What To Remember When You Start Coding

Coding is arguably one of the best skills the average person could have. It can boost your CV, improve your job prospects, or simply help you create that project you've been thinking about. Keep these things in mind when you are starting.

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Why do you want to code?

The first thing you need to figure out is why you are learning to code in the first place. Are you looking to build skills for your CV, do you have a project in mind, or are you simply curious about programming?

Your answer will help you choose the right direction when you are learning to code.

Pick a language

Once you are ready to pick a language, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of options there are. Many experts and pros believe that Python and JavaScript are the two best languages for beginners, as they are the most versatile and give you the best base to build your skills on. Each language has its strengths.

Use online courses

Never underestimate the power of doing online courses! Websites like Udemy and Code Academy have a large collection of courses and tutorials you can take for little to no money. These will help jumpstart your coding journey.

Code Academy, in particular, has been widely praised as one of the best websites to use when you want to learn and improve your coding skills.

Perfect the basics

Your main focus for the first couple of months is perfecting the basics. When you learn a new language — say French or Spanish — you start with 'Hello, how are you?' or 'Thank you very much.' You don't skip ahead to full conversations before you have grasped this. In the same way, you will need to master the basics of your chosen coding language — these are the fundamentals of building websites and games.

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Projects are a must

A little bit of internet research will direct you to beginner-friendly projects you can do. Projects are non-negotiable. They test your skills and allow you to see your code in action, as well as how individual elements work together.

You can think about projects like rebuilding a car; you can learn to fix an engine and replace brake pads, but if you can't put it all together so that you have a working vehicle, what is the point?

Don't worry about creating big projects

One mistake beginners make is trying to create ambitious projects. Another is doubting that you will ever be capable of creating large projects. Seldom do people make their first game or app after a week or two of coding — don't think you will either. Coding takes time. Your proficiency is based on the experience you gain when you do a ton of little tasks.

Study other programmers' codes

If you are looking for new ways to solve problems, look to more experienced coders for inspiration. Watching better players is part of the training sportspeople undergo. Studying the greats helps them improve. The same logic applies to coding.

Use the internet for answers

Another thing to remember is that coding is standardized. If you are using Python, for example, you have limited ways to make an object move from left to right within your app or game. Coding has rules — a standard way in which things are done.

Because of this, it is incredibly easy to find a solution to a problem you may have. More often than not, someone else has encountered the same problem before. Simply Google your problem, and you will find an answer in no time.

Do social coding

Social coding is the concept of multiple people working on the same project simultaneously. The GitHub platform is the most popular platform for this. It enables coders from across the globe to collaborate on different projects on the site. This is a good way to test your problem-solving skills and network with other programmers.

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Be patient

Finally, remember to be patient. While there are aspects of coding that are easy, mastering even the most simple of commands takes lots of practice. Frustration will come! Whether it's slow progress or forgetting something, it is common to take your time.

If you are getting annoyed at yourself for forgetting commands, print out a list you can refer to and keep it nearby. If you are annoyed that your progress is too slow, take a break, recharge, come back, and try again.

While coding isn't as hard as many believe, it is something that takes energy and patience. However, it is a brilliant way to improve your skills and future-proof your career.

David Pac

Update 25 October 2023