Initially, you donât need to start with zero. You can write programs in any high school or college computer course. But the goal is to learn how to think like a computer and to learn structured programming. And you can do that better by starting with a beginnerâs version of the language. A great place to start is Scratch.
Start small.
Iâve seen it happen, and itâs not pretty. Someone decides that learning to code is a great idea, so they head to the internet to find a beginnerâs guide. They quickly find an easy-to-follow tutorial that shows them how to use the latest JavaScript framework and quickly jump in. Unfortunately, theyâve never looked beyond the basics and have no idea how to design or develop a website. They also have no idea how to learn more about coding and the different languages and tools available. Itâs important to start small when learning to code. If you decide to jump right in and try to learn advanced concepts, youâll end up frustrated and discouraged.
Start simple.
The best advice I can give you is to start with an easy program that you can accomplish in a few hours or days. One of my favorite projects that can be done in a day or two is a text-based game. There are plenty of resources to help you learn how to make your own game. Check out the free game development kits and learn how to program using the Python language. You can also check out the book Make: Electronics or learn how to program using Scratch.
Make mistakes.
Just like learning any other skill, getting started with coding is a slow and gradual process. Before you dive into coding, start with the basics. Try to learn the language you plan to code in with online tutorials. And when youâre ready to tackle more difficult concepts, a great way to learn is to solve a coding challenge. Coding challenges are great for boosting your coding confidence by providing a structured way to solve problems. They can also help you learn new concepts more quickly.
Build on what you know.
The first step that you should take is to choose a programming language that you like and want to learn. Iâve found that I love JavaScript because you can write JavaScript in any text editor and it works in the browser. There are lots of different JavaScript frameworks out there, but I personally use jQuery because itâs easy to learn and understand.
Challenge yourself.
Programming is easier if you already know how to do something. Try to learn a new skill, like playing the guitar or French, and youâll be able to use coding to your advantage. Just like learning a new language, you can start by learning the basics. Try solving some of the programming challenges available online, or reviewing your old programs to avoid making the same mistakes twice.
Talk to other people.
Itâs incredibly easy to start programming. Try one of the many online coding courses, like Code.com, which is free to use for 30 days. If you want to stay on the computer, check out sites like LearnCode.com or Codecademy. There are dozens of websites and courses out there to help you learn how to code!
Don't give up.
Itâs not as intimidating as it sounds. Start small. Try some online tutorials or build something that seem simple. It wonât be long before you can tackle more complex projects. The best way to learn is by doing, so find a project youâre interested in and try it out!
Conclusion
We have all heard the stories of children who were able to learn to program before they could even talk. But did you know that many studies show that learning how to code can improve cognitive skills and even increase attention span? Itâs true! The more you learn about coding, the better you will be at problem-solving and critical thinking. Plus, the more you learn, the better you will be at remembering what you learned!