Simple guide to start you off on your programming journey

Are you interested in learning how to code but not sure where to begin? Coding can be intimidating for beginners. It often feels like a skill that is reserved for tech-savvy people who understand complex logic and can read monstrous manuals like theyre second nature. Luckily, thats not the case! Anyone can learn how to code, even if you have no previous experience with programming. Once you learn the basics of coding, it opens up a world of possibilities for your future career or personal endeavours. Lets take a look at why you should learn how to code and some great resources if youre ready to get started!

Why should you learn how to code?

You can create new websites and apps without hiring developers. You can automate repetitive tasks at work. You can understand how the internet works. These are just a few of the many reasons why you should learn how to code. As more and more of our lives are lived online, it is more important than ever to understand how everything works.

What does coding feel like?

When you are first learning how to code, it can feel a bit like learning a new language. You will likely feel overwhelmed by all of the new terminology, techniques, and concepts. As you begin to understand the basics, though, youll notice that you are actually capable of doing a lot more than you ever thought possible! Programming is a creative process. Even experienced coders often find that they need to experiment before they can find a suitable solution. Once you start to get the hang of it, you will find that you can create almost anything you set your mind to. You dont need to understand how everything works right away. Learning how to code can be overwhelming. Thats why it is important to focus on the basics and build your knowledge from there.

Free resources for beginner programmers

Codecademy
Codecademy is easily the best free resource for beginners. The website features interactive lessons that walk you through everything you need to know to get started with web development.

Free Code Camp
Free Code Camp features a very helpful beginner curriculum. Once you finish a section, you can unlock a badge that verifies your knowledge. Free Code Camp also has a real-world section, which challenges you to create real-life projects. These projects can often be turned into your first freelance projects, which can be a great way to start making money as a coder.

Hacker Rank
Hacker Rank is a platform where you can practice programming challenges. You can also find challenges that employers are looking for on this platform.

Bottom line

Learning how to code is a great skill to have, especially in an age when so much of our lives are lived online. It can open up a lot of opportunities for your future and can even be a source of income if you decide to become a freelance coder. Beginners should focus on the basics but can learn a lot from those free resources. Once you get the hang of it, coding can be a very rewarding skill.