Coding: Roadmap For Beginners

     Coding is basically a process used for creating software instructions for computers using various programming languages. With the help of computer coding, we can program websites, apps and various other technologies that we interact with in our everyday lives. In coding, we use several languages to give computer instructions based on which specific functions are performed by the programmed machines. There are various types of codes and each code has its specific function and then depending on what is to be developed the codes are programmed for those machines. All the popular technologies that we have today like Facebook, Instagram, Electric Vehicle, Robots, Smartphones, and Browsers are all developed using some specific code.

How Coding Works?

Now any code that we write is simply any instruction that we give our computer and based on that instruction the computer performs all the functions. Now the reason why we code is because the computer can’t understand words or letters, so to make the computer understand anything, we need to give it instruction in a language that the computer can easily understand. So, the computer can only understand the concept of on and off. The capability of a computer is guided by on and off switches. Binary code represents these on-and-off switching as 1 and 0. With these two switches, an infinite number of combinations of codes are developed which makes the computer work. So, to make the binary codes manageable, the programming languages were formed. All the programming languages serve different purposes but in the end, they all allow the programmers to translate the programmed commands into binary codes.

Any website, app, software or technology which has some sort of coding requires a properly written code for execution. This coding may range from a few lines to several thousand lines or even more. Based on the code that is entered the computer gets an idea of what step is to be performed at what time. In simpler words, coding gives a computer a step-by-step idea of what functions are to be performed and how they are to be performed. While writing code it is important to make sure that the code that we write is entirely flawless to avoid 404 error pop-ups and software crashes. Computer programmers are the ones who produce code that can solve many of our everyday problems. Similarly, computer program coding has many benefits to its name.

How to Code? 

In recent years, Coding has brought an explosion in the market by shaping the world from what was used for just computer gaming and somewhat related to electronic devices to something that has made almost everything that we use today a coded technological device. Every device, electronic item and modern machinery that we use today contains at least a line of coding. So, learning to code is somewhat of a necessity nowadays.

Step 1: Ask yourself why you want to Code.

Now before you enroll yourself for any coding classes, the first thing you need to do is make out why you want to code. This is really important because just simply taking any course and simply learning it won’t help. Because there are many programming languages and even if you make up your mind to learn all of them it would take you years and still you won’t be able to write proper code by yourself. And so, before you start coding you need to first ask yourself just one question and that is Why do you want to learn to code.

You need to do this because there are various types of coders. Some are dedicated to website development, some to app development, some create software solutions and so on. So, you need to first make out which field interests you and then based on that you can start learning the languages that are required for that purpose. Also, you need to make out whether you are learning coding just as it interests you and you want to get some knowledge of it or if are you going to pursue a career in the coding field. Your answer may depend on these factors as well. So first you need to identify and pen down your coding goals and move on to the next step.

Step2: Choose the Correct Language

Once you have identified your motive for coding, then comes the step of choosing the correct language for you to learn. Different type of programming requires different skills and so do require different languages to learn. You may want to learn programming for one reason and you take up languages that are needed for performing tasks for a second reason. So, in this case, your learning of languages would be a complete waste. So, before you choose any language for learning first make sure the said language matches your coding goals and based on that start coding. For example, if you want to develop a website, then you should take up languages like HTML, CSS, Java and JavaScript. But if you want to learn mobile app development for Android devices then you should learn Java or Swift if in case you want to learn app development for iOS. So, choosing the right language is extremely important.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Resources to Learn.

Now once you have the idea of which languages you are going to learn, you need to find the best resources to learn them. The resources that can help you learn the languages are:

• Online Coding Course: As a rookie programmer, online coding courses are one of the best ways to learn programming languages. For some, though online teaching may not work, it may prove to be the best way of learning. So now it’s up to you how you prefer to learn these languages. But once enrolled you won’t get your money back. So, a solution to this is to enrol for an absolutely free beginner course and then check if online studying benefits you or not.
• Textbooks: One more way of learning to code is by reading textbooks. It is similar to what we did during our school days. One of the advantages of using textbooks is that they last forever and haven’t got any expiry period as is the case with online course materials. With all the syntax and codes readily available you can look at them anytime if are confused or unsure of some of your codes.
• YouTube Videos: Another best way to learn programming languages is by watching YouTube videos. Also, an added advantage of it is that they are mostly free and you don’t need to pay for taking the classes on YouTube. But at times if they ask you to buy the pack then you do have to spend some bills.

Step4: Download a Code Editor

Many online courses do provide their students with a code editor. But once you are done with the course for practicing your codes and then for programming you do require a code editor. So, it’s best to download your code editor and start practising there. Most programming languages have their own code editors that you can easily download. These code editors usually come with complete interactive development environments (IDEs). And they do help you build clear, error-free code.  

Step5: Practice Writing the Programs

Once you have the basic knowledge of the languages that you choose to learn, you should start practising it. Because the programs or projects that you are willing to create in future can’t be directly made. For programming them you need to first practice the basics and only then can you make the desired program execute and run successfully.

Step6: Join an Online Community

Now it may be that you have completed your course and are practicing programming with newer codes every time. But at times you may come across a certain piece of code that you can’t properly figure out. So, in this case, you will need someone’s help. And now if you are a part of an online community say any online chat board or coding forum, you their come across people who will be able to answer your questions and give a hint or solution to your stuck piece of code.

Step 7: Hack Someone Else’s Code

Now once you feel that you have got enough idea of any language and that you can easily understand that language then at that point try understanding programs made by someone else with the same language. To find such stuff you can make use of GitHub. You should work through every line of the code and see if you can understand it and what function is it going to perform. If you feel any line of code is written in a complex way and could have been a little easier way coded, then give your suggestions to the concerned person and help them improve it. You can also come up across any code that you wrote and you get to see a simpler version of it. So, in a way, it will help you improve.

Step 8: Keep Learning

So, even if you feel that you have mastered that language still practicing it won’t hurt. Programming is all about practising and practising. The more you practice the more are you able to understand the particular language. It is therefore essential to keep learning new things and keep practising them to become a master in that field.