Preparation Guide to Learn Coding for Beginners

Preparation Guide to Learn Coding for Beginners
Preparation Guide to Learn Coding for Beginners

Introduction

In a world where our dependency on computers is increasing day by day, it is becoming increasingly helpful for one to know how to communicate with them properly. To get our work done by these powerful machines, we need to give them the right instructions.

Software or application coding is a set of instructions given to the computer to execute. We use codes in computers and many other electronic devices, such as cell phones, cars, microwaves, refrigerators, and so on. A good structured optimised, and well-written code results in productive, functional output.

A standard definition is, “coding means using the programming language to get the computer to behave as desired. Each line of the code is a set of instructions for the computer”. 


Well! This definition is quite lengthy. 

Then let me explain with an example – if you are booking tickets online for a vacation, just think about the website which provides you all the information and solves your queries. Now that website is made of HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), JavaScript (JS), and many more technological tools. A web developer writes the code built into a responsive website.

Let’s have a look at another example. Just think about how rovers in space give the information to space stations on earth. Some rovers are made so intelligent, and they are embedded with artificial intelligence and machine learning. To run successful Aerospace stations, we need coders who can write instructions to carry out a specific task.

Now you are pretty sure about what you want to develop, now let’s think about which programming language you want to code in? We have many programming languages like mark-up languages, database languages, structured and unstructured programming languages, and many more! 

So choose the correct language for your application to learn coding for beginners.

Why Should I Learn To Code?

Coding is an exciting field to improve your problem-solving skills and shows a world full of opportunities. We are booking tickets, paying electricity bills, buying food, clothes online, and get personalised recommendations for Netflix and Amazon Prime.

All of this is made possible by coding and is beyond limits. You can learn from anywhere, through different online courses and youtube videos. You can start through simple codes and develop your skills daily.

There are many reasons to learn to programme:

  • Coding jobs have the best job opportunities and security
  • Coding is fun
  • Students develop persistence by learning to code

Popular Programming Languages

We have different programming languages to code; some are high-level languages, and some are low-level languages.

  • Low-level languages are almost binary languages that are difficult to write, read and understand. Ex: Assembly languages.
  • High-level languages are easy to learn and code; some of them are Java, Python, PERL, etc.

Let’s explore some famous programming languages, which may help you decide on your first programming language.

1. Python

  • Python is a user-friendly programming language, and you can understand the code easily while you are reading. 
  • Python includes Object-Oriented programming (OOP) concepts that add more security. 
  • In addition, python provides you with vast in-built libraries and methods, so you can just import them and use those in your code without writing lengthy code. 
  • We use Python in web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and some social media applications.

Image Source: Google Trends

2. Ruby

  • Ruby is an interpreted, high-level, general-purpose programming language.
  • Ruby includes everything needed to create database-backed web applications according to the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture.
  • Rails is the server-side framework built on top of Ruby like Django built on top of Python.
  • It provides default structures for databases, web services, and web pages.
  • Ruby is used in GitHub, SlideShare, Kickstarter, and many more web applications.

Image Source: Google Trends

3. Java

  • Java is a class-based object-oriented programming language.
  • Java is a multi-platform language that’s helpful in networking and also used for web application development.
  • Java is used to design cross-platform programs since it is like C++ in structure and syntax.
  • Java provides you with the features of reusability of code, inheritance, polymorphism features.
  • Java has vast communities around the world to help you.
  • Using java, we can develop mobile, web, desktop, GUI applications.

Image Source: Google Trends

4. JavaScript:

  • JavaScript is a front-end web development programming language.
  • You can create front-end web applications, desktop and hardware applications.
  • JavaScript helps to create interactive web pages and dynamically display content to users.
  • We can also use JavaScript on the server-side through Node.js (a framework built on top of JavaScript) to build scalable network applications. 
  • Netflix, Candy Crush, Facebook, Uber, and LinkedIn are built through JavaScript.

Image Source: Google Trends

5. GO:

  • GO is an open-source programming language that makes it easy to build reliable, simple, and efficient software with high performance.
  • GO is syntactically similar to C but with some extra features like memory security, garbage collector.
  • GO is a low-level programming language used for systems programming.
  •  It’s the perfect language for building web servers, data pipelines, and even machine-learning packages.

Image Source: Google Trends

Choosing the Right Resources

“Don’t follow the majority, follow the right way”

— Anonymous.

We have come a long way discussing coding and top programming languages. So let’s choose the right resources which help learn coding for beginners.

We have a huge amount of resources, as everything is available online. You can learn them through online courses, books, and significantly through practice. In order to be a good programmer, you must have your foundations built strong and for that, you must master certain topics like Data Structures and Algorithms.

It is vital to analyse and write algorithms to solve any coding problem. Algorithms make our code efficient. Measuring the efficiency of a piece of code is vital. The efficiency of an algorithm is measured in terms of space used and the time taken to complete the execution. You don’t have to bang your heads to the wall if these terms intrigue you. Once you begin your journey to learn to code, these things will automatically follow.

To give you a kick start in basic programming, you can refer to our beautifully curated guided paths for Basics of C++, Java and Python. You can pick either of these and kick start your first step towards learning to code.

Download a Code Editor

Temporarily, you can use online compilers and editors. However, this is not the case in real-world programming; you need a code editor to run your projects, so it’s a good idea to practice coding on a code editor.

Most programming languages have code editors that you can download. They usually come complete with interactive development environments (IDEs) to help you build clear, error-free code.

 An integrated development environment (IDE) is an application that facilitates application development. IDEs are designed to encompass all programming tasks in one application. Therefore, IDEs offer a central interface featuring all the tools a developer needs. Examples of different IDE’s include Eclipse, Visual Studio Code(VSC), and NetBeans.

Of course, you can write some code in your text document and run it on your command prompt like Java, Python but to learn error handling, I suggest you use code editors. Once you have a basic working knowledge of your chosen language, you can create your programs and projects. Although you might feel that this is a long way away right now, you will be surprised how fast you progress once you learn.

Join a Community

Even though you practice a lot, sometimes you need support. Most top companies provide student communities like Developer Student Clubs by Google and Microsoft Student Partners by Microsoft.

By joining student communities, you can access resources, learn from experts, and conduct many webinars and workshops.

These programs also provide swags, gifts, prizes to keep students motivated constantly. You can join those groups by checking out their official website. So you always have people supporting you even during your hard times, too.

Open Source Contributions

Open-source software has revolutionised Computer Science. It is now a field powered by a vibrant community of developers who work on their passion projects while living with their skills. In addition, open-source projects drive many people from beginner to expert levels of knowledge and skill. These are vital to the growth of any aspiring programmer. 

Perks on getting involved in open source projects:

  • Getting a better in-depth understanding of the project.
  • Building a stronger connection with the project community.
  • Valuable experience in collaboration and communication.
  • It adds weight to your resume.

We have many open-source project opportunities. For example, Google provides Google Summer of Code (GSOC) every year to have many communities participate. 

GitHub alone is a treasure trove for programming hopefuls to start their careers. For beginners, it is the best platform to work with their peers and learn as they contribute. There are projects only for beginners, and there are also vast repositories of high-level ideas that allow newcomers into the fold. Use these chances wisely to learn as you grow, and hone your skills as a developer. 

Some of the top open-source projects for beginners are:

Don’t fall into the habit of using the same coding patterns and syntax for everything. Instead, keep striving to learn alternative ways to do things and to improve your method. We suggest daily practice with at least one alternative method: syntax, problem, and small snippet.

Sometimes you have difficulties during learning or work. It is okay to get errors in code; you need to learn from mistakes, don’t get demotivated. Have faith in yourself, and always keep motivating yourself to learn coding for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I learn to code for free?

You can learn to code for free on different platforms like YouTube, edX, and practice on HackerRank, Free Code Camp.

Which coding language should I learn first?

We recommend C++ or Java to learn first because it covers all the topics of Object-Oriented programming, and learning data structures through these languages helps you a lot. We suggest you stick to one language, master it, and then if you want you can move to another language.

How can I learn to code for free from home?

Coding Ninjas, Code Academy, Free Code Camp, edX are the top resources to help learn coding for beginners for free, and you can learn them from anywhere in the world.

Is coding hard to learn?

No, coding is not hard. It all depends on practice and analysing the problem statement. It requires a lot of hard work, concentration, thinking capacity, and practice.

Key Takeaways

In this article, we briefed on where to learn coding for beginners and how is used and what we can do with it. First, we gave a glimpse of why we should learn to code, followed by top programming languages. Then, we explained the applications, use cases of Python, Ruby, Java, JavaScript, and GO.

After that, we explained about choosing resources and downloading code editors. At last, we focused on student communities, open-source projects, and perks when you join them. 

Coding is super fun, and like any other skill to build up, this too needs your hard work and perseverance. 

So start the hustle and build the skills you need to learn coding for beginners!

By Dharani Mandla

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