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Pauline Oraro
Pauline Oraro

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Starting From Scratch:A Beginner's Guide To Coding

If you have ever wondered how websites are built, how apps come to life, how video games are created you are in the right place. Coding is a skill that empowers you to turn your ideas into reality. It opens doors to new opportunities, enhances problem solving abilities and allows you to be part of the technology-driven world. By the end of this guide you will have a clearer understanding of what steps to start your adventure in coding.

What is coding and why should i learn to code?

Coding is the process of transforming ideas, solutions and instructions into the language that computers can understand.
There is no denying that technology dominates a huge amount of different industries, so here are some reasons why you should learn to code;

  • Learning to code will provide job security: Coders are in demand throughout the modern world which leads to a lot of jobs in the field.

  • Coding ability gives new perspective to problem-solving:Learning to code has an effect of teaching you how to think. In coding you can break problems into small separate parts and figure out how each is affecting the other and helps to decide what area of the problem to focus on first.

  • Develop interpersonal skills: Most of the time when you are working in a team you need to collaborate with other co-workers so as to discuss the project that the team is building. It becomes crucial to communicate, co-operate, and interact with others in a positive and productive manner.

  • Technologies are ruling the world: Technology is embedded everywhere and there is no doubt that it has become a part of our daily life. We are relying on technology and there are thousands of industries dependent on computer code to run their business operations.

Step by step guide to coding

Work out why you want to learn how to code

Ask yourself why you want to learn to code sit down and think carefully about what you hope to get out of coding.
You should consider:

  • What sort of skills you want to end up with?

  • How much time and money you can commit?

Understanding the basics

You will need to grasp the fundamental concepts. Begin by understanding how computer process information and how programming languages provide instructions for the computer to follow.

Choose the right programming language

With an array of programming languages available, it is essential to choose the right one to begin your journey. Consider your interests and the kind of projects you wish to pursue to make an informed decision.

Embracing online learning resources

Learning to code no longer requires a classroom setting. There are thousands of online coding courses. Courses create a structure for learning, an organized course ensures you are learning things in the correct order. Some of the popular online course providers are; FreeCodeCamp, W3Schools, Code Academy, Udemy and Youtube.

Choose the right coding tools and software to get started

Choosing the right coding tools and software is crucial for any aspiring coder or developer. These tools not only enhance your productivity but also provide a smooth and efficient coding experience. To get started on your coding journey, you must equip yourself with the following essential coding tools and software such as code editors like Sublime Text, VS Code, Atom.

Build something and share it

If you are just diving into how to start coding, don't be shy about building an application or website with the knowledge you have and then share it. You might get feedback and you will learn alot about what you can improve.

Check out how other people code

Checking out how other people code can inspire you and push your coding skills even further. This approach will give you examples of quality coding.

Find a mentor and a community

Having a mentor or online community to give guidance can be great to your learning. A mentor can be anyone knowledgeable in your programming language. They should be able to explain concepts and point you to solutions, they can offer advice for navigating a career in technology.
You may also want to join a community like online developer communities, look for local groups, networking events and meetups, hackathons where you can make in-person connections with other coders.

Conclusion

As you venture forth, keep an open mind, stay curious, and find passion in the problems you solve. Be patient with yourself, and don't be discouraged by challenges; they are stepping stones towards mastery.

Now it's time to put your newfound knowledge into action. Dive into coding exercises, build exciting projects, and contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of technology. Remember, the journey has just begun, and there's a world of possibilities waiting for you.

Happy coding, and may your coding journey be filled with creativity, innovation, and boundless success!

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