Planning to start your coding journey and wondering where to begin? Learning a programming language is excellent for beginners as well as experienced coders in programming. The major factor in learning any programming language is how you learn it.
When you understand how to learn things quickly, you can become a better programmer. To become a successful programmer, it is essential to have some programming skills. Before moving ahead, first, you need to learn: what exactly is a programming language?
Programming is a set of instructions, commands and other syntax given to a computer to execute and create a software program. The language used by programmers to write code is known as high-level languages.
Why Learn Coding?
You must learn coding in order to:
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Bring your ideas to life
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Become more efficient and productive
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Improve your communication skills
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Gain a deeper understanding of the software
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Combine technical skills with creativity
Also, remember to practice coding daily so that you can quickly learn numerous programming languages. If you are completely new to the programming world, start from the basics to become an expert programmer. While there isn’t a shortcut to success, there are still some ways that you can learn programming language in a short time.
Below are some tips to learn programming language as a beginner:
Tip 1: Learn the basics
If you want to learn any programming language, you have to strengthen your basic skills. It's necessary to have strong basic knowledge of computer programming to learn more things easily. To become a good programmer, the fields you have to master include:
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Computer networking
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Databases
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Operation systems
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Data structure and algorithms
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Compiler and programming languages
Tip 2: Try to code every day
When you are learning a new language, consistency is key. Practice makes perfect, so it is necessary to practice coding every day because reading is just not enough. Make a specific time to practice your programming and coding skills daily. It might be a little challenging in the beginning, but soon you will get used to it. Try to spend at least 20 minutes every day coding.
Tip 3: Write it out
If you are starting your journey as a programmer, try to start taking notes. It will help you to learn more quickly and is beneficial for long-term retention. This technique is beneficial for those who want to become a full-time developer. Taking notes by hand can help you to plan out your code before moving to the computer.
Tip 4: Don’t be afraid of making mistakes
If you are learning to code, then making mistakes is quite normal. Don’t get demotivated from your mistakes. Mistakes are a part of learning. Give yourself some time in the beginning and try to learn from your mistakes. It will help you in the long run.
Tip 5: Breaks Are Necessary
When you are learning something new, it is necessary to step away and absorb that concept completely. If you are coding for 20 minutes, take a short break and then repeat the process. A fresh mind is essential when you are coding because a minor mistake can lead to a big blunder. So try taking short breaks in between your schedules.
Tip 6: Start With Small Projects
Once you gain some knowledge, try to start doing small projects on your own. The more you interact with the programming language, the better you will understand the concept. Projects are a great way to learn if you are a beginner. However, it might be difficult initially, but it will show you how much you've learned and how you should apply your knowledge. Learn how to assess risks in software development in order to limit possible errors and problems on your first projects. This is a major step in building the foundation for your career and professional growth.
Insight on programming and coding is increasingly relevant in the IT industry today. Starting a career in the IT industry seems challenging if you’re not sure about your skill set. If you want to build your career in the IT domain, it's important that you know about the top certifications to start a career in IT. Apart from the IT industry, programming language experts have openings outside of the technology sector in areas like finance and manufacturing.
Tip 7: Pair program
This is a technique that involves two developers working on the same project to complete a task. The pair of developers will switch between being the navigator and the driver. The driver writes the code, and the navigator reviews the codes and helps to solve the problem. Then, they both switch their roles. This technique will allow them to review someone else’s codes and see how the other person tackles the problem.
Tip 8: A Better Lifestyle is Necessary
Ultimately, keeping a healthy lifestyle is very important. Some older programmers have serious pain after many years of working in the industry. Take enough time to rest and exercise because coding is not something to be done at the expense of your quality of life.
Best Programming Languages to Learn:
- Java
- Python
- Swift
- C#
- Ruby
- C++
Bottom Line
Learning various programming languages can teach either a beginner or an experienced programmer a lot of knowledge. With the help of programming, you will learn how to break down a problem into individual steps and use language the computer understands to create a working program.
The main thing you should focus on is the strategies for learning the programming language.
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Author Bio
Shahista Tabassum is a senior IT Technical Trainer at Time Training Center in Abu Dhabi. She has extensive work experience of 11 years working in various roles as a software developer, IT Consultant and Technical Trainer. She spends her free time learning new things that will enhance productivity and in volunteering activities that help kids to learn new things.
