Everyone is talking about coding as it is a well-recognized skill and a lot more in demand. One can easily be tempted to start coding, but it is essential to understand what it means exactly and how you can do it efficiently.
What is coding?
Coding is a way to communicate with a computer and make it work the way you want. Learning to code will teach you the correct way to pass instructions and create demands. So, in short, code is an instruction which tells the computer what actions to take and when to take them.
The two main coding features are frontend and backend. One deals with the layout and appearance of the code, and the other deals with the logic of the code behind the page's appearance.
How to begin?
As humans communicate in different languages, so do computers. It is essential to understand that coding is done in many other languages; all of these have their own syntax (way of writing code) and rules. It is crucial that you do your research about different languages and opt for the one that suits you. It is always better to begin with an easy-to-understand language like python or JavaScript.
Python is a language with syntax remarkably similar to English, which is why it’s easier to understand than other languages. I started my own coding journey with Python. I always recommend starting with some easy stuff, as this will keep your confidence level up, and you will be motivated to carry on. On the other hand, JavaScript is the most common language, and you will find more opportunities in JavaScript than in any different language. JavaScript allows you to interact with a webpage. JavaScript is used with HTML and CSS.
Once you have decided on the language you wish to proceed with, you are ready to learn. The next part will cover the resources and where to find them.
Where to begin from?
Once you have decided on the language, you can start looking for courses. There are many resources available on the internet; there is a wide variety to choose from in both free and paid resources. I would personally suggest beginning with some free material first. I started to learn coding as a hobby and started from home in my own time. The best part is you can learn it from anywhere, as it doesn’t require traditional classroom setting. The key here is to begin with something more structured than amorphous. Organised and structured courses ensure that you are learning step by step and make learning fun and easy. Here is the list of free resources I have gone through myself, and I can vouch for how good and effective they are:
- Introduction to Computer Science on Harvard edX:
This is the best course I have encountered during my learning journey. This is an online course that you can do from anywhere and anytime. The great thing is it’s regularly updated so that you will get the latest and most current version of the coding method as a learner.
- W3 School:
As the name suggests, it is a virtual school for web developers, covering most aspects of development a beginner would require. W3 has the most simplified coding version; it’s like a layperson website for learning. It’s short, simple and to the point.
- Free Code Camp:
You can learn to code for free and receive a certificate when completed. It is very well-known in the software market. You need to make an account for free, and then you are all set. There are over 9000 tutorials available on their website.
- Codecademy:
This one is similar to the free code camp; most beginner courses are free, and the pro courses are available to purchase.
- Geeks 4 Geeks:
This is also an excellent source for free and suitable courses. The courses have descriptions, assessments, and practice sessions.
- YouTube Tutorials:
Finally, YouTube has lots of coding channels. There is a vast selection to choose from. Most of these channels have structured ways of teaching as well. Make sure you have opted for the right one; if not, don’t be scared to move to another channel. The essential bit is that you are learning.
Practice on the go:
Just reading a book or watching tutorials will not be enough. To develop your skills and do programming proficiently, you must keep writing the code. Remember, practicing is critical! As this is something new you are learning, repetition is vital. Be consistent and committed to learning.
Create a GitHub account:
GitHub is a platform where you can store, manage, track and control changes in your code. Having your GitHub account from the moment you start coding and doing any projects is an excellent practice. Even if it’s a small project, it will be worth keeping it on GitHub. This way, you can track your progress and showcase your skills to someone else. Not just that, you can also see other people's codes and take inspiration from them.
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