Are you wondering how to begin coding? Do you want to learn programming but haven't found the right place to start? In this video, join Framework's Mark Lassoff as he reviews 7 Tips to help you Begin Coding today. Mark will discuss how to get started if you want to learn to code and provide invaluable tips that will get you moving down the right path.
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Partial Transcript
Tip #1 All Coding is Not Created Equal
One of the mistakes we make in the development industry is that we treat all coding as if it’s the same. The simple fact is the coding knowledge you need to create a website is not equivalent to the coding you need to create an AI-capable, big data analysis application. It doesn’t take any more than average computer skills and a little practice to learn web site coding and just about anyone can do it.
Not all coding is computer science-- So, for now, skip the automata theory and the recursive algorithms and learn basic procedural coding that gets shit done.
Tip #2 Start with HTML, a Markup Language.
There’s a lot to learn when you want to begin coding. However, I don’t recommend learning it all at once. That’s why I encourage people to start with HTML, which is a markup language, not a programming language. HTML allows you to create the skeleton of a web site. You create the markup for all the content, define the purpose of content elements and ready the site for styling. In the process, you’ll learn how to write lines of code, test them in the browser, and find errors and correct them. You’ll be able to see results form your HTML work in the browser immediately, which is very satisfying.
Tip #3 Go with Free, NonProprietary Technologies
There are two types of technologies-- Proprietary technologies and free technologies. Proprietary technologies are owned by a vendor and force you to use a specific vendor ecosystem. Examples include the Windows .net ecosystem or Apple’s x-code and iOS stack. At first, you want to stay away from those, because, there is often a cost associated with them. I prefer free, technologies when you’re getting started-- not just to minimize cost, but to make it easy to share your work with others. Anyone can run your HTML or JavaScript file in a web browser. However, if you have a Swift file, written in XCode for iOS devices, deploying and showing off your work is more complex.
Tip #4 Look for a Formal Course or Two
It’s fine to learn for free from YouTube. In fact, there is almost nothing a beginner can’t learn about coding on YouTube. But, here’s the problem. While many of these videos are pretty good, very few have a curriculum that teaches you an entire skill. They don’t provide a convenient way for you to layer skills on top of each other, or to practice what you’ve learned.
There are courses available for as little as $10 that include an entire curriculum, and exercises for you to practice-- and honestly, the practice is the most important part of learning to code.
Tip #5 Don’t Upgrade Your Computer… Yet
You don’t need a fine-tuned machine to begin to learn to code. Any old laptop will work. Coding and running code-- at least the type of code you make when you’re getting started-- is not tasking on the computer’s processor or memory. You can use your mom’s 8-year-old laptop and the result will be fine. The thing I do recommend is a large screen or a second screen. It’s a great idea to have your learning material on screen at the same time as your code. In my courses, I always tell people to code along with me and a second screen does facilitate that.
Tip #6 Attend Local Meetup Groups
Where I live in Connecticut, and in most areas there are a number of meetup groups for people learning to code. Even if you don’t find a group geared towards learning, don’t be afraid to show up at the local web developers group or coding meetup. There are always people who want to teach and there’s a lot to be learned at these groups even for those just at the beginning of their development career.
Tip #7 Create Small Projects for Yourself
I am a big fan of projects. Even if the projects are small, they’ll teach you to integrate the elements you’re learning about coding. Give yourself small challenges-- As you’re starting they can be as simple as displaying a login and password form, or a blog post. As you learn new skills integrate them into your projects. If you can’t find good project ideas for your skill level, look on the web for code challenges and projects and I’m sure you’ll find something that interests you.
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