Whether you’re still in school, considering a career switch or simply researching a new hobby, there’s no doubt that coding is in high demand right now. It offers a future-proof and potentially lucrative path if you can hone your skills – but coding can feel intimidating when you’re just getting started.
Thankfully there are a tonne of resources and products out there designed to make coding more accessible for people of all backgrounds. Read five tips below to help you get up to speed even with no prior experience.
Start with the fundamentals
It might be tempting to skip the theory and get straight to the action -but there are certain fundamentals that, once understood, will make your development far quicker.
That list includes:
- Variables, which are the methods of storing information in a program
- Control structures, which determine which variables to use based on defined parameters
- Data structures, which are the methods of storing and accessing computer information
- Syntax, which is a set of rules defining the grammar of a given programming language
- Tools, such as programming software
Choose the right coding language
There are many coding languages out there for different purposes and skill levels, so the right one for you will depend on your goals.
Do you want to build websites for example, or experiment with electronics projects? Research what’s out there and aim to gain a strong understanding of your chosen programming language before moving on to another. You’re likely to find that they share similar principles.
Learn by doing
Just like riding a bike, the best way to learn coding is often simply to get stuck in and have a go at it yourself. Guides and videos can be super helpful but you’re unlikely to retain information if you don’t put it into practice.
You could pick up a low-cost hardware platform like Arduino to help you try things out. Other options include Raspberry Pi and BBC mico:bit.
Try coding on paper
It might seem counterintuitive to write code on paperas you can’t run and check it in real time. But coding by hand will force you to focus more on what you’re writing and can help yougain a deeper understanding of how your chosen programming language works.
It’s common to be asked to code by hand in job interviews too, so it could come in handy later down the line.
Make the most of availableresources
One of the best things about learning to code is just how many great resources and communities there are out there to help. There are plenty of courses, YouTube channels and guides available for free.
Many coding platforms have built engaged communities of coders meanwhile who regularly share tips and project ideas online.
Do you feel confident about getting started with coding? Try the tips above to make the learning curve a little less steep.
