How to Get Started with Coding – For Beginners

Getting started with learning to code can be a rewarding and challenging journey. Since coding is the process of creating instructions for a computer to follow, it involves understanding the logic and structure of a programming language, as well as the problem-solving skills necessary to design and build software and applications. To get started with coding, there are many online resources available for learning to code, including interactive courses, tutorials, documentation, and online communities where you can ask questions and get help from other programmers. To succeed in learning to code, it is important to be persistent, patient, and willing to experiment and learn from your mistakes. With dedication and practice, anyone can learn to code and build their own software or applications.

In this post, we’ll take a look at what it takes to get started with programming!

Can Anyone Get Started with Coding?

There’s a common belief that you have to be some kind of computer genius to become a software developer. But the truth is that anyone can learn to code, as long as they have the right mindset and are willing to put in the effort.

While it’s true that some people may have a natural aptitude for programming, it’s not a requirement. With the right resources and guidance, anyone can learn the skills needed to become a successful software developer.

What’s a Good Starting Point for Learning to Code?

If you’re interested in becoming a software developer, the first step is to decide which programming language you want to learn. Some popular options include Python, Java, and C++.

Once you’ve chosen a language, there are a ton of resources available to help you get started. There are online courses, books, and tutorials that can teach you the basics and help you build your skills. Below is a list of the various types of resources you can take advantage of as you get started with learning to code.

Online Courses

There are many online courses available for learning to code as you get started, including both free and paid options. Websites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer online courses for learning to code in a variety of programming languages. Some of these courses are available for free, some are paid, and some may require a fee for a certificate of completion.

Here are a few options to consider:

1. Codecademy: Codecademy offers a variety of coding courses for beginners, including courses on popular programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++.
2. Coursera: Coursera is an online learning platform that offers coding courses from top universities and institutions.
3. edX: edX is another online learning platform that offers a range of coding courses, including courses on web development and computer science.
4. Khan Academy: Khan Academy offers a range of free coding courses and tutorials, including courses on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
5. Code.org: Code.org is a non-profit organization that offers a variety of free coding courses and resources for learners of all ages.

Before choosing a course, it is important to consider your goals and which programming languages and technologies you want to learn. Some courses may be more suited to your needs than others, some may be more hands-on than others, and etc. so it is worth doing some research to find the right course for you.

Tutorials and documentation

Many programming languages and technologies have official documentation that is a good resource for learning the basics and getting started. For example, Python has an official documentation page (https://docs.python.org/) that is a great resource for learning the language.

There are many websites that offer coding tutorials, such as W3Schools and Codecademy. These tutorials can be a good way to learn the basics and get started with coding.

You can also find many YouTube channels that offer coding tutorials and lessons. We will discuss examples of them in what follows.

Books

There are many books available that can help you learn to code, including both general introductions to programming and more specific guides for individual languages.

Youtube

There are many YouTube channels that offer coding tutorials and lessons for people who are just getting started with coding. Here are a few popular channels to consider:

1. The Net Ninja – The Net Ninja offers a range of coding tutorials and courses, including courses on web development, JavaScript, and more.
2. Traversy Media – Traversy Media offers a variety of coding tutorials, including lessons on web development, Python, and more.
3. LearnCode.academy – LearnCode.academy offers a range of coding tutorials and courses, including lessons on web development, JavaScript, and more.
4. freeCodeCamp – freeCodeCamp is a non-profit organization that offers a range of free coding tutorials and resources.
5. Derek Banas – Derek Banas offers a variety of coding tutorials and lessons, including lessons on programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++.

These are just a few of the many YouTube channels that offer coding tutorials and lessons. You may want to explore a variety of channels to find the ones that best fit your learning style and needs.

Online Communities

Websites like Stack Overflow and Reddit have forums where you can ask questions and get help from other programmers. Or if you’re looking for a more mentorship and coaching-focused experience, you can join the likes of the Developer Club to get access to mentors, one on one coaching, peer support, and the opportunity to get an internship placement.

Actual Projects

The best way to learn to code is to actually write code. Consider building small projects or experimenting with different features of a programming language to improve your skills. It’s also a good idea to find a project that you can work on as you learn. This can help you apply the concepts you’re learning and see how they can be used in the real world.

The importance of Mentorship in Becoming a Programmer

While self-study can be effective, having a mentor can be incredibly helpful when learning to code. A mentor is someone who has experience in the field and can offer guidance and support as you navigate your way through the learning process.

Having a mentor can provide a number of benefits. They can help you stay motivated, offer advice on how to overcome challenges, and provide guidance on your career path. They can also help you make connections in the industry and introduce you to potential job opportunities.

Joining Communities for Support as you get Started

Learning to code can be a challenging journey, and it’s important to have a supportive community to turn to when you need help or advice. Becoming a software developer takes time and effort, but it can be a rewarding and fulfilling career. With the right resources, guidance, and support, anyone can learn to code and succeed in the field.

There are a number of online communities and forums specifically for software developers where you can connect with others who are programmers in a passive way. You might not be able to connect with individuals directly but you will be able to see their work or collaborate with them remotely. In addition, there are also active communities centered around mentorship and peer support that can help you integrate with the industry rather quickly. Attending meetups and conferences or getting memberships to developer clubs can be a great way to meet other programmers who are also learning to code and to get mentorship from experienced professionals.

Active Communities to Join:

Meetup:

Meetup is a platform that helps people find and join local groups that meet in person to discuss a variety of topics, including software development. You can find groups in your area and attend meetups to connect with other developers in your community. Learn more here.

Developer Conferences:

Attending developer conferences is a great way to learn from experts, network with other professionals, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies. There are many conferences held throughout the year, both in-person and online, that cover a wide range of topics related to software development.

Some examples of these conferences include PyCon, JavaOne, and Devoxx. You can search and find the right conferences that can match your interests.

Exclusive Communities:

Mentorship and coaching can be a valuable resource when you’re learning to code. There are some exclusive communities where you can become a member and get access to mentors, peers, and a curated network of professionals that can potentially lead to job opportunities. To get an idea, you can check out our Developer Club for beginners where you will experience learning to code in a hands-on way along with the support of mentors and peers.

Passive Community Options:

StackOverflow:

This is a popular Q&A platform for software developers, where you can ask and answer questions related to coding and development. Learn more here.

Reddit:

There are many subreddits (forums) dedicated to software development, where you can discuss topics with other developers, ask for help with problems, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies. Learn more here.

Github:

This is a platform for collaborating on software projects, and it also has a large community of developers who contribute to and use open source projects. You can join the community and participate in discussions, contribute code, and learn from other developers. Learn more here.

Some Final Tips

You have all you need to start learning to code, you know where to start, what resources to use, and where to find support! As long as you have a working computer and an internet connection, there are no excuses!

Here are some final tips you should think about for succeeding in learning to code as you get on with your journey:

Set clear goals:

Having clear goals can help you stay motivated and focused as you learn to code. Break your goals down into smaller, manageable tasks to make them more achievable.

Choose a learning style that works for you:

There are many different ways to learn to code, including online courses, tutorials, and books. Experiment with different resources and find a learning style that works best for you.

Practice regularly:

Practice is key to improving your skills and building confidence. Build small projects and experiment with different features of the language to practice what you have learned.

Get help when you need it:

Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck or don’t understand something. There are many online communities, such as Stack Overflow and Reddit, where you can ask questions and get help from other programmers.

Persevere:

Learning to code takes time and dedication, and you may encounter challenges and setbacks along the way. Don’t get discouraged – keep practicing and seeking help when needed, and you will succeed.

I hope these tips along with the guidance provided in this post are helpful. With dedication and persistence, anyone can learn to code and succeed in a career in technology. Good luck with your learning journey!