So you want to learn to code, but where do you even begin? So many different coding languages exist.
Learning to code can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. You can learn the basics of coding with the right approach and resources, so that the process of learning hard things is as natural to you as breathing.
There are several different ways to learn how to code; not all of them involve attending classes at a local college or university. In this blog post, let’s look at how to code for beginners.
How to Code for Beginners - Overview
Many pathways into coding exist - from online courses and video tutorials on sites like YouTube, to books about coding theory and interactive gaming guides that double as great practice for real-world applications.
In an increasingly digital world, the demand for coders also continues to rise. In fact, in a survey by HackerRank, nearly 80% of respondents agreed that being able to code will be essential for future job prospects.
This is why now more than ever, aspiring coders are looking for ways to break into this field and begin their coding journey. Whether you’re just getting started on your coding journey or want to learn a new coding language, here is a list of the top coding languages ranked by difficulty and their potential for future earnings.
First and foremost, before you even decide to learn how to code, you’ll want to get a fundamental understanding of the basics of coding itself.
This guide will run through a speedy overview of the topic. This won’t be a substitute for seeing the path clearly. But we’ve cracked open the most mission-critical data as efficiently as we could and given you some possible first steps. At a glance, here are some to know about investing for beginners:
- 🖥️ Coding, at its core, is simply a way to communicate instructions to a computer.
- Computer code is used to create programs and write instructions that a computer can understand, which ultimately allows us to do things like play games, compose music, write blogs, edit photos, and more.
- 🕶️ Before you can begin learning how to code, it’s important to have a solid grasp on the basics of programming languages themselves.
- You’ll need to learn about things like functions, variables, syntax, and how all of these different language elements work together to create code.
Types of Coders
When you hear the word “programmer,” what first comes to mind? Is it someone hunched over a computer monitor late at night in a dimly lit room? If so, you’re not alone.
Many people have this image of programmers because of how they were portrayed on television and movies growing up.
We are happy to report that those images are outdated. Today’s programmers are creative professionals who use their analytical skills to solve complex problems. They can code fluently in multiple programming languages and typically specialise in one area such as artificial intelligence (AI), software design, data analysis, etc.
Depending on their job role or company, programmers may be referred to by different names such as software engineer, developer, coder, or analyst.
Programmers are a type of software engineer who specialises in writing programs – that is, source code. But what exactly do programmers do? The answer depends on the type of programmer you are talking to. Programming is a broad field with many sub-specialties.
Each programmer specialises in a specific area and their own unique tasks. Some focus on a single programming language like Python or C++ while others specialise in a particular operating system like Linux or Windows.
Still others focus on one type of application like games or business apps, artificial intelligence, data analysis, graphics, databases, network management, natural language processing (NLP), user interface design (UI), or other fields so specialised that they may not even have names yet. And finally there are some programmers who dabble in all these areas and more. Read this article to find out about the different types of programmers and what they do.
First - What is a programmer?
A programmer is a person who writes programs. Their job is to take a person’s idea or set of requirements and transform those into a set of instructions the computer can understand. To do this, programmers use a variety of languages, tools, and technologies.
Programmers are part artists, part scientists, and part puzzle-solvers. They use both creativity and logic to transform human ideas into something a computer can understand. Programming is not just writing code.
It also includes designing and testing programs to make sure they work the way they’re supposed to. And this involves analysing the problems that people want computers to solve and figuring out how to represent those problems as a series of instructions that a computer can execute.
Programmer vs. software engineer
These are two different job titles, though the main difference between them is the focus. In general, programmers will write code while engineers will focus on the design and architecture side of things. Programmers specialise in writing code; engineers specialise in designing the architecture and bigger picture of the system.
The two work together closely to create software programs. Since the term ‘engineer’ is used in so many different contexts (and sometimes even to mean ‘programmer’), it’s best to clarify that you are a programmer if you are in that field. In more detail:
Software developer
Although all programmers are developers, not all developers are programmers. A software developer is a person who writes code and designs software systems. Programmers and developers both write code, but developers also focus more on the design of the system. Like engineers, developers focus on the architecture and bigger picture of the system. There are many types of developers: Web developers build websites, app developers build apps for phones and computers, game developers create video games, etc. The main difference between the different types of developers is the type of software they create.
Computer Programmer
Computer programmers specialise in writing code for computers. That is, they write code in a programming language that computers can understand. Some are specialised in one type of computer (for example, Windows computers or Linux computers) while others write code that can be used on multiple types of computers. Examples: Computer programmers often focus on a specific type of computer, language, or operating system. There are also specialty sub-fields like embedded programmers who write code for things like medical devices, industrial equipment, and other devices.
Computer Scientist
But what about computer scientists? These are the people who use computers to solve problems in their research - the list of famous names includes Elon Musk. Just as people who use lab equipment are scientists, so are people who use computers as a tool. Computer scientists often design algorithms and write code to analyse data. Examples: Computer scientists also study the theory behind computer programming and design. Like computer engineers, computer scientists usually focus on the architecture and bigger picture of the system.
Data Analyst
Data analysts gather and analyse data for businesses and organisations. They use both computer programs and human-created tools to analyse large datasets. Examples: Computer programmers and engineers often create the tools data analysts use. Some data analysts develop new computer programs to analyse data. These will be the guys trying to figure out why Netflix is losing subs.
Computer Programmer/Programming Specialist
Let’s look at computer programmers who specialise in a certain field, language, or technology. For example, there are many computer programmers who specialise in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Examples: Computer programmers also create computer programs that other programmers use to make software products. These are sometimes called ‘software development tools’.
AI Programmer/Artificial Intelligence Programmer
AI programmers create software that uses artificial intelligence to solve problems. That includes creating computer programs that can learn, understand language, and do other things that people consider intelligent. Examples: AI programmers also build the tools that help other programmers create AI programs and software. These tools are sometimes called ‘machine learning tools’.
Conclusion
A programmer is a person who writes programs. Their job is to take a person’s idea or set of requirements and transform those into a set of instructions the computer can understand. To do this, programmers use a variety of languages, tools, and technologies.
Programmers are part artists, part scientists, and part puzzle-solvers. They use both creativity and logic to transform human ideas into something a computer can understand. AI programmers create software that uses artificial intelligence to solve problems. That includes creating computer programs that can learn, understand language, and do other things that people consider intelligent.
You can also consider programmers to be a type of software engineer who specialises in writing programs – that is, source code. But what exactly do programmers do? The answer depends on the type of programmer you are talking to. Some focus on a single programming language like Python or C++ while others specialise in a particular operating system like Linux or Windows. Still others focus on one type of application like games or business apps, artificial intelligence, data analysis, graphics, databases, network management, natural language processing (NLP), user interface design (UI), or other fields so specialised that they may not even have names yet. And finally there are some programmers who dabble in all these areas and more.
What Does A Software Developer Do?
Let’s explore one of the most popular forms of coding: software development. As the old saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. The same can be said for programmers, software developers, and all computer users.
As a programmer, it is your responsibility to design and code programs that operate carefully and correctly. Your responsibilities extend beyond the scope of just your own work: as a software developer, you must ensure that the programs you create are user-friendly and don’t contain any bugs or glitches that could compromise the integrity of your program or anyone else’s computer system.
Programmers are problem solvers who specialise in creating solutions through code. What does a programmer do? In this article, you’ll learn about different types of programmers, what kind of education is required to become one, and how much they earn across different industries. Let’s get started!
Programmer Job Responsibilities
As a programmer, you will be expected to develop both new and existing computer programs. You will be responsible for the design, development, maintenance, and documentation of these programs. You may also be expected to modify existing programs to meet new requirements, or add new functionality to existing programs.
Programmers are responsible for testing and debugging code to ensure that programs are functioning as intended. You may also be expected to create user manuals and training materials to help others understand how to use your programs.
Tasks of a Programmer
- ☑️ Designing and developing computer software: You will be expected to design and develop software using one of many computer programming languages. You may also be expected to design and create computer programs that operate hardware systems or networks.
- ☑️ Analysing and defining problem areas: You will be expected to analyse and define problem areas that can be solved using computer programs. You may also be expected to study existing computer programs and make recommendations for improving their operation.
- ☑️ Writing and testing code: You will be expected to write code that performs the tasks necessary for solving the problems identified by you and others. You will then be responsible for testing the code to ensure that it operates as intended and does not contain any bugs or glitches.
- ☑️ Debugging and documenting code and programs: You will be expected to debug code and programs to identify and correct any errors or bugs that may be present. You may also be expected to document the source code used to create programs.
How to Become a Programmer?
There are two primary pathways to becoming a computer programmer: formal education or self-teaching. If you are interested in a career as a programmer and have little to no experience in programming, you will likely need to pursue a degree in computer programming or software engineering.
If you already have experience in programming and computer languages, however, you can likely transition into a career as a programmer without a degree. You may consider self-teaching, or pursuing an online degree in computer programming or software engineering.
If you are interested in a career as a programmer, you will need to be skilled in both computer programming and problem-solving. You will also need to be detail oriented and patient, as programming can be tedious work.
Where?
Codecademy: Learn to Code for Free
If you’re looking to learn how to code for free, Codecademy is one of the best places to start. Codecademy is a free online coding tutorial that allows you to learn a variety of different coding languages including Python, Java, JavaScript, and HTML. You simply select the language that you want to learn, and you’ll be guided through an interactive tutorial where you can build your own programs and see your code in action. Coding is a skill that requires continuous practice, and building websites and programs with these online coding tools is a great way to get that practice in.
Free Online Courses
If you want to learn to code but you don’t want to pay for a course, there are plenty of free online courses available that you can take advantage of. There are even some MOOCs (massive open online courses) that are completely free, and that you can take from the comfort of your own home. Here are a few of the most popular free online coding courses that you can take:
- Codecad-X: Learn to Code From Scratch - This course is hosted by the folks over at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab (CSAIL). It’s a complete introduction to computer programming with JavaScript.
- Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python - This is a course offered by Stanford University that teaches programming concepts using Python. It’s a great course for beginners looking to learn how to code.
- Introduction to Web Design - This course from Yale University teaches you how to build a website from scratch using HTML and CSS.
Paid Courses
If you’re looking to take a more structured approach to learning how to code, you might want to consider enrolling in a paid course. There are a number of different websites that offer various coding courses, both online and in person, that you can pay for. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Udemy - Udemy is a great place to find both online and in-person coding courses. You can search through their extensive catalogue of courses and easily filter by price to find courses ranging from free to over £1,000.
- Skillshare - Skillshare is another online learning platform that has a number of different coding courses available to purchase.
- Harvard Extension School - Harvard Extension School is the online extension school of the famous Harvard University. Harvard Extension School offers a number of online coding courses.
- Coursera - Coursera is an online learning platform that partners with universities to offer MOOCs. You can search through Coursera’s catalogue to find a number of different coding courses.
- edX - edX is another online learning platform that hosts MOOCs from a variety of different schools and universities. You can search through edX’s catalogue to find a number of different coding courses.
Jumping in Head First with a Bootcamp
If you’re really looking to dive headfirst into your coding journey, you might want to consider attending a coding bootcamp. A coding bootcamp is an intensive learning program that will teach you a specific coding language while also giving you practical experience that can be applied to real-world applications.
Coding bootcamps are often 8- to 12-week programs that are held in person at a local college or university.
Many of these bootcamps will charge you a one-time fee in order to attend, with the average cost of a 12-week bootcamp coming in around £8,000. Some boot camps also offer payment plans if you’re looking to break up the cost into smaller monthly payments.
Languages: Their Difficulty and Earning Power
The first thing to note about any list of the best languages for beginners to learn is that difficulty is subjective. While one person may find a language “easy,” another may find it “hard.” With that being said, there are a few metrics that are generally used to determine how difficult a language is.
First, you will want to look at how “readily readable” a language’s source code is. This is important because, as a beginner, you don’t have any “mental shortcuts” that will help you understand what a piece of code is doing.
Next, you will want to look at the language’s “syntax,” which refers to the rules governing a language’s structure. This is another area where beginner coders are disadvantaged, as they don’t have a knowledge of these rules yet.
Which Language Should You Learn First?
Now that you know how to learn to code, you need to decide which language you want to learn first. There are plenty of different languages to choose from, and it can be difficult to pick just one. When deciding which language to learn first, you’ll want to consider a few things.
First, you want to make sure that the language you choose is beginner-friendly. You don’t want to jump into the most advanced language out there as your first language. You want to ease yourself into the process, and you want to learn the basics first.
Python 🐍
Python is often considered to be one of the easiest languages to learn due to its simplistic syntax and readability. Python is also a great language to begin branching out into other languages, as it has a reputation for being relatively easy to understand as well. One of the best things about Python is that it is extensively used in industries like data science and machine learning, which are two of the fastest growing fields in the world. This means that Python-based professionals are in high demand and can often command higher salaries as a result.
Java
Java is another language that is relatively easy to understand for beginners, though it has a reputation for being quite verbose. This means that Java programs often take longer to write, which can slow down programming progress. Java is also one of the most commonly used programming languages, making it a great choice for those who want to make a career in web app development. This is particularly true in the business realm, where Java has proven to be a reliable language for decades.
JavaScript
As a language, JavaScript has a reputation for being easy to learn, though it can be challenging to master. This is because JavaScript is frequently used in conjunction with other languages, which can make it tricky to fully understand without context. That being said, JavaScript has become an essential language for web designers and users alike, thanks to the introduction of “single page applications” (SPA). This means that JavaScript skills will likely be in demand for years to come.
C++
C++ is a challenging language for beginners, as it is often considered to be one of the “hardest” languages to learn. That being said, C++ is widely considered to be one of the most efficient and widely used languages in the world. This means that C++ is particularly great for those who want to become software engineers. It’s also a common language used in artificial intelligence and machine learning applications, though it is often used in conjunction with other languages like Python. This is why many see C++ as a valuable path towards a career in AI development.
HTML and CSS
While HTML and CSS are often grouped together, they are each unique languages. That being said, they are frequently used together, which makes it difficult to differentiate between them. Both HTML and CSS are used to create websites and are considered to be among the easiest languages for beginners to learn, as they do not require extensive knowledge of programming logic.
Conclusion 📘
As you can see, there are a variety of languages that are both easy to learn and have a high potential for high earnings. This means that there are opportunities for both beginners and experienced coders to find coding languages that work for them regardless of skill level.
When you’re choosing a new language to learn, you should consider things like future demand, complexity, and how easy the language is to learn. Over the next few years, these are the languages that are expected to see the most growth and will likely provide the best return on your investment in an online course.
Learning how to code is an extremely rewarding and useful skill to have. It can help you find a job, start your own business, or simply just be able to do more with your computer. No matter what your end goal is, it’s never too late to start coding. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to code, there has never been a better time to do so.
There are plenty of different resources available that make it easy for anyone to learn how to code, regardless of their skill level or experience. Whether you want to learn a specific language, like Python or Java, or you want to try a more unique approach and learn through gaming, there is a way for you to learn how to code.
