Coding is currently one of the most in-demand skills in the global market. Studies show that there are approximately 700,000 tech job vacancies in the US alone, and a few million more around the globe.

After all, almost every industry needs a programmer—whether it’s for an online shop, website, or app.

Introduction

While the process isn’t simple, learning how to code isn’t an impossible task that requires a PhD or expensive classes.

Thankfully, getting into the basics of coding is now more accessible than ever.

From choosing the right program to joining forums, here are five tips to help you get started. Read on!

Tip 1 – Choose the right program

While it might be tempting to learn as many programming languages as you can, it’s best to start with just one so you can familiarize yourself with it before moving on to the next one.

HTML and CSS are some of the easiest entry points in the industry.

However, their main use is in building basic websites. If you want a good foundation, experts from Hackernoon highly recommend starting with Java.

It’s simpler to learn than Python or C/C++, but it has its uses in nearly every program—be it desktop software or mobile apps.

Tip 2 – Take some online courses

Online courses are a great way to develop your programming skills, primarily because you’ll be learning from actual professionals.

Websites such as Coursera and Codeacademy offer free coding courses if you don’t have the resources to enroll in a formal curriculum.

Of course, it’s definitely worth trying out the paid ones for more specialized lectures, such as Udemy’s and Code Avengers’. Subscriptions will usually cost around $20 a month.

Tip 3 – Practice it everyday

There’s a reason why programming languages are called “languages.” Programmer Neeraj Mishra explains that it’s a form of communication between computers. Therefore, you should be expecting similar grammar rules like syntax and proper structure, if you want to start forming complex programs.

Just like learning Spanish, French, or German, you need to devote a significant amount of time to get familiar with it. But how do you find time to learn a new language?

Gala Bingo claims that learning a new language is a fun, productive way to spend your work breaks.

Even if you just dedicate an hour a daily, it can help speed up your proficiency—until you eventually get to integrate it into your daily life. You’ll be able to build up your confidence soon enough and start taking on basic projects to further your learning even more.

Tip 4 – Join a community

Learning a new language by yourself can be difficult, especially when you’re used to working with a support system. Therefore, it helps to join online programming communities to give you proper guidance.

For instance, there’s StackOverflow, one of the biggest online hubs for developers.

It functions like a forum, so users can go ahead and ask their questions, while members provide tips and solutions.

There are also other communities such as Hashnode, Gamedev, and SitePoint—all with their respective expertise, from app creation to game development.

Tip 5 – Play some coding games

The only real way to be proficient at something is to test it out. An easy and fun way to do this is by playing a couple of programming games.

There are straightforward games like Codewars, where you solve algorithmic challenges via programming, and are duly rewarded with points.

There are also more engaging titles, like CodinGame, where you solve puzzles by tampering with the game’s code (e.g. programming the turret to shoot airships).

The important part is that you’re putting everything that you’ve learned into practice—all while having a little fun.

Bonus Tip – Why code at All?

Have you had a think about why you want to learn to code?

There is a ‘movement’ called ‘No Code’ in which much of actual coding is avoided. They provide tools for you so you don’t really need to use much code at all, if any. Especially for your first builds. There is a little to learn with this method too of course. But some say for a beginner you can make far more functional progress in 90 days than with actually starting to learn a programming language.

More Tips!

If you are interested in more tips, check out our article with 9 easy tips that help better manage email. It could be very helpful if you have too much email at work!

Conclusion

Learning how to code is no easy feat. But as long as you have the right resources and the dedication to see it through, you’ll have the basics mastered in no time. When you’re proficient enough, you can even start your own IT business, or look for a job that utilizes your new skills.

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