How can you learn a programming language without any prior experience?
Learning a programming language can seem daunting if you have no prior experience in coding. However, with the right mindset, resources, and practice, you can master the basics of any language and start building your own projects. In this article, we will share some tips on how to learn a programming language without any prior experience, and what to expect along the way.
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Jaydeep MotisariyaSenior Software Engineer at Cognizant Canada | Mobile App Developer | Tech Lead | Consultant | Microsoft and Google…
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Martin DalaSoftware Engineer (Flutter | Kotlin | Swift)
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April McBroomProgramming Instructor🎓|Software Engineer💻| 5 Hats CyberSecurity 🀄|Web Developer 🕸️|Full-Stack Developer❄|Indie…
The first step is to choose a language that suits your goals and interests. There are hundreds of programming languages, each with its own syntax, features, and applications. Some are more suitable for web development, data analysis, game design, or mobile apps, while others are more general-purpose and versatile. You can research online or ask other programmers for recommendations, but ultimately, the best language for you is the one that you enjoy and can use to create something meaningful.
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For experienced developers looking to learn a new language, my advice is to understand the language's context and syntax. Gain a solid foundation in concepts like OOP, SOLID, and Design Patterns. Play around with these structures and then create small, medium, and advanced projects to test your knowledge. For beginners, start with a small project, perhaps a calculator or something basic. Afterward, delve into understanding all the components used to build the calculator. Progress by gradually tackling more complex projects.
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The best way to learn a programming language is to use websites such as Udemy or other websites like FreeCodeCamp to get the material to self-learn the programming language. This includes getting use to the syntax of that particular programming language but also translating from one programming language to another. Best websites to start is Edabit, Exercism.io, and OpenKattis for problem-solving after learning the syntax and rules of the programming language. Do this for each section, such as learning the programming language's arraylist then doing problems on Edabit that has to with arraylist.
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First of all choose a language based on your field of interest. Like for example, if you want to learn AI ML, you can choose Python. Then make yourself comfortable with the basic syntax of the language by writing simple programs in that language, you can follow up some course for structured learning(there are bunch of free courses in youtube that are very well structured). Once comfortable with the syntax start building projects. Don't get trapped in the tutorial hell, learn by building projects. After making a couple of good projects you'll be quite familiar with the language and would be in a better position to put that into your resume.
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Start by researching popular programming languages like Python, JavaScript, or Java. Consider factors such as ease of learning, community support, and applicability to your goals. For beginners, Python is often recommended due to its readability and versatility across various domains like web development, data science, and automation.
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Before diving into coding, it's crucial to grasp fundamental concepts. Learn what a programming language is, why it is essential, and the distinctions between high-level and low-level languages. Familiarize yourself with terms like hardware, software, compiler, and interpreter.Then selecting the right language is key. For beginners, I recommend starting with C. It provides a solid foundation, and its syntax is akin to other popular languages like Java and C++, making it easier to transition later. Consider your career aspirations. If you have a specific field in mind, choose a language commonly used in that domain. For example, if you're interested in web development, starting with languages like JavaScript might be more relevant than C.
The next step is to find a course or tutorial that teaches you the fundamentals of your chosen language. There are many online platforms, books, and videos that offer beginner-friendly lessons on programming concepts, such as variables, functions, loops, conditions, and data structures. You can also look for courses that focus on specific projects or topics that interest you, such as web scraping, chatbots, or game development. The key is to find a course or tutorial that matches your learning style, pace, and level of difficulty.
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Utilize online resources like Codecademy, Coursera, or free tutorials on YouTube and blogs. Look for beginner-friendly courses that offer structured learning paths and hands-on exercises. Websites like Codecademy offer interactive coding environments where you can practice coding concepts in real-time.
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After learning the basic syntax and coding practices for a language, the best way to improve is just to think of a project idea and do it. Questions will start coming up along the way on how to do things, and as you answer these questions through research or asking peers, you'll start developing a pretty good sense of what makes a good programmer!
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YouTube is an ideal resource for learning coding, particularly for beginners, due to its: 1. Visual learning through video tutorials. 2. Free accessibility. 3. Wide range of content covering various programming topics. 4. Diverse creators offering different teaching styles. 5. Community engagement through comments and forums. 6. Self-paced learning. 7. Practical examples and projects. 8. Up-to-date content on coding trends and technologies.
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I start by exploring the language's basics through online courses or tutorials. I make sure to choose resources that match my learning style and pace. Once I understand the fundamentals, I practice by working on small projects, like creating a simple website or building a calculator program. I also seek guidance from online communities or forums for assistance and feedback. Platforms like W3Schools, Udemy, Coursera, YouTube and many more offer comprehensive Programming courses.
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Most important thing is not to get into tutorial cycle, you don't wan to learn other people coding something, you want to code your requirement yourself, so follow a course or tutorial but then do practice, follow the instructor if you don't understand, practice it, change thighs around, play around, make modifications, there are several places you can find out interactive coding labs which can help you visualize stuff while you code. good places are udemy, LinkedIn learning, coursera, pluralsight, crio.do, and in today's time there are n number of places you can learn from, but build yourself also to train your mind.
The most important step is to practice regularly and apply what you learn. Programming is a skill that requires constant practice and repetition to master. You can use online tools, such as code editors, compilers, and interpreters, to write and run your code. You can also use online platforms, such as Codecademy, HackerRank, or LeetCode, to practice coding challenges and exercises that test your knowledge and problem-solving skills. The more you practice, the more confident and proficient you will become.
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Consistency is key to mastering any skill. Dedicate regular time each day or week to practice coding. Work on small projects or coding challenges to apply what you've learned. Platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank provide coding challenges that gradually increase in difficulty, helping you improve your problem-solving skills.
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Actively engage in hands-on practice by coding on your local system. This involves downloading a compiler or an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) suitable for your chosen language. Setting up your coding environment early on not only reinforces theoretical knowledge but also provides a practical understanding of how code is executed. By combining theoretical learning with practical application, you'll build a robust understanding of programming fundamentals. Regular practice is the key. You can also start solving basic problems on online platforms like HackerRank, GFG, or LeetCode.
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Practicing on coding platforms is crucial because it: Provides hands-on experience. Develops coding skills and problem-solving abilities. Exposes you to a variety of coding problems. Offers feedback for improvement. Prepares you for technical interviews. Helps build a portfolio. Offers community support and collaboration. Provides flexibility and convenience in learning.
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For mobile development practice, I prioritize consistent application of learning. I utilize tools like Android Studio and Xcode for coding and testing. Online platforms like Udemy or Pluralsight provide advanced courses on mobile app development. By building small apps like a weather forecast or a quiz game, I reinforce my skills. Regularly tackling coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode and Hackerrank hones problem-solving abilities crucial for development.
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can't stress it enough that seeing other people code doesn't make you code better unless you do it yourself, start with 10 lines and believe me if you write 10 lines daily you will end up writing at least 100+ lines daily this is the key. it's just about getting started write 10 lines daily and you will find out that those 10 lines started to get you to a 100, 1000, 10000 lines and the more your write the more your get better, reading other peoples code is also good thing, gives you another perspective, sometimes a lot better way of solving problem the same problem and you get exposed to various styles, paradigm, solution approaches etc.
Another essential step is to seek feedback and help from others when you encounter difficulties or errors. Programming can be frustrating and confusing at times, especially when you are new to it. You can use online forums, such as Stack Overflow, Reddit, or Quora, to ask questions and get answers from other programmers. You can also join online communities, such as Discord, Slack, or Telegram, to chat with other learners and mentors, share your progress and challenges, and get tips and advice.
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This is huge. In a coding interview and in the workplace, writing readable, maintainable code is generally more important than hyper-optimization. Seek out feedback on how to write your chosen language in a way that is standard and expected. Reading over code in GitHub projects is also a great way to learn the conventional style for a given language
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Join online forums or communities like Stack Overflow, Reddit's r/learnprogramming, or Discord channels dedicated to programming languages. Engage with others, ask questions, and seek feedback on your code. Don't be afraid to share your work and learn from constructive criticism.
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ChatGPT can learn coding by: 1. **Interactive Learning**: Engaging with users in coding-related conversations to understand common coding patterns, practices, and problems. 2. **Accessing Learning Resources**: Analyzing coding tutorials, documentation, and examples available online to gather knowledge about programming languages, frameworks, and best practices. 3. **Experimentation**: Generating and exploring code snippets, algorithms, and solutions to coding challenges to gain practical experience and refine its understanding of coding concepts. 4. **Feedback Loop**: Incorporating feedback from users and developers to improve its coding skills and adapt to evolving trends and techniques in the programming domain.
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learn in public, build something post it online get feedback and grow along, several communities are there on reddit, quora, LinkedIn, and even forums on official websites. there are discord, telegram and slack channels to get into the community and work along.
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Engaging with the programming community for feedback and assistance is invaluable for learning and growth. Online forums such as Stack Overflow and Reddit's programming threads offer environments where learners can pose questions, share projects, and receive feedback from experienced developers. This interaction not only clarifies doubts but also exposes learners to best practices and new perspectives in coding.
The final step is to explore and experiment with different aspects and possibilities of your programming language. Programming is a creative and fun activity that allows you to express your ideas and create something unique. You can explore different libraries, frameworks, and tools that extend the functionality and features of your language. You can also experiment with different projects, genres, and domains that challenge your skills and spark your curiosity. The more you explore and experiment, the more you will learn and grow as a programmer.
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I emphasize exploring various aspects of my programming language. For instance, I delve into different libraries and frameworks to enhance app functionality. Experimenting with diverse projects challenges my skills and fuels my creativity. Through this exploration, I deepen my understanding, learn new techniques, and grow as a developer, constantly striving to improve my craft.
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Don't limit yourself to following tutorials blindly. Experiment with different programming concepts, try out new libraries or frameworks, and build projects that interest you. Building real-world projects not only reinforces your learning but also helps you develop problem-solving skills and creativity.
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By reading and watching blogs and tutorials will help you learn a language. But when you experiment you start to understand it. When you experiment you face problems, bugs for which you have to explore various kinds of blogs and forums to find your solution sometimes. Which will help you to broaden your way of thinking and broaden your approaches to the problem. Answer the questions in forum often, so that it helps you to stay relevant to that subject and also to explore several different answers.
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After learning basics of any language important, we should always start making some simple projects in which you can succeed first before taking up challenging projects. And then learn a bit on data structures and how to write it in algorithmic way. Then take up some good project where you can apply your learnings.
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Experimentation in coding is important for beginners because it: 1. Provides hands-on learning. 2. Enhances understanding of coding concepts. 3. Develops problem-solving skills. 4. Fosters creativity and innovation. 5. Encourages learning from mistakes. 6. Builds confidence and motivation. 7. Explores various tools and technologies. 8. Prepares for real-world projects.
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Documentation is important because it: Facilitates clear communication. Enables knowledge transfer. Aids troubleshooting. Supports onboarding new users. Enhances maintainability. Ensures compliance and regulation adherence. Guides quality assurance processes. Provides a valuable reference for future use.
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Stay patient and persistent; learning to code takes time and effort. Break down complex problems into smaller, manageable tasks. Celebrate your progress and milestones along the way. Additionally, consider joining local coding meetups or workshops to network with other aspiring programmers and professionals in the field. Lastly, stay updated with industry trends and advancements by following blogs, podcasts, and attending tech conferences.
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You can't learn everything, that a language offers, all at once. Just like any human language, depending on the scenarios, you will progress your skill in that language. Have patience and practice. Learn a programming language thinking that it might be helpful in your personal life too, not only in your professional life. A programming language is just communication medium to speak with computers. So instead of setting unachievable goals aim to break down your bigger goals to smaller ones and chase them down on by one. Learn problem solving skills and the architecture of the language.
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I have mentored thousands of programmers over the past 25+ years and one thing I have advised they all do (once they pick a language or technology) is... 1. Find a great book (these usually cover a topic thoroughly in a nicely structured style) 2. Find a good forum to join and ask questions on. When you run into questions or problems from the book, you can talk to experts for help and guidance. 3. Find a few articles, tutorials and videos online about the subject you learned from the book. These tend to give you alternative perspectives of the material that leads to "Eureka!" moments. They can also be a bit more recent than perhaps your book is. With these three items, you are well on your way to covering the material in different ways
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Beyond these foundational strategies, it's important to stay informed about the latest trends in technology and programming. Following industry news, participating in coding meetups, and contributing to open-source projects can provide insights into practical applications of programming skills and open up networking opportunities. Tailoring the learning approach to align with personal interests, industry demands, and future technological trends can make the journey into programming more engaging and fruitful.
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