How To Code For Beginners: All You Need to Know

Coding has exploded in recent years, changing from something used in computer games and the occasional electronic device to something which shapes the way that we live in the modern world. This means that now is an excellent time for learning how to code for beginners. Some of the best places to do that are on popular learning platforms such as DataCamp, Udacity, or edX.

Pretty much every device, electronic item, and modern piece of machinery contains at least a little bit of code. As the number of use cases for coding grows, the number of coding jobs available will also continue to grow.

We'll begin by defining what coding is and why you should learn it. After this, we will move into a step-by-step guide to coding for beginners. We'll look at some of the most popular coding languages, along with a few online coding courses that will help you learn these languages. Great examples of what I'm talking about would be the DataCamp Python Fundamentals or the Udemy Python programming courses.

What Is Coding?

To start learning how to code for beginners, we need to define what coding is. Most programmers would agree that coding is: ‘The act of writing code that is compiled to form programs, that can be executed by a computer or a code reader, and that has a specific function or set of functions.’

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Now, this definition is quite broad. In reality, exactly what we mean by coding will depend on what sort of coding we are referring to.

For example, a web developer writes code that is used to build responsive, functioning websites. In this sense, coding is creating the best possible website. You can learn more about coding in the previous article.

However, someone who works in navigation and aerospace engineering might be required to write code that lets an airplane run on autopilot during long journeys. Although this is entirely different from building a website, it's still coding.

Before you start looking for the answers to “How to code for beginners”, you need to think carefully about what sort of coding you'd like to do.

This will dictate the languages that you choose to learn and how you learn them – but more on that later. For now, let’s move onto a quick look at why you should start learning how to write code for beginners.

Why Should I Learn To Code?

As noted above, coding is an exciting new field that presents a world of opportunities for people who are willing to learn. Despite what you may have heard, learning how to code for beginners isn’t that hard, especially when you compare it to the skills that are required to get the most skilled jobs.

The average person can learn the basics of coding fast enough. You can start writing simple programs in a couple of weeks or less! Besides, with such learning platforms as DataCamp or Udacity, the process becomes even easier.

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A few months of hard work will leave you fluent in at least one programming language. Working hard to learn to code for beginners for more than a few months should give you all the skills that you need to become a career coder.

Some of the reasons why you should learn how to code include:

• Coding is fun! Imagine having the skills to be able to build your websites from scratch, create responsive mobile games, or program data analysis packages. If you learn how to code, you will be able to do all of this and more!

• Coding will give you valuable skills. Learning how to code for beginners will provide you with enough skills and experience to pursue a career as a coder or programmer. You'll learn analytical and problem-solving skills that can be transferable to other career paths.

• Learning how to code will provide job security. In the same way, being able to pursue a career as a coder will give you a significant amount of job security. Coders and programmers are in demand throughout the modern world, leading to a lot of jobs in the field. Also, you can land jobs in big tech firms or start freelancing for additional income.

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why you should start learning to code right now. Because of this, we have put together the following step-by-step guide. Dig in and have fun!

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How To Code For Beginners

Although coding is relatively easy to learn compared to a lot of other technical skills, it's still something that scares people. Numerous guides on how to code for beginners contain technical language, complicated descriptions, and nuances that can overwhelm a complete novice.

That's why, at first glance, it may seem complicated, confusing, and very, very hard to master. I mean, how do you go about learning how to code a website if you have no programming experience whatsoever?

The answer is simple – you follow our step-by-step guide to learning how to code for beginners! By the end of this guide, you should have a clear understanding of the steps that are required if you want to become a programmer, along with the things that you can do to help fast-track your journey.

Step 1: Understand Why You Want To Learn How To Code

Before you even think about enrolling in courses or starting to watch YouTube videos about coding, you need to ask yourself why you want to learn how to code for beginners.

Sit down and think carefully about what you hope to get out of it, why coding is a skill that you want to learn, and how much time and money you have to commit to it.

Consider relevant questions like what sort of skills you want to end up with. There's a significant difference between being a website developer and a software engineer. You'll need to learn job-specific languages and work with different parts of development.

Also, it's important to understand why you want to learn how to code. For beginners, the salary of a programmer can seem attractive. Other people simply like coding as a hobby. However, you'll need to dedicate time and money into learning these skills, so consider that before enrolling in a course.

If you're only going to have a couple of hours per week to commit to learning how to code for beginners, there probably isn’t a whole lot of point in enrolling in an intensive course. In the same way, if you want to join an intensive course with support, you'll have to be prepared to pay for it.

Identify and write down your coding goals and store them somewhere safe. These will quickly become the basis of your journey from novice to master coder.

Step 2: Choose The Right Languages

Different types of programming require different skills. For example, if you want to learn how to code for beginners, you should learn languages like HTML, CSS, Java, and JavaScript. These languages allow you to build a fully functioning website!

Likewise, mobile app development requires Java (for Android) or Swift (for iOS). Choosing the right language is extremely important, which is why we have outlined some of the most popular among beginners below.

Java

Java is arguably the king of programming languages in the modern world. It's prevalent, versatile, and used for things like Android app creation and back-end web development. If you're learning how to code for beginners, Java can equip you with basic skills for developing various applications like enterprise software, mobile app development, and more.

Java is quite a functional language for learning how to code for beginners. It's relatively simple to learn, it reads like English, and there is a lot of work out there for entry-level Java programmers.

If you'd like to learn Java as one of your first programming languages, I'd recommend Udacity's Java Nanodegree course. It's an intermediate course that will last around 3 months. Such courses will equip you with the necessary tools to start your journey!

Alternatively, you can choose BitDegree's interactive Java tutorial. This course will teach you the basic syntax and features of the language. It'll show you the potential that you can reach when using Java, and explore the creation of back-end web apps.

Python

If Java is the king of programming languages, then Python is the queen, so you should research it when learning how to code for beginners. It's also super versatile, and it has a lot of different uses.^[1] A lot of academic workers and researchers use Python to create data analysis programs. Such programs help their studies and accelerate research and computational processes.

It's also behind the rise of new technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning. Python is easy to learn, and is the most popular language taught in schools. That's why it's perfect for those who are looking for how to code for beginners.

Learning Python can be easy if you put your mind to it. Start with a course like the Introduction to Python course or the Interactive Python tutorial. Both of these courses will give you an excellent introduction to the language and its functionality, allowing you to progress to more advanced studies at a later date.

Ruby

Ruby is a language that is becoming increasingly popular for full-stack web development. It allows for the smooth integration of both front and back-end components of a new website through the Ruby on Rails framework. So, if you want to become a web developer, Ruby should be on your list when learning how to code for beginners.

You can build desktop applications, static websites, and more using this language. Ruby is popular among web developers, DevOps, and anyone building web scrapers or crawlers. If these words don't mean anything to you, don't fret! Once you learn the fundamentals of how to code for beginners, you'll understand the nuances of different terms, so don't worry about them now.

However, if you have plans to become a web developer, I'd recommend learning at least the basics of Ruby. This way, you'll be familiar with the language, even if you don’t have to work with it directly. Start with the Learn Ruby on Rails course which focuses on what Ruby on Rails is and how it's used in web development. Then, you can also check out Udemy's Learn to Code with Ruby course.

Solidity

If you're interested in cryptocurrencies and blockchain development, then Solidity is one of the best programming languages to learn when researching how to code for beginners. Although not well known or widespread by any stretch of the imagination, Solidity is the primary language for smart contract development on the Ethereum blockchain.

You'll need some basic knowledge about the blockchain technology as Solidity has unique features. It's sometimes considered a more complex language than Python due to the nuances of blockchain.

If you want to enter the exciting new world of blockchains and smart contracts, I'd recommend starting with either the Space Doggos Interactive Solidity course or the Ultimate Learn Solidity course.

HTML

If you want to get into front-end web development, then you have to learn HTML. Used for marking up text so that computers can understand it, HTML (or Hypertext Markup Language) is one of the simplest languages to learn and is where a lot of people start when learning how to code for beginners.

Even if you decide that a career in programming isn't for you, HTML knowledge is highly valuable in marketing, customer support, and other career paths. It'll make you stand out from other applicants and you can get hired more quickly!

Thankfully, HTML is very simple, and the best way to learn it is arguably to first familiarise yourself with the main components of the language through something like the Introduction to HTML course and then to get out there and practice how to write a code for beginners.

CSS

CSS is used almost exclusively alongside HTML to style and format content on webpages. It allows you to do things like change the color and size of elements, change the position of elements on a webpage, and change the entire layout of a webpage. So, CSS is an all-round language you should check out when learning how to code for beginners.

Like HTML, CSS is essential if you plan on becoming a front-end web developer. In my opinion, it’s a good idea to learn HTML and CSS alongside each other through something like this HTML and CSS course. This course will teach you the basics of CSS, HTML, and web development, and how they all tie together.

In any case, it's always a good idea to learn multiple languages so that you become a more versatile coder or programmer. Also, it increases your chances of landing a high-paying job in the IT industry!

JavaScript

JavaScript is another language that is quite versatile and extremely widespread – much like Java and Python. You should at least familiarize yourself with this language when learning how to code for beginners.

This programming language defines the behavior of web pages while HTML and CSS help to build how the web page looks. Thus, JavaScript is an addition to the front-end development process and makes your web pages come to life!^[2]

Although it has historically been a front-end web development language that allowed the creation of interactive elements, JavaScript is becoming increasingly used for other things, including back-end web development.

If you want to become a decent front-end or back-end web developer, I highly recommend learning JavaScript. Discover the basics through a course like Introduction to JavaScript course or the Interactive JavaScript Tutorial, and then move onto a more challenging course when you're comfortable with the basics of the language.

Step 3: Choose The Right Resources To Help You Learn

Now that we’ve looked at some of the most popular languages to help you discover how to code for beginners, it’s time to look at the best ways to learn them.

• Online coding courses

Online coding courses are one of the best ways to get a feel for a new programming language. There are numerous tutors and websites that provide courses aimed at beginners and seasoned professionals. So, people with various skillsets are likely to find something that fits their needs.

When done right, they'll teach you some of the essential syntaxes of a language and how it's used. They're usually taught in a fun, engaging manner, and many of them allow you to write code directly in your browser as you learn.

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Notably, you can get most of these courses for free or at very low prices, especially if you take advantage of coupon codes offered on the BitDegree website. You can also get the courses with free certifications.

By the way, if it so happens that you find a course but you currently can't afford it, be sure to apply for scholarships for online courses. The whole process for applying is described here.

• Textbooks

Code reference books are a great resource that every single beginner should make use of. They contain all of the syntax and conventions of a language, allowing you to look things up when you’re confused or unsure about how to proceed with your code.

When learning how to code for beginners, having a hard copy of the study material allows for easy referencing. However, you can download digital copies of these textbooks if you prefer to read online. A popular choice is "Coding for Dummies" by Nikhil Abraham, so feel free to check it out.

Nevertheless, the classic approach of buying a textbook can contribute to your coding journey by offering a blend of theory and practical exercises. Keep in mind that if you're a solo learner, it might be harder to check your mistakes. Perhaps a study group would be a great solution for that!

• YouTube videos

Online videos and video tutorials are great resources that can help you get your head around complex concepts. You should use them alongside an online course or another method of learning how to code for beginners.

There are thousands of videos that cater to both novices and seasoned developers on YouTube. The best part is that such education doesn't cost a dime! You can browse different videos, playlists, and channels to pick the topics that are relevant to you. While paid courses come with a certain financial responsibility, YouTube allows you to be flexible!

Moreover, you can watch these tutorials at your own pace and choose a YouTube channel that fits your educational needs. Some videos cover the basics while others focus on more specific topics or common problems that developers face. So, browse different channels and identify the ones that resonate with your situation when learning how to code for beginners.

Step 4: Download A Code Editor

Although a lot of online courses let you write code in a code editor directly in your browser, you need to realize that this isn’t how it works in the real world. Once you graduate from your online course, you'll need to start writing your code directly into a code editor. So, it’s a good idea to start practicing this now.

Most programming languages have their code editors that you can download. They usually come complete with interactive development environments (IDEs) that will help you build clear, error-free code. Simple languages like HTML and CSS can be written straight into a simple text document if you find that easier.

Code editors are a great tool when learning how to write code for beginners. They include such features as automatic indentation, syntax highlighting, error-checking, and more. It allows developers to write code more efficiently with fewer mistakes!

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Step 5: Practice Writing Your Programs

Once you have a basic working knowledge of your chosen language, you'll need to start creating your programs and projects. Although you might feel that this is a long way away right now, you'll be surprised how fast you progress once you start learning.

The type of program or project you start building will depend on the language you learn. For example, if you're learning how to code a website using HTML/CSS, you might choose to start building your website.

You can even begin with drag & drop website builders to make the learning process easier. However, knowledge of Java will allow you to begin programming your Android app or game.

Remember, practice makes perfect, and it's the key to becoming a successful programmer. Practice, practice, and more practice!

Step 6: Join An Online Community

Navigating the intricacies of learning how to code for beginners on their own can be difficult. There will be times when you need support. Whether you need to keep your motivation going or seek help with a development problem, joining an online community can be incredibly beneficial when starting out.

For example, let’s say that you’re learning a language, and you’ve come across a piece of syntax that you can’t get your head around. Joining an online chat board or coding forum will give you access to people who will answer your questions and help you get past any problems you’re having.

Also, online communities are great for networking and keeping up to date with market trends. You'll be the first to know which handy programs and applications your fellow developers choose as well as find like-minded people on there!

Step 7: Hack Someone Else’s Code

Once you have a pretty good idea of how to code in a particular language, it’s time to delve deeper. One of the best ways to keep learning and to reinforce your knowledge of a programming language is to unpack someone else’s code.

Find a program or code file somewhere – GitHub is a great place to start – and open it in your code editor.

Work through the code and make sure that you understand every line and what its function is. Add comments if you need to. If you see something that you think could be done in a more efficient way or that you think you can improve, change it.

Once you have finished, save your edited code and re-upload it so that other people can critique your effort.

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Step 8: Keep Learning How to Code For Beginners

In a way, programming languages are like any other language. They require regular practice if you want to become fluent in them. Also, you'll forget things if you don’t practice using them. It's essential to make sure that you keep learning new things every day.

Don’t fall into the habit of using the same coding patterns and syntax for everything. Instead, keep striving to learn new ways to do things and improve your method. Whether that's grabbing the textbook "Coding for Dummies" or joining an online coding course, you'll have plenty of opportunities to polish your skills.

Try and make a habit of learning one thing every single day. This could be a new piece of syntax, a new way to write a line of code, or simply a better way of debugging a program.

Also, you should always go over the learning material regularly to see if you're doing all the necessary steps in your programming journey!

To recap, if you want to start learning how to code, you should:

• Work out why you want to start learning and what you hope to achieve.
• Choose the right languages to help you achieve this.
• Choose an online course on such platforms as DataCamp or Udacity and start learning.
• Download the right code editors.
• Practice, practice, and practice some more!
• Join an online community.
• Hack someone else's code.
• Never stop learning!

If you got these steps down, you're well on your way to success when learning how to code for beginners. Stay consistent and hungry for more!

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Conclusions

Learning how to code for beginners can be fun, exciting, and super satisfying. When done right, coding can provide you with valuable skills that you'll be able to draw on for the rest of your life. However, it can also be challenging with numerous languages, obstacles, and programs awaiting you.

With this in mind, we developed the above step-by-step guide for beginners. It contains everything that you need to know to get you started on your coding journey. Also, check out online coding courses on DataCamp or Udacity since they offer the straightforward way to becoming a developer. Don't forget to continuously improve your skills and keep learning!

Scientific References

1. Z., Dobesova: 'Programming language Python for data processing';

2. D., Flanagan: 'JavaScript: The definitive guide: Activate your web pages'.