Learning programming is a popular skill these days. Due to the huge scope of programming, even governments are encouraging youth to learn to code. The demand for programming is huge these days. These days, every business is going online & therefore programming is the need of the era.
How to start learning programming?
Every person in this world is surrounded by apps or websites, the backend of all these apps is basically programming, done by smart software developers who are highly paid by the different organizations. This article will not only discuss the importance of learning programming but also explain step by step, the right path to becoming a good software engineer.
How to Learn to code
Before starting further, let me remind you that indeed, being a programmer is really cool & also it is a highly paid skill, but it requires a lot of hard work & patience. You should have a spirit of never give up. If you’re ready to put all these efforts, then you are ready to go!
Learn Programming Fundamentals
The first step is to choose the programming language. Many people say that Python should be chosen. But if you ask me, I’ll recommend C or C++, the reason is simple, if you start with a middle-level language, then your basics will be strong & once the concept is clear, it will be really easy for you to learn any language. Otherwise, you can choose any other language, depending upon your interest.
If you’re confused, then you should check out our previous article, in which we list the top 6 programming languages in 2021. Click the link here.
You may want to learn programming in one of the following 2 ways:
1. Through Interactive Websites
There are different websites like Codeacademy and freecodecamp, which provide interactive coding sessions. Since many beginners are stuck with setting up the development environment, these websites provide online text editors and compilers to begin coding instantly.
2. Through Video Tutorials
If you like the detailed study with step by step guidance then we recommend you to any programming tutorial or course that teaches you from installation to deployment. In fact, due to huge demand from the TechOutflow lovers, we are currently working on the C++ tutorial series.
Some websites provide certification along with the training. If you are interested in taking one, we recommend you to choose any reputed website like Edureka or Pluralsight.
Focus on Learning Programming Basics
If you want to be a good programmer, your basics should be strong. Learn the basics thoroughly & practice them. There is no point in learning complex frameworks if you’re struggling with the basic control statements. Following are the few topics which should be learned by a programmer:
- Data Types
- Variables
- Functions
- Array or Lists
- If statements
- Conditional loops
- Classes and objects
- Exception handling
- Trees, maps, and more.
Related: Let’s make your hold on control statements, strong
Build your First Project
If you’ve realized that you have properly done your basics & you are ready to develop a project, you should straightway jump to a project, maybe a minor project. Building a project helps you to analyze your strengths & weaknesses. Once you’ve completed your project, add it to your Github profile and showcase it to the developers’ community.
Sometimes few questions arise at this stage:
How Should I Choose a Project?
This question is asked by many developers and they eventually struck at this stage. Below are some tips:
1. Choose What Interests You
You should keep your interest at the preference because you are going to face difficulty and you will lose interest if you develop against your interests. So, the first suggestion is that you should always keep your interest at the preference.
If you are developing the project of your interest, you’ll remain motivated & you’ll ultimately you’ll develop something useful.
2. Start With Something Simple
If you have just learned a new programming language and this is your first project, then you should choose a simple project instead of a complex one.
For example, if you chose to develop a game, then it is advisable to start with a simple one like Tic-Tac-Toc instead of developing a game by Call of Duty. If you’re planning to develop a website, you should start with something like a to-do list instead of developing a website like Facebook.
3. Build Something Useful for the Community
You should be innovative if you want to build something. You should build it for the community, so by that, it will give you some extra motivation to complete the project, also, it will also give you huge opportunities in the industry.
Related: Are you confused between Java & Kotlin?? check out here
Feeling Stuck?
Now, this is the part that mostly the developers whether it may be a beginner or experienced, face. If you are also stuck here, don’t worry there are a number of online resources, which are there to help you out like StackOverflow, Reddit. You can even Google the error coming, or you can also take help from your friend.
The above solutions work almost all the time, but sometimes, you’ve to find the bug yourself that too if there is some logical error in your code.
Get a Job or Internship
Getting a job is the ultimate goal for most of the people who choose to learn to program. But getting a job straightway is difficult. You should get some internship first & then try after job.
You should search for some internship if you think that, you’ve acquired a relevant skillset and you’re confident enough.
Related: Want to get placements, checkout this complete guide
Conclusion
That brings us to the end of this guide on start learning programming. I hope, after learning to program, you’ll be clear about your journey starting from beginner to an experienced programmer.
Given below is the video on how to start learning programming.
We are currently working on the C++ tutorial series, you will also get some new articles on technology very soon. Till then, stay tuned & stay safe. Also, don’t forget to share with your friends.
Happy Coding