Coding: How To Start Your Journey

At times coding looks like a daunting task but often it can really be fun. The most difficult aspect of coding is where to start. However, if one does not have an end goal in mind they can become frustrated and halt the entire process before getting to the fun part of coding such as coding your own website. Before starting coding it is important to choose the coding language of your choice. For absolute beginners it is recommended to start with languages that don’t use algorithms or data structures such as CSS or HTML. However, python and Java are also great for beginners.

The learning process is heavily dependent on an individual therefore, it is important for one to have patience as in certain instances it may take months for one to learn a particular programming language. It is important to appreciate that learning a new coding language for beginners can be a daunting task. However, if an individual remains disciplined he or she learns that coding languages such as python can be used to develop an exciting video game, elegant website or a valuable phone app. 

The following illustrates coding for beginners one ought to undertake while on the coding journey: 

Step 1 : Have a reason the code

Any one can undertake coding without a degree. Different individuals have different motivations in regards to their motivation to code. For certain individuals they view coding as a hobby while individuals in working an industry may undertake coding to gain skills to further their careers. 

Step 2: Choose the appropriate coding tools and software 

As one commences on their coding journey it is vital to have the appropriate equipment that is computing power and the appropriate software tools. One may choose the Mac or Windows operating system; they have their installed text editors consisting of TextEdit and Notepad respectively. In regards to a web browser, different coders and developers have divergent demands. This is a personal preference with popular browsers including Opera, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. In unique situation you can have a coding keyboard.

Step 3: Identify the appropriate programming language

There are numerous programming languages available that can assist individuals with the learning process. You may wonder what coding language should I learn? Each particular coding language has its benefits, range of use as well as learning curve. As a start one ought to consider the language that meets their programming objectives and it is beginner friendly. Hacker Rank stipulates that 30 percent of Generation Z and 40 percent of Millennials learn C as their first language. JavaScript and Python are among the  top languages for prospective employers.

Step 4: Commence your first coding project 

It is important to appreciate that coding is a learn-by-doing process, when the program works one’s sense of accomplishment drives motivation to the next project. When starting coding you should not venture too deep too quickly as coding language terminology requires time to understand. 

Before beginning a program one ought to outline the objectives of the project. For instance, when building a website it can feature dropdown menus, interactive buttons or videos. If it’s a game one should outline the features that enhance playability. After identifying the goals of the project it is essential to select the best fit language for the project.

Step 5: Write comments in your code

Programming languages allows for coders to write comments as well as explanations within the lines of code. By writing comments a programmer can be able to describe their work effectively and understand the mechanics of the written program. Additionally, the comments within the code may be instrumental in assisting another individual to have a better understanding of your program. 

Step 6: Join the Coding Community

Coders have built communities around career paths, regions, specific languages and projects. The communities share tips, sections of code, and best practices with like-minded explorers. Examples of coding communities include Developers Circle, Stack overflow, CodeGuru and many more. Coding communities are instrumental for attaining coding help as individuals can ask coding questions.

Step 7: Hack Code

After an individual has acquired experience then it is time to undertake a personal test by digging into someone else’s code. Github refers to a software-development platform where millions of developers have uploaded projects for exploration. The site has an open-source guide that walks individuals through on how to become a contributor. Diving into various programs is a unique way to learn by seeing the way other programmers write code one can find inspiration for a personal project. As individuals continue to become confident they can edit, upload improvements to their code, this is a unique opportunity to join the conversation, sharpen skills and trade best practices.

Step 8: Continue Learning

For individuals to be exemplary at a particular skill it is vital for them to continue learning and continuous coding practice. To be a proficient coder it is important to code everyday the website 100daysofCode provides challenges while supporting people to code on a daily basis. The website has numerous resources that can motivate users as they undertake their coding journey.