Developing software is a highly valuable skill, offering substantial personal and professional advantages. It empowers you with the ability to create, modify, and innovate. This skillset can unlock numerous career opportunities with attractive perks, including a good salary, the flexibility to work remotely, or even both.
It’s not surprising that individuals from diverse backgrounds are increasingly opting to learn coding. However, every aspiring programmer eventually faces a harsh truth: mastering programming is tough.
Initially, coding can appear complex and perplexing, often feeling nonsensical. The frustrating feeling of “I don’t understand” might persist even after significant progress, leading once enthusiastic beginners to feel overwhelmed, lost, and tempted to quit.
The key takeaway is this: Be prepared. The road to programming proficiency is lengthy, and lacking the right mindset from the start can quickly make it unappealing.
This article aims to guide you on what to anticipate during your coding journey, effective learning approaches, and valuable tools and resources available to assist you along the way.
Anticipating the Journey
It might be evident, but programming is fundamentally a technical field. Your initial skills will demand precision and accuracy, and taking shortcuts won’t be fruitful. You’ll need to grasp some mathematics and concepts like procedural logic that resemble mathematical thinking.
The crucial point is that mastering the fundamentals of programming requires significant concentration and practice. However, numerous individuals, with or without a technical background, have made this journey before you so stay persistent. As we’ll discover, abundant resources are available specifically designed to make this process smoother for learners like you.
Programming’s learning curve is steepest initially. There’s a considerable amount of fundamental knowledge to absorb, including components of a programming language (expressions, variables, data types, operators, loops, conditional statements, functions, classes) and techniques to understand your code’s time and memory consumption (complexity). You’ll write code that won’t work immediately, requiring you to embrace debugging, the persistent challenge faced by every programmer.
Once you can write code, you’ll learn to write robust code. Creating efficient, readable, understandable, and extensible code is an art that’s constantly changing. You’ll delve into different software philosophies, transitioning from a “coder” to a “software architect.” This process also demands time and practice, but as your skills improve, more opportunities will present themselves.
The Path to Coding Proficiency
Every programmer’s journey is unique, but some valuable principles benefit all learners. If you’re starting, here’s the recommended process:
1. Choosing Your Destination: Select a Language
When seriously pursuing coding, the initial language choice isn’t critical. Most popular languages share fundamental concepts, making learning a new language easier after mastering your first. If you’re enrolled in a university degree or a similar program, your language might be pre-selected.
Unless you have a specific long-term goal, I recommend these five languages that balance ease of learning, versatility of acquired knowledge, and abundant long-term job prospects: Ruby, JavaScript, Python, C, and Java.
Here’s a general overview of each to aid your decision:
Interpreted Languages
Interpreted languages are beginner-friendly because their source code can be executed immediately. Conversely, compiled languages require an extra step between writing and running code.
This characteristic allows for faster coding with interpreted languages, but they utilize computer resources less efficiently, and bugs might go undetected more easily. They’re ideal for applications where performance isn’t paramount, making them popular for web development. In fact, JavaScript is the only language directly executable in web browsers, contributing to its rapid emergence as a highly sought-after language.
| Language | Pros | Cons | Commonly Used For |
| Ruby |
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| JavaScript |
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| Python |
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Compiled Languages
Compiled code is converted from human-readable code into optimized machine code before execution. This results in significantly faster and more efficient execution compared to interpreted languages. The compiler ensures that the code is logically sound, identifying and preventing many bug types that interpreted languages are prone to.
Consequently, mistakes or poor code are harder to overlook with these languages. They compel a deeper understanding of the underlying computer processes, providing in-depth knowledge of how a computer truly functions. However, these languages are more labor-intensive and typically more challenging for beginners.
Compiled languages are utilized in performance and reliability-critical applications, including embedded systems with limited resources and large, complex applications where even minor bugs can be detrimental.
| Language | Pros | Cons | Commonly Used For |
| C |
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| Java |
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HTML and CSS: Not Programming Languages
It’s important to note that HTML and CSS, used in almost every webpage, are not programming languages. They are presentational languages, defining appearance and content, not behavior. However, they can be a good starting point due to their ease of learning and their role in teaching correct typing. Additionally, web development inevitably requires learning them.
2. Starting Small
Learning requires time, and there’s a lot to grasp. Attempting a complex application on day one is unrealistic. To avoid frustration, begin by solving small, simple problems and gradually progress.
Traditionally, the first program written when learning a new language is the “Hello World” program, which displays “Hello World” on the screen. While seemingly trivial, it incorporates many fundamental language elements, making it ideal for understanding the language’s syntax.
Progress to writing programs that perform arithmetic operations and take user input. Then, explore conditionals for decision-making and loops for repetitive tasks. Soon, you’ll be ready to build your first object and experiment with creating complete applications.
3. Practicing Patience
Programming’s core concepts can be challenging, especially without prior knowledge of how computers work internally.
For instance, I initially found debugging frustrating. Instead of writing new code, I’d spend hours scrutinizing existing code, wondering where I went wrong. Eventually, I’d discover a missing semicolon or an incorrect indentation, feeling like I wasted a whole day.
Such occurrences are inevitable and can be maddening. Therefore, patience and self-compassion are crucial. Some best advice recommend focusing on the process instead of fixating on goals. Focusing solely on the end goal (“building a website by June”) can lead to discouragement and a sense of failure. Allowing yourself ample time to progress will yield better results.
4. Embracing Practice
Like any skill, proficiency in programming stems from practice. There’s no substitute for hands-on experience. Even dedicating a few hours weekly, consistent practice will eventually lead to proficiency. You’ll develop intuition, and tasks that initially took an entire day (like debugging) will become significantly faster.
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, starting your first project is excellent practice. Choose a simple application, like a to-do list or a calculator (start small), and attempt to build it. This exercise teaches you to solve architectural and design problems, integrating different components into a functional whole, essential skills for a programmer.
Navigating the Resources
Your learning journey’s resources depend on your goals, learning style, and available resources. Here’s a summary of available tools, categorized roughly from more structured to less structured learning approaches:
Structured Learning
These options offer instructors, assignments, exams, grades, deadlines, and potential consequences for neglecting your studies. They require consistent attendance and effort.
Formal University Degrees
Although costly, formal university degrees provide a solid foundation for a successful programming career. A degree offers recognition for your accomplishments, enhancing your professional profile. More importantly, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of computer science, reflected in your ability to develop high-quality software.
Here are some topics typically covered in-depth in reputable university programs, which might be harder to find comprehensive instruction for elsewhere:
- Electrical Circuits: The physics underpinning computer hardware.
- Digital Logic Circuits: Representing truth and logical constructs using circuits.
- Microprocessors and Computer Systems: Combining logical circuits to create programmable computers. Understanding the workings of hardware components.
- Operating Systems: Programming a computer to manage itself, organize data, ensure security, and enable multiple applications to run concurrently.
- Databases: Storing and managing vast amounts of data without loss, corruption, or searchability issues.
- Networks: Facilitating communication between different computer systems.
- Higher Mathematics: Including Calculus and Linear Algebra, essential for advanced or cutting-edge fields.
- Signal Processing: Bridging the gap between analog and digital signals.
- Numerical Methods: Solving real-world problems that don’t fit neatly into computational models.
Computer science and engineering programs are demanding, requiring dedication and sacrifice. However, the rewards are substantial. Earning my degree was challenging, but it remains one of my proudest achievements.
Bootcamp Programs
“Bootcamps” cater to individuals lacking the time or resources for a formal degree but willing to commit intensely to learning software development fundamentals. In terms of cost and commitment, they fall between formal degrees and self-directed options.
Bootcamps typically involve 8 to 12 weeks of intensive study, costing around US$10,000. They cover significant material in a short timeframe, requiring sacrificing other pursuits. However, they aim to equip you for real-world software development, fast-tracking your programming career. Many bootcamps conclude with career days or job placement assistance.
Being a recent phenomenon, measuring bootcamps’ long-term success rate is challenging, with many still establishing a proven track record. Nevertheless, as the industry matures, available programs are expected to improve. Thorough research can help you determine if a bootcamp aligns with your needs.
Most bootcamps are location-specific, so explore options in your city. In major metropolitan areas, websites like this list or this one can be helpful.
Semi-Structured Learning
Numerous resources are emerging for learners who benefit from structure and guidance but lack the availability for formal programs. These options are usually online, and many are free. As demand for such services increases, these tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated and valuable. Software development courses have driven much of this evolution, as teaching and learning software using software offers inherent advantages.
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
MOOCs are revolutionizing access to quality, affordable education. They offer the structure and guidance of top-tier university courses online, accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Many MOOCs are free, although paid options might offer formal credit equivalent to university credits.
Numerous reputable MOOC platforms exist, offering courses taught by professors from prestigious universities. Community platforms facilitate interaction and support among learners worldwide. Some well-known providers include:
Be aware that these are university-level courses, demanding significant effort and dedication.
Guided Tutorial Websites
If you prefer structure without strict deadlines, numerous platforms offer automated, step-by-step training through videos, text, and interactive coding environments in your browser. These platforms offer flexibility to learn at your own pace.
While many require paid subscriptions for full access, most provide free trials to evaluate their suitability.
This is a limited selection; explore and discover other platforms that suit your preferences.
Unstructured Learning
For self-directed learners or those seeking to enhance their knowledge independently, the following tools offer a less structured approach. Even when pursuing other learning methods, these resources can supplement your learning or provide practice opportunities.
Coding Challenge Websites
The internet offers numerous platforms for practicing coding problems. These websites provide coding challenges, interactive coding interfaces, instant feedback on your solutions, and comparisons with other users’ solutions.
Video Lectures
While passive learning has its limitations, video lectures can be valuable for grasping deeper concepts during downtime. Explore various lecture series available on platforms like YouTube and other websites.
Books
Despite technological advancements, books remain an excellent resource for in-depth learning. Check out curated lists like Toptal’s List of Top Free Programming Books for recommendations.
Embracing the Coding Journey
Learning to code is a personalized endeavor. Everyone begins with different resources, goals, challenges, and opportunities. Focus on your progress and enjoy the process. There’s always something new to learn, even for experienced programmers.
Take your time, enjoy the journey, and explore the vast world of programming. The first step is often the hardest. Choose your path, equip yourself with the right resources, and embark on your coding adventure!