Welcome to the exciting world of programming! If you’re here, it means you’re either considering starting your journey as a programmer or have already taken your first steps. This article is your guiding light, your mentor, and your virtual pat on the back. It’s tailored for beginners, so don’t worry if you feel like you’re stepping into uncharted territory. We’ve got your back!
Why Programming Matters
Programming, in the simplest terms, is the art of instructing computers to perform tasks. Whether it’s creating mobile apps, building websites, or analyzing data, programming empowers you to turn your ideas into digital realities. It’s like having a magical wand that transforms your thoughts into tangible creations, limited only by your imagination.
If you’re anything like me, as a child, you may have often wondered how software is designed and built. It seems miraculous doesn’t it? Just look at video games! It is amazing how a collection of text (code) and images can turn into something so visually appealing.
And by learning programming, you can become the one who creates these amazing things!
Personal curiosity aside, programming is also becoming a major deal in the modern world, as practically everything is now powered by software (even toilets!). As such, there is huge demand for programmers and software engineers (don’t let those AI doom posters fool you otherwise).
What to Expect
As a beginner, it’s entirely natural to feel a mix of excitement and maybe a touch of apprehension. We’ll guide you through the entire process, from choosing your first programming language to building your first projects.
You don’t need a background in computer science, just a curious mind and a desire to learn. Programming is like learning a new language, and like any language, it takes time to become fluent. And remember, it is never too late to begin programming!
Now, let’s dive into the fascinating journey of programming, one step at a time. We’re here to walk you through the essential concepts, languages, and resources you need to embark on your coding adventure.
Choosing a Programming Language
The next step on your journey is to choose the right programming language. Think of programming languages like different tools in a craftsman’s toolbox; each has its unique strengths and applications.
But which one should you start with?
Don’t be overwhelmed by the abundance of programming languages out there. As a beginner, it’s crucial to pick a language that strikes a balance between being beginner-friendly and versatile. Here are a few considerations to help you make your decision:
1. Ease of Learning:
- Some languages are designed with beginners in mind, offering a gentle learning curve. These include Python, JavaScript, and Ruby. In contrast, a harder language would be something like C or C++.
- A language with clear and readable syntax will make your learning journey smoother. Once again, Python is a language which meets this criteria quite well.
2. Application:
- Think about what you want to do with programming. Do you want to create websites, mobile apps, or work with data?
- For web development, languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are essential.
- Python is a versatile language that’s excellent for web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more.
- Java and JavaScript are good choices for Android app development.
- Swift is the go-to language for iOS app development. Although JavaScript can be used here too.
My Recommendations
My personal recommendation for any new programmer would be Python, with JavaScript and C++ coming in at close second. Let me explain why.
I recommend Python the most, as it is one of the easiest languages to learn, having very simple syntax, is not verbose, has massive community support, has over 300,000+ third-party libraries, and is one of the most in-demand languages in today’s world. Other than this, it is also a great platform for anyone to begin programming, as it captures all the core concepts of programming. This allows anyone to easily graduate from Python to any other programming language, because their concepts have been well developed.
As for why I recommend JavaScript – this is because it was one of the most versatile languages in the world right now, even more than Python. It dominates the Web Development (websites) field, and also has a big part in Mobile App Development. The only downsides are that JavaScript is not very representative of the average programming language, and its structure and style can be a little confusing for beginners. Furthermore, it is not a great choice for desktop applications.
Finally, we have C or C++. These are very “classic” and old programming languages, which are full of all kinds of programming concepts, and often taught as the “first language” in many institutions for this very reason. However, it has a steeper learning curve, and less application in the modern era, where things like Web Development, Artificial Intelligence, and Mobile App development has exploded in popularity. And C++ is not a widely used language in either of these three fields. However, if you do end up learning C++ as your first language and succeeding, your programming foundation will be very strong.
You may make your decision based on your future goals and interests.
Setting Up Your Development Environment
Now that you’ve chosen your programming language, it’s time to set up your development environment. Think of your development environment as the digital workshop where you’ll craft your code. At the heart of this workshop is the Integrated Development Environment (IDE).
Understanding Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)
An Integrated Development Environment, or IDE for short, is like a Swiss Army knife for programmers. It’s a software application that combines various tools into one cohesive package, providing a comprehensive platform for coding. These tools typically include a code editor, debugger, compiler, and sometimes even version control.
Why Choose an IDE?
Using an IDE is especially beneficial for beginners because it streamlines the development process. Here’s why:
- Code Editor: IDEs come with code editors that offer features like syntax highlighting, autocompletion, and error checking. These features make writing code easier and help you catch mistakes before they become a problem.
- Organized Workspace: IDEs provide an organized workspace where you can create, manage, and organize your projects. This makes it easier to keep track of your work.
- Debugging: IDEs usually include debugging tools that allow you to identify and fix errors in your code. Debugging is an essential part of the programming process.
- Extensions and Plugins: Most IDEs support extensions and plugins, allowing you to tailor your development environment to your specific needs.
The Recommended IDE: Visual Studio Code
While there are many IDEs available, one stands out as a top choice, especially for beginners: Visual Studio Code, often referred to as VS Code. Here’s why it’s highly recommended:
- Free and Open Source: VS Code is completely free, and its source code is open for anyone to explore and contribute to.
- Lightweight: It’s relatively lightweight and won’t slow down your computer. It runs smoothly even on less powerful machines.
- Cross-Platform: Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux, VS Code works seamlessly on all major operating systems.
- Large and Active Community: VS Code has a vast and active community. This means you’ll find plenty of extensions, plugins, and online resources to help you along your coding journey.
- Versatile Language Support: While Python is a great choice for beginners, VS Code supports a wide range of programming languages, making it an excellent long-term choice as you explore new territories in the world of coding. It saves you the bother of having to install and maintain different IDEs for each language you work on. An all-in-one solution!
Learning Resources
Now that you’ve got your development environment set up, it’s time to dive into the world of programming and start learning. The good news is that there is an abundance of resources available to help you on your journey. Whether you prefer structured courses, interactive platforms, or books, you’ll find the right learning materials to match your learning style and pace.
1. Interactive Learning Platforms:
- Codecademy: Codecademy is a popular choice for beginners. It offers interactive lessons on various programming languages, web development, and more. The hands-on approach allows you to practice what you learn immediately.
- Coursera and edX: These platforms provide courses from universities and institutions worldwide. You can find both free and paid courses on a wide range of programming topics.
- freeCodeCamp: is a nonprofit organization that offers a free, self-paced curriculum for learning web development. It’s great for aspiring web developers.
2. Books:
- “Automate the Boring Stuff with Python” by Al Sweigart: A fantastic choice for Python beginners. It teaches programming through practical, real-world examples.
- “Eloquent JavaScript” by Marijn Haverbeke: This book is an excellent introduction to JavaScript, ideal for those interested in web development.
- “Head First Java” by Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates: If you’re diving into Java, this book provides a beginner-friendly approach to Java programming.
3. Online Communities and Forums:
- Stack Overflow: A go-to platform for asking and answering programming-related questions. It’s a valuable resource for troubleshooting issues and learning from experienced developers.
- Reddit’s r/learnprogramming: This subreddit is a welcoming community for beginners. You can seek advice, share your progress, and learn from others.
- GitHub: While primarily a platform for version control, GitHub is also a treasure trove of open-source projects and code repositories. Exploring other people’s code can be a great learning experience.
4. Video Tutorials:
- YouTube: Many programming YouTubers create high-quality tutorials on various programming topics. You can find video content for nearly any language or concept. Furthermore, visual learning is easily the best mode of learning (for the majority of people). Especially because people these days do not have the attention span for reading books.
5. Documentation:
- Don’t underestimate the power of official documentation. Language documentation (e.g., Python’s official documentation) is often the most reliable source of information. Even other third-party resources that you might install (e.g. community made programming libraries which contain prebuilt code) have their own documentation sites.
6. Coding Challenges:
- Websites like LeetCode, HackerRank, and Project Euler offer coding challenges to improve your problem-solving skills.
7. Online Courses:
- Platforms like Udemy and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of courses on programming and software development. Keep an eye out for sales and discounts.
Building Projects
As they say, practice makes perfect, and this is where you put your newfound knowledge into action. Projects are not just a way to practice; they’re also your chance to create something unique, personal, and potentially even useful. Once you have acquired some basic programming knowledge, projects will help you take your skills to the next level, and give you the practical experience you need to become a professional.
Start Small:
When building your first projects, it’s essential to start small. Consider creating projects like a to-do list app, a simple calculator, or a digital diary. These projects might seem straightforward, but they provide a solid foundation for understanding key programming concepts.
Plan Your Projects:
Before you start coding, take a moment to plan your projects. Define what your project will do, what features it will have, and how it will function. Sketch out the user interface if it’s a graphical application.
Break It Down:
Break your project into smaller, manageable tasks. If you’re building a to-do list app, you might break it down into tasks like creating the user interface, adding tasks, and marking them as completed.
Learn as You Go:
You don’t need to know everything before you start a project. Learning as you go is an essential part of the process. When you encounter a challenge, don’t be afraid to research and seek solutions. You’ll learn a lot in the process.
Showcase Your Work:
Don’t keep your projects hidden on your computer. Share your code on GitHub or create a personal portfolio website to showcase your work. Sharing your projects can help you build a coding portfolio and get noticed by potential employers.
