Choosing your very first coding language
“A programming language is for thinking about programs, not for expressing programs you’ve already thought of. It should be a pencil, not a pen”
-Paul Grahan
This is the most important part of starting your journey, and perhaps the toughest one too. Now there is no right answer to this question because it really depends on what you plan on doing in the future. The information below this text will give you a better idea of which language you should start with:
Java (My personal choice): Java is an object-oriented and feature-heavy programming language that’s in high demand. It’s been built under the premise of “Write once, run anywhere,” meaning that it can be written on any device and work cross-platform. It is the highest paying language as of now. Java is often used for Android and iOS app development.
Python: Python is always recommended if you’re looking for an easy and even fun programming language to learn first. Rather than having to jump into strict syntax rules, Python reads like English and is simple to understand for someone who’s new to programming. This allows you to obtain a basic knowledge of coding practices without having to obsess over smaller details that are often important in other languages. It is ideal for web development, graphic user interfaces (GUIs), and software development
Javascript(The one I started with): JavaScript is another incredibly popular language. Many websites that you use every day rely on JavaScript including Twitter, Gmail, Spotify, Facebook, and Instagram according to General Assembly. Additionally, it’s a must-have when adding interactivity to websites because it communicates with HTML and CSS. This makes it essential for front-end development and consumer-facing websites while becoming increasingly important in back-end development
C#: While C is one of the more difficult languages to learn, it’s still an excellent first language pick-up because almost all programming languages are implemented in it. This means that once you learn C, it’ll be simple to learn more languages like C++ and C#. Since C is more “machine-level”, learning it is great for teaching you how a computer functions
Choosing the best learning method
This is where most people mess up badly. A lot of people think the best way to learn a new coding language is through Youtube videos, even though there are amazing coding youtube channels like “FreeCodeCamp”, “Mike Dane”, “Fireship” and many more, youtube videos aren’t what you should go for in the beginning.
Some ways to learn a new language:
1. Free Interactive learning: Websites like Sololearn, W3schools, and others offer free interactive learning i.e they show you a code, and explain it line by line. They also keep asking you various questions every now and then
2. Paid online courses: Websites like MikeDane’s offer you paid courses that can you can purchase. (Mike also has an amazing youtube channel if you want to see how he teaches)
3. Coding games: Websites like Codingame.com are amazing as they teach coding in a fun-way
4. and lastly… Youtube videos: Even though you should not prioritize using youtube as your learning source, there are tons of free courses available on youtube. The best channels are Mike Dane, FreeCodeCamp
Regular Practice is important
“You will fail a lot of times, you would want to give up a lot of times, but you should keep trying because eventually, you will figure something out.”
- Me 😎
Once you have the required knowledge about the coding language you are learning, you should start practicing it and shouldn't stop until you are very comfortable coding with that. You should practice at least once or twice a week. You can give yourself challenges, make bots, etc...
Some ways to practice:
1. Coding challenges: Websites like “Coderbyte” provides various challenges related to different languages. These can help you strengthen your ability.
2. Coding competitions: Websites like “CodeChef” offer competitive coding throughout the world(prizes included). This will not only help you be good at coding but also in making some $$.
3. Coding tests: Websites like “Test4Geeks” offer coding tests that can help you practice
Conclusion
Congratulations, you have started your very own coding journey and no one can stop you! (except errors ofc). Just remember that coding sometimes(most of the time) can be tiring/ can be confusing but if you keep trying, you will slowly figure it out
Good luck with your journey ❤