How to Learn Programming

Introduction

Learning to code is a hot new talent these days. It is so popular that even high schools have included it into their curriculum. Programming and coding are commonly used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing, as you can read about here. With every duty getting digitised and becoming smart and automotive with AI technology, learning to code has become a need of the age.

Everything you can think of can be done using an app or a website, from calling a cab, dining, or buying online to watching movies or learning new skills. As applications become more digital, the demand for developers and programmers grows, therefore knowing a programming language is advantageous. This article describes how to learn the programming language of your choosing and how to get started with programming. So let's get this party started!

How to Begin Learning to Code

Before we continue reading, let me remind you that you have chosen a route that requires patience and drive to never give up regardless of the obstacles along the way. To become a programmer, read through and follow the instructions below.

Learn the Fundamentals of Programming

The first and most important step is to decide which language to study. Python is a good place to start since it is basic, like English, and easy to learn. Check out some of the greatest Python tutorials to get started. However, you may select the language that fascinates you as well as the project that you like to develop in the future. If you want to construct a mobile app, you should start with Java or Kotlin for Android and Swift for iOS, and if you want to build a website, you should start with Javascript. Python and R are the languages to learn if you want to work in data science, AI, or machine learning.

You could desire to study the languages in one of two ways:

1. Via Interactive Websites

For interactive coding sessions, websites such as Codecademy and Freecodecamp are advised. These were created with the assumption that many novices get stuck at the outset of learning to code when setting up the development environment. These websites provide online text editors and compilers so that you may start coding right away.

2. Using Video Tutorials

If you want a comprehensive study with step-by-step instruction, we recommend enrolling in any online programming course that teaches you everything from installing and downloading the essential IDE to basic language ideas and culminates with a capstone project to evaluate your coding abilities. Some tutorials and courses also provide credentials that may be useful later on while looking for work. For seeking beginner tutorials for the desired language, we recommend Pluralsight and Lynda. You might also want to look at some of the most popular lessons on Hackr.io.

Concentrate on Learning the Fundamentals of Programming

It is usually advised to strengthen your basics in order to become a great coder. Learn the fundamentals extensively and experiment with the code by creating and solving your own challenges. To begin studying, focus on the following themes because they are ubiquitous in practically all languages.

Data Types
Variables
Functions
Array or Lists
If statements
Conditional loops
Classes and objects
Exception handling
Trees, maps, and more.

Create Your First Project

Building your personal project is the most effective technique to assess and understand what you've studied. Building a project of your choosing would provide you with in-depth practical learning experience of the language as you would come across the implementation of the principles that you had previously learnt and also learn how to deploy the project for use by you and others. Furthermore, when you construct your projects, upload them to your profile or GitHub account; this will benefit you in the future when looking for a programming job.

Are you feeling stuck?

There may be instances when you feel stuck when developing projects. It might be anything from getting errors, your software crashing without any message, or your coding executing properly but not creating the intended result. You may become restless and perhaps want to give up. What should you do in such situations? Never give up! Stay motivated, and consider the tips below to assist you continue working on your project.

1. Learn to Correctly Google the Error

This is an extremely important phase that you must master. Searching and surfing the error of your code would help you rectify your code in a matter of minutes, but if you are not skilled at this, it would be like diving into a vortex of code without a map. Before searching on Google, I recommend enclosing the error issued by your compiler in double-quotes (" ") This manner, Google will explicitly target the error as the same sentence, resulting in a far more accurate filtered result.

2. Popular Websites to Help You

Websites like Stack-Overflow and Reddit are popular for helping developers all around the world with their code. It is a full-fledged community of developers from various fortes who get together to assist one another with their projects. Posting your questions here may take up to 2-3 weeks to receive a response, but it is worthwhile, even if you may already have found the answer to your problem because many others have encountered the same problem previously. It is also encouraged that you answer some of the questions that you can to help others and learn in the process.

Apply for a Job or an Internship

Finally, many people study programming languages in order to work in development. So, if you are confident or feel that you know some fundamental programming, you may opt to begin your career in the development business with an internship. Begin working as a paid or unpaid intern on a project of interest, or help or work with an experienced developer to learn. Working as an intern allows you to learn and improve your talents while also earning money. Even if you do not experience discomfort, you will have the opportunity to build your industry network for future references and jobs.

You might start your internship hunt in the following ways:

LinkedIn is the most reliable site that reaches a large audience and may assist you in finding a variety of internships of interest.
Career fairs are beneficial since they allow you to meet recruiters in person and so discuss your interests and determine whether the project is of interest to you.
Networking: This is the most suggested method of obtaining an internship because if you receive a job through someone's recommendation, you will have an advantage over other candidates since they will be more likely to trust you if someone from their business suggests you. You can expand your network by attending events and gatherings as directed.

Conclusion

That takes us to the end of the programming tutorial. I hope that after reading this post, you are inspired to learn to code and begin working on your first project. We at Hackr.io have selected the top courses for practically all programming languages that you could be interested in. So get ready to go on your quest to becoming a developer. Do you have any additional programming tips you'd like to share with the community? Please let us know. Have fun coding!