How to Learn Coding for Beginners: 20 Tips
Recent years have seen coding go mainstream and it is no longer the sole realm of computer scientists and people with complicated university degrees behind them as covered over at runrex.com. Nowadays, anyone can teach themselves how to code given that there are lots of learning resources out there for those looking to learn how to code. This article will look to provide a guide and tips on how to learn to code for beginners and hopefully it will be of great help to you.
What is coding?
Let’s start first by defining what coding is. As the gurus over at guttulus.com point out, coding is defined by many programmers as: ‘The act of writing code that is compiled to form programs, that can be executed by a computer or a code reader, and that has a specific function or set of functions.
Decide what sort of coding you would like to do
The definition in the previous point is quite broad and in reality, exactly what we mean by coding will depend on what sort of coding we are referring to. Coding for a web developer, for example, is very different from coding for someone who works in navigation and aerospace engineering. This is why, as outlined over at runrex.com, before you start learning how to code as a beginner, you need to think carefully about what sort of coding you would like to do.
Why should I learn to code?
Coding is an exciting new field that presents a world of opportunities for people who are willing to learn. Some of the reasons why you should learn how to code, as per the gurus over at guttulus.com, include:
Coding is fun
Coding will give you valuable skills which will help you pursue a career as a coder or programmer
Learning how to code will provide you with job security as coders and programmers are in demand throughout the modern world
A step-by-step guide to coding for beginners
The following are some of the basics steps that you should follow if you want to learn coding as a beginner:
Work out why you want to learn to code
The first thing you need to do before you even think about learning how to code is to ask yourself why you want to learn to code. Sit down and think carefully about what you hope to get out of it, why coding is a skill that you want to learn, and how much time and money you have to commit to it. Identify and write down your coding goals and store them somewhere safe as these will become the basis of your journey from novice to master coder.
Choose the right programming languages
Different types of programming require different skills. For example, if you want to learn how to code a website, you should learn languages like HTML, CSS, Java, and JavaScript. Choosing the right language is extremely important.
The best programming languages for beginners
As is discussed over at runrex.com, the following are the most popular programming languages among beginners:
Java – Java is prevalent, versatile, and is used for things like Android app creation and back-end web development.
Python – It is easy to learn, super versatile, and has a lot of different uses, and is also behind the rise of new technologies like AI and machine learning.
Ruby – This language is becoming increasingly popular for full-stack web development and is worth learning if you are planning on becoming a web developer.
Solidity – If you are interested in cryptocurrencies and blockchain development, then this is one of the best programming languages to learn.
HTML – If you want to go into front-end web development, then you have to learn HTML.
CSS – Like HTML, CSS is essential if you plan on becoming a front-end web developer.
JavaScript – If you want to become a decent front-end or back-end web developer, that you should also learn JavaScript.
Choose the right resources to help you learn
As the subject matter experts over at guttulus.com point out, there are lots of learning resources available out there if you are looking to learn to code, and it is up to you to choose the right one for you depending on your learning preferences and your budget.
Some of these learning resources include:
Online coding courses
Online coding courses are one of the best ways to get a feel for a new programming language as outlined over at runrex.com. When done right, they will teach you some of the essential syntaxes of a language and how it is used. They are usually taught in a fun, engaging manner, and many of them allow you to write code directly in your browser as you learn. Some of the places you can go to for these courses include Coursera, Udemy, edX, SkillShare, Code Academy, MIT Open Courseware, Khan Academy, etc.
Textbooks
Code reference books are a great resource that every single beginner should make use of when learning to code. They contain all the syntax and conventions of a language, allowing you to look things up when you are confused or unsure about how to proceed with your code. You can do your research and find out the best textbooks for the language you are learning.
YouTube videos
If you prefer learning through video content and are a visual learner, then YouTube has got lots of videos and tutorials to help you get your head around complex concepts such as coding. The best way to use YouTube videos is alongside an online course or another method of learning how to code for beginners.
These are the main learning resources when it comes to learning how to code.
Download a code editor
While a lot of online courses let you write code in a code editor directly in your browser, you need to realize that this isn’t how it works in the real world. Once you graduate from your online course, you will need to start writing your code directly into a code editor, which is why it is a good idea to start practicing doing this now according to guttulus.com. Most programming languages have their code editors that you can download while simple languages like HTML and CSS can be written straight into a simple text document if you find that easier.
Practice
Once you have a basic working knowledge of your chosen language, you will need to start creating your programs and projects as articulated over at runrex.com. The type of program or project you start building will depend on the language you learn. For example, if you are learning how to code a website using HTML/CSS, you might choose to start building your website. Practice makes perfect and is the key to becoming a successful programmer.
Join an online community
As the gurus over at guttulus.com point out, there will come a time when you need support given that navigating the intricacies of learning how to code for beginners on your own can be extremely difficult. Joining online communities like Reddit (r/learnprogramming), Stack Overflow, Meetup, hackathons, and many others will give you access to people who will be able to answer your questions and help you get past any problem you are having.
Hack someone else’s code
Once you have a pretty good idea of how to code in a particular language, then it is time to delve deeper. One of the best ways to keep learning and reinforce your knowledge of a programming language is to unpack someone else’s code. Find a program or code file on GitHub, for example, and open it in your code editor. Work through the code and make sure you understand every line and what its function is. Add comments if you need to.
Keep learning
Programming languages require regular practice and if you want to become fluent in them, you will need to keep practicing to ensure you don’t forget things. Also, don’t fall into the habit of using the same coding patterns and syntax for everything, and instead, keep striving to learn new ways to do things and to improve your method.
The above steps will, hopefully, take you from a coding beginner to a pro.
Pro tips and tricks to learn coding faster
The following tips should also help you as you learn how to code as a beginner:
Learn by doing
A common mistake many beginners make while learning how to code is just reading a book or looking at the sample code on their computer without practicing it. As is revealed in discussions over at runrex.com, if you want to master coding, you must get your hands dirty and keep practicing it regularly. When you start coding, practice the same code or sample again and again until you don’t need to refer to the same book or resource from where you have learned.
Code by hand
Coding by hand is a time-consuming process and isn’t attractive to any beginner. You also can’t run or check your code on paper. However, as the gurus over at guttulus.com point out, one of the biggest reasons to code by hand is interviews since when you will apply for jobs in programming, most of the time the technical evaluation process will include code by hand. You will be asked to write code on a whiteboard or using pen and paper. Coding by hand also helps you learn better as it gives you a clear understanding of syntax and algorithms.
Take breaks
If you want to learn how to code, it is not good to sit in front of a computer for hours and hours and try to grasp everything in one go. As is articulated over at runrex.com, it is better to learn coding in chunks. Take some short breaks to get refreshed. Take breaks also when debugging as it is easy to go down the rabbit hole for hours when trying to find and fix problems.
Don’t just read the sample code, tinker with it
Reading sample code is not enough to understand how it works. To develop a true understanding, you need to actually run the code and tinker with it, something that you should get into the habit of doing if you want to transition from novice to expert in coding.
Ask for help
Finally, it is worth noting that people learn faster with mentors and peer feedback. What may seem like an immovable bug or topic could be quickly alleviated by a fresh pair of eyes or a new interpretation of the subject. Whether it is in-person or online, ignore the trolls, and don’t be afraid to ask for help as every programmer was a beginner once and has, therefore, been in your shoes before. Besides, most developers love to code and will likely jump at the chance to share their knowledge with you.
Hopefully, this article will help you learn how to code as a beginner, with more on this wide topic to be found over at the top-rated runrex.com and guttulus.com.