websites, process data, and do lots of other things.
Almost every electronic items, devices and modern pieces of machinery contains bit of code somewhere. As the count of the use cases for coding grows, the opportunities for coding jobs will also continue to grow.
For example, A web developer writes code that is used to build functioning & responsive websites. In this sense, coding is creating the best possible website.
However, someone who works in aerospace & navigation engineering write code that let an airplane run on autopilot during long journeys. Although this is completely varies from building a website, However it is still the coding.
Before you start looking for the answers to “How to code for beginners”, you, therefore, need to think carefully about what kind of coding you want to do. This will result in the coding languages that you select to learn and how you learn them. For now, let’s look at why we should learn coding.
Why Should I Learn Coding?
Coding is an exciting field that presents a lot of opportunities for seekers who are willing to learn coding. Learning coding is not that difficult – especially when we compare it with specialized skills that are required to get the most skilled jobs. The average person can learn how to code as a beginner to be able to start writing a simple programs in a couple of days.
A few weeks of full dedication and hard work will make you expert in at least one programming language. Working very hard to learn it for beginners for more than a few months will give all the skills that you need to become a pro coder for your career.
Some of the reasons why you should learn how to code include:
- Coding is fun! Having skills to build software, websites, to create responsive mobile app & games, and to program data analysis packages. If you learn how to code, you will be able to do all of this and more in a likeable and engaging way.
- Coding provides valuable skills. Learning code for beginners will provide with enough experience and skills to pursue a career as a Programmer or Developer or Coder.
- Learning code provide job security. Being a coder will give you a significant amount of job security. Coders and programmers are in demand throughout the world, leading to a plenty of jobs in field.
There are lot of reasons why you should learn code right away. Because of this, we have put together the following step by step guide for coding.
Step By Step Guide To Coding
Although coding is relatively easy compared to other technical skills, it is still something that scares people. At first glance, it may seem complicated, confusing, and very, very hard to become coder. I mean, how do you go ahead about learning how to develop a website if you have no coding experiences?
The answer is here – Follow our step-by-step guide to learning how to code. By the end of this guide, you might have clear understanding of the steps that are needed if you would like to become a programmer.
Step 1: Work Out Why You Want To Learn How To Code
At the beginning, The first thing that you should do before you even think about enrolling any coding courses or starting to watch YouTube videos about coding – is to ask yourself why you want to learn it. Carefully think about why coding skill you want to learn, and how much time & money you have to commit to it.
Consider:
- What kind of skills you want to end up with? Do you want to become a website developer? Or you prefer to build mobile apps or what to become a software engineering? You will need to think carefully about this because it will result in the languages that you will be going to learn.
- Why do you want to learn to code? Is learning code simply something which interests you that you are going to do in your free extra time? Or is this something that you would pursue as a career?
- How much time and money you can commit. If you only have a couple of hours per week to commit to learn code, there probably is not a whole lot of point enrolling in an intensive course. In the same way, if you want to join an in-depth course with support, you have to be prepared to pay for it.
- Identify and write down your coding agenda These will quickly become the basis of your journey from beginner to master coder.
Step 2: Choose The Right Languages
Various types of programming require Various skills. For e.g. if you want to develop a website, you should learn languages like HTML, CSS, Java, & JavaScript.
Likewise, mobile app development requires Swift (for iOS) or Java (for Android). Selecting the right language is extremely important, this is why we have outlined some of the most popular among beginners below:
Java
Java is probably the king amongst all programming languages. It is versatile, and prevalent, used for stuff like Android app creation and back end web development. It is quite a functional language for learning how to code. It is fairly simple to learn, and there is a lot of work out there for entry-level Java coder.
You can choose BitDegree’s interactive Java tutorial. This tutorial will teach you the basic features & syntax of the language. It will also explore the development of back-end web apps.
Python
Python is the queen of programming languages, If Java is the king. It is also an excellent versatile language, and it has a lot of different uses. A lot of researchers & academics use Python to create data analysis programs to help studies.
It is also behind the rise of new technologies like machine learning(ML) & artificial intelligence(AI). This is why it is perfect for those who are looking for how to code for beginners.
Learning Python programming languages can be easy if you put your mind to it. Start with a course like the Interactive Python tutorial or the Introduction to Python course. These courses will give you an excellent introduction to the Python language and its functionality, allowing you to progress to more advanced studies at later stage.
Ruby
Ruby language is becoming increasingly popular amongst full stack developers. It allows for the smooth integration of both front-end and back-end modules of a website through the Ruby on Rails framework.
If you want to become a web developer, I would suggest learn at least the basics of Ruby. This way, you will be familiar with the language. Start with the Learn Ruby on Rails course which focuses on what Ruby on Rails is? and how this is used in web development?
Solidity
If you like cryptocurrencies and blockchain development, then Solidity is one of the best programming languages to jump in. Although, It is not well known, Solidity is the primary language for smart contract development on the Ethereum blockchain.
If you want to get into the exciting new world of smart contracts and blockchains, I would suggest starting either the Ultimate Learn Solidity course or the Space Doggos Interactive Solidity course.
HTML
If you like front-end web development, then you have to learn HTML (or Hypertext Markup Language). HTML language used for marking up text so that computers can understand it. It is one of the simplest languages and is where a lot of people start when learning how to code.
HTML is very simple, and the best way to learn it is probably to first familiarize yourself with the main module of the language through something like the Introduction to HTML course and then practice how to write a code for beginners.
CSS
CSS is used almost alongside HTML to format & style contents on webpages. It allows to change the position of elements on a webpage, change the color and size of elements, and change the entire layout of a webpage.
Like HTML, CSS is also required if you want to become a front-end web developer. We would suggest, it’s a good idea to learn HTML and CSS alongside each other through something like the HTML and CSS course. This will teach you the basics of HTML, CSS, web development, and how they all bind together.
JavaScript
JavaScript is another language that is relatively versatile and extremely worldwide – much like Python and Java. JavaScript been a front-end web development language that allow the creation of interactive elements, This is becoming increasingly used for other stuff, including back-end web development.
If you want to become a adequate back-end or front-end web developer, we suggest learning JavaScript. Discover the basics through courses like the Interactive JavaScript Tutorial or Introduction to JavaScript course, and then move onto a more challenging course once you are comfortable with basics.
Step 3: Choose The Right Resources To Help You Learn
Above we have looked at some most popular languages to help you discover how to code for beginners, Now it’s time to look at the best ways to learn them.
Some of these include:
Online coding courses: Online coding course is one of the best ways to get into any new programming language. They will teach you all important syntaxes of a language and how it is used. They usually teach us in a engaging and fun manner, and some of courses allow you to write code directly in your browser online as you learn.
Bonus: You can get most of these courses at very low prices or sometime for free, especially if you take advantage of the coupon code offered on the some course provider website like BitDegree. You can also gain the courses with free certifications.
Alternatively, In case you are not able to afford any courses, ensure to apply for scholarships for online courses.
Textbooks: Books are a great resource that every single beginner should make use of. They contain all of the syntax and conventions of a programming language, allowing you to look things up when you are unsure or confused about how to go ahead with your code.
YouTube videos: video tutorials & Online videos are great resources that may help you to get your head around programming concepts. You should use them alongside an online course or another method of learning coding as beginners.
Step 4: Get A Code Editor
define the fact that, many online courses allows us to write code in a code editor directly in browser online, you need to understand that this is not how it works in the real world. Once you are done with your online course, you will need to code directly in code editor, so it is a good idea to start practicing doing this now.
Most programming languages have their own code editors that you may get online. They normally comes with IDEs (Interactive development environments) that will help you develop clear & error-free code. Simple languages like CSS & HTML can be written directly into a simple text page if you find that simpler.
Step 5: Practice Writing Your Programs
Once you have a basic working knowledge of your selected programming language, you will need to start creating your projects. You might feel that this is a long way away currently, However you will be amazed how quickly you progress if you start working on your project.
The type of program or project you start developing will depend on the language you know. For example, if you are learning how to code a website using CSS/HTML, you may choose to develop your website.
You can even start with drag & drop builders, to make the learning process simpler. However, the Java knowledge will allow you to begin programming your Android game or app quickly .
Don’t forget, practice makes perfect, and practice is the key to becoming a successful coder. So, Practice, practice, & practice!
Step 6: Join An Online Community
Navigating the complexity of learning how to code for beginners on their own can be little hard. There will be moments where you will need support.
For e.g., You are learning a language, and you face piece of syntax that you can not get your head around. Registering an online chat board or coding forum will give you access to experts who will be able to answer your questions and help you to overcome any coding problems you are facing.
Step 7: Rework Someone Else’s Code
Once you have a pretty much good understating of how to do coding in a particular language, Now it’s time to delve in depth. We would suggest, one of the best ways to keep learning and to strengthen your knowledge of a programming language is to unpack other’s code.
Find a code or program file like, GitHub is a good place to start, and extract it in your code editor. Walkthrough the code, work on it & ensure you understand each line of code functionality wise. Add comments for block of code you are changing or adding if you need to. If you see something which you think could be done in a more easier & efficient way or which you think you can enhance or improve, update the code.
Once you have finished, save your updated code and re-upload in code repository, so that other experts can review/evaluate/appreciate your effort.