Coding has become a popular method of virtual communication in today’s society. Coding is an important step in developing apps, websites, and other software. A sizable portion of the world’s workforce works or plans to work in businesses that require them to be able to code, or at the very least, have a thorough understanding of coding procedures.
If you’re one of those listed above, you’re well aware of how difficult it is to master a new and complicated technique. It may be stressful, time-consuming, and plain dull at times, making it difficult to pursue your goals as a programmer properly. For instance, if you choose to get grounded on the Java programming language, you will need between 6-12months. However, there are shortcuts to get that done. If you are interested in getting started on Java, you can get started with the resources in this post – thriveglobal.com.
This article will help take you on a tour of how you get your coding journey up and running.
Table of Contents
Meaning of Coding
Computers are an integral part of our day-to-day activities. However, the human faction and computers do not share the same language, so interaction became a challenge for both factions. The difficulty in communication experienced by humans and computers gave birth to coding. Coding entails creating instructions for computers and machines on what action to take or not to take. The advent of coding now allows humans to interact with computers and machines in a language both parties understand. Now that we understand what coding means, let’s look at the importance of learning how to code.
Importance of Coding
In today’s world, it is impossible to go a day without utilizing a coding product or a product that has a touch of coding in it. For instance, mobile phones, PCs, applications, web platforms, and even down to the smart gadgets in our homes are all coding products. With the increased reliance on coding products, the higher the importance of coding to man. Below are some key importance of coding
- It allows you to earn comfortably. On average, a coder or programmer earns anything between $64,000 to $85,000 annually. It could get as high as $500,000, depending on your niche and how high up you are in the game. But for beginners, you could be looking at anything from $5,000 to $35,000
- You can also work with top firms like Facebook, Amazon, Alibaba, Tesla, etc. Working with giant firms like these helps you build your confidence level and gives you a platform to create actual products to help make life less difficult and more engaging.
- Learning code allows you to obtain a skill that stays with you. By the time you have attained mastery in coding, you can choose to work under someone or go solo or build a software development company or a software consulting firm. You can also work as a freelancer if your skill pays you big time.
How to Code for Beginners
Now we have scratched the surface of coding, let’s go into the main topic for the day. In planning to scale coding hurdles, here is how to get started.
1. Find Your Why
As interesting and fulfilling as coding is, its perks can prove quite challenging and frustrating. Yes, you are motivated, but that may not be enough to scale through coding hurdles. It would help if you found your Why. The stronger the why, the higher our chance of getting grounded in programming skills. To help you sort this out, here are a few questions you may need to help you identify your “Why.”
- What is the driving force behind my desire to code?
- How does the skill of coding help improve my life and that of others
- What is the end game for me? Is it to build a career around coding, or is it just for the fun of having a paying skill?
- How much of my resources am I willing to commit to learning to code?
Sincerely answering this question will help you build the right attitude towards learning to code. Your why helps you streamline the aspect of coding you hope to build a career around.
2. Choose a Language that Suits your “Why”
The programming world is vast, and it is quite tempting to want to be a jack of all trades concerning a programming language to choose. Once you have identified the coding aspect you want to build a career on, the next thing is to find the most suitable programming language for your area of interest. For instance, if you want to build a career around Mobile app development, Java is a preferred language to learn. But if you are eying web development, you should be looking at learning either JavaScript, Java, or Python.
Let’s go a bit deeper here. As a web developer seeking to become a backend developer, your preferred language should be JavaScript or Python. If you want to become a front-end developer, the Java programming language will come in handy. But to become a full-stack developer, you will require proficiency in more than one programming language. The idea is to start with one first and then slowly spread your tentacles into the corners of other languages after attaining mystery in your most preferred language.
You could check out other languages like C++, Kotlin, Golang, TypeScript, etc., to find other languages that align with your “Why” of Coding.
2. Choose the Right Agency to Help You Learn
The internet has made access to programming resources quite easy. While this is good news, it could also be bad news. The plethora of online resources has made it quite easy to get lost. Still, you could avoid all the confusion by simply registering with accredited online platforms to carry you through the rudiments of coding. You can try out the following platforms to get started:
CodeGym. Udemy, Coursera, etc.
Also, don’t forget to rely on YouTube videos, reliable companies, and individuals to help you scale through the inevitable hurdles while learning how to code.
3. Seek for Help
You can’t learn or progress as a programmer if you’re on your own. There will undoubtedly be moments when you run across coding complications. Joining an online community will come in handy at this point. No one is an island; therefore, requesting assistance is not shameful. The good news is that almost every challenge or query you may have faced or has been experienced by someone else in the coding community at some point throughout their coding career.
Mentors and other developers may be found through programming communities such as GitHub, Stack Overflow, freeCodeCamp, and Women Who Code to assist you in overcoming any coding challenges.
4. Practice everything you Learn
After getting a good grasp of the language of your choice, you need to commence building a pet project to put your knowledge to work. Although it may seem quite stressful, you will be astonished at how quickly you develop once you begin to put knowledge to work. For example, you’re learning to develop a mobile app or website using Java or JavaScript. It is best to start a pet project to practice everything you have learned.
For starters, you might start using drag-and-drop website builders. To enable you to take baby steps in actualizing your dreams. Remember, the secret of coding perfection is practice.
Conclusion
Regardless of this advice and suggestions, retaining your confidence is the most important component in programming faster. Expect to fail multiple times along the way and be patient with your progress; after all, mastering anything takes time and work. At first, learning to code can be both interesting and daunting; but if you choose the right coding boot camp or training program and follow these rules, you’ll get all of the knowledge and skills you’ll need to start a successful coding career.
Also read: How to Become a Full Stack Developer: Tips
