How to Teach Yourself to Code – 25 Tips
Coding and learning code is not as complicated or as hard as many make it to be. In fact, with the right guidance and attitude mixed with a sound learning strategy, mastering the art is quite straightforward. On the flip side, lack of adequate guidance can result in countless lost hours and wasted resources. The 25 tips below regarding learning how to code will illuminate any would be coder’s path.
Acquire the basics
Coding requires not only a good and capable computer but also a good internet connection. They are the tools of the trade, and all accomplishments commence with assembly of tools
Set up a comfortable working/learning station
The importance of environment in learning cannot be emphasized enough. Set up a personal office in a quiet preferably airy and bright location devoid of distractions; personalize the space and uphold comfort.
Set aside study hours
No matter how passionate you may be, without a learning schedule to stick to, other ‘more important’ issues will always seem to need more urgent attention. Ideally, dedicate at least 3 hours daily to coding.
Start with JavaScript
JavaScript is the English of coding. It is popular, and a big chunk of the internet is coded using JavaScript. In a nutshell, it is coding’s foundational language.
Acquire appropriate books
Research and determine the best books to go for. At this juncture, only search for quality JavaScript textbooks that are straightforward.
Do not bite more than you can chew
Ambition is good, but it can easily work against you if left unchecked. Commit to perfecting JavaScript first and forget all else. Depending on commitment, it can take anything from a couple of months to a year.
Study and do
The most efficient way to learn is by doing. Do not waste your time trying to cram big volumes, instead, get working: start coding immediately. Study and implement is the motto.
Start small
Again, resist the urge to try and punch above your weight. Start simple and progress; otherwise, you will end up discouraged.
Be consistent
Diligence is not an option, not only pertaining to learning code but also regarding any other life venture.
Build confidence
Coding confidence naturally comes as a byproduct of consistently taking up coding tasks whose challenge you can deal with. The key thing is to build self-confidence that indeed, you can code.
Practice
Coding is practical and without continual practice, efforts expended learning may be futile since you will forget a short while down the road. Practice as often as possible.
Cultivate passion
Passion is the most beneficial attribute as far as coding is concerned. Apply yourself to gaining the same because the path to becoming a coding guru without passion is a mine field.
Webinars
If textbooks are not really your thing and you prefer the classroom scenario, webinars may be the answer. There are many programming-dedicated websites that run very educative webinars.
Make use of YouTube
YouTube has a diverse nature of videos, and luckily, there are quality programming channels with quality coding videos well organized to facilitate progress from novice level to coding mastery.
Get a role model
Actively look for someone you can look up to in matters programming. It could be an online personality, a seasoned friend, etc.
Hire a tutor
Expensive? Yes, but hiring a tutor stands as the best method of ensuring learning discipline and fast tracking the study process. You can easily find a tutor online.
Join a team
Look for and join a team of programmers. It will add more color to the learning code by adding elements of friendship, interaction, working towards a common goal, etc.
Read coding blogs
Blogs can be a great resource especially regarding getting to know where the industry is headed, getting wind of current opportunities and generally, keeping tabs with the industry.
Forums
Forums are essentially coding groups hosted online, and they are a handy resource. The chances are that any challenge you face will have a solution posted in some forum thread online.
Attend a boot camp
Coding boot camps are costly but worth it. They have the upsides of being very practical, cheaper than bachelor’s degree and less time-consuming.
Build a portfolio
Start building your portfolio from the onset. Do not disregard the simple learning projects you undertake; they often come in handy in getting gigs that further boost coding mastery.
Learn other programming languages
After JavaScript, it will be easier to understand and venture out into other coding languages such as C++, Python, Lisp, Pascal, Delphi, etc.
Be answerable to someone
Accountability is vital in fostering seriousness and focus. Therefore, look for someone you will be accountable to: a team leader, a role model, parents, etc.
Use the hybrid approach
The hybrid approach is all about using various learning channels in tandem to inject vibrancy into the process. Combine textbooks with tutoring, webinars, online courses, etc. to add flavor to the learning procedure.
In conclusion, the most important thing of all is not to give up. On the way, you will make mistakes, probably fail often, but giving up should never be an option.
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