What is programming?
The application of logic to enable certain computing activities and capabilities are known as programming. It can be found in one or more languages, each of which has a different programming paradigm, application, and domain.
Learning to code has become essential in an age where everything is being digitized and made intelligent using AI technologies. Although there are some minor distinctions between coding and programming, both are valuable skills to have.
Before we get started, you should be aware that learning programming requires perseverance, motivation, and, above all, a commitment to never giving up in the face of difficulties. Now that that is out of the way, let's begin studying the basics of programming.
Basics of programming.
Selecting a programming language to learn is the first step. Python is an excellent choice for beginners because it is similar to English and simple to learn. To get started, look at some of the top Python tutorials.
However, you can also pick languages based on your interests or a project you'd like to work on. So if you want to start creating mobile apps, you could start with Java, Kotlin, or Swift for Android and iOS, respectively. Javascript is the best option if you want to create a website. Python and R are the languages to study for data science, AI, and machine learning. However, you will have to spend a significant amount of time coding in both circumstances - there is no way around it.
Learning procedures.
• Using Interactive Websites.
For interactive coding lessons, websites like Codecademy and Freecodecamp are good choices. These were developed with the understanding that many newcomers get stuck at the beginning when they first begin learning to code and are setting up the development environment. These websites provide immediate coding starting online text editors and compilers.
• Using video tutorials.
I advise enrolling in any online programming lesson if you prefer extensive instructions with step-by-step coaching. Some certain tutorials and courses also provide certifications, which may be useful when you seek jobs.
Learn the fundamentals of programming.
Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the fundamentals before getting your hands dirty by creating and resolving your problems. Regardless of language, the following topics are crucial:
• Data Types
• Variables
• Functions
• Array or Lists
• If statements
• Conditional loops
• Classes and objects
• Exception handling
• Trees and maps.
Create Your Initial Project.
The most effective technique to comprehend what you have learnt is to construct a personal project. You gain practical knowledge from this and can participate in the debugging process. Add your projects to your profile or GitHub account so that people can see them when you apply for development jobs.
Therefore, how do you pick a programming project?
How Do I Select a Project?
Most people get stopped at this point throughout the decision-making process, but there is an easy fix.
• Pick an interest of yours.
You must pursue your hobbies in anything you do, whether it be studying or programming. You must appreciate the project area you select if you want to be passionate about it and remain interested in it during construction.
If you select a project that you are not passionate about, you risk abandoning it in the middle because you may grow bored with it. Because of this, you ought to select a project that is associated with a passion of yours. For instance, if you enjoy playing games, you might only want to create a straightforward video game. If you're a beginner photographer or artist, you might want to create a website portfolio to display your whole body of work.
• Begin with a straightforward idea.
Being assured in your talents is positive, but being overconfident is negative. Before you begin constructing big projects, start with simple projects to get a feel for the language.
For instance, if you decide to create a video game, don't try to make one that is too difficult. Start with a game like tic-tac-toe instead.
• Create a Useful Thing for Yourself and your Community.
Create something that will be interesting to a community and valuable to you. This presents you with the chance to receive numerous downloads or views, giving you the chance to show off your abilities and gain an advantage over competing applicants.
You may create a web app that boosts productivity, a finance program that makes it simpler to manage investments, a script that notifies us when an item is back in stock, and much more.
Are You Stuck?
When programming, getting stuck at some times is unavoidable. This could take the form of receiving errors, your software crashing silently, or even your code running without issues but failing to produce the desired results. You'll experience frustration, but keep trying!
Use these suggestions to keep working on your project and stay motivated.
• Acquire the correct Google search technique.
You must grasp this essential stage. In a matter of minutes, you might fix your code by searching for and browsing the error. Before using Google, it's a good idea to enclose the compiler error in double-quotes (" ") Google would target the error as the same sentence precisely in this manner.
• Well-known Websites to Help You.
To help developers all over the world with their code, websites like Stack-Overflow and Reddit are at the top of the list. Answering questions that have been posted by others will also help you learn.
Meetups and events.
This step may be challenging at first because it forces you to step outside of your comfort zone, but it has a huge impact. Start by looking for others who share your interests so you can collaborate and learn from them. You may try looking out local "coding events" online or going to a meetup website.
Find Employment or an Internship.
Finally, a lot of people pick up programming languages to launch a profession. When you feel comfortable enough or that you have a basic understanding of programming, you might wish to enter the development field by beginning with an internship. You may develop your talents and learn new ones while working as an intern, and in some cases, you might even get paid.