How to learn programming quickly and effectively

Alexander Maximilian Röser
5 min readDec 12, 2022

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There are many different ways to learn programming. A good starting point is to follow a book or online course on a simple programming language like Python or JavaScript. It’s important to practice regularly and start small projects to reinforce what you’ve learned. Participating in online communities and hackathons can also be helpful to learn from experienced developers and share new ideas.

What is programming?

Programming is the art of teaching a computer to perform certain tasks using instructions written in a specific language. These instructions are usually written in the form of algorithms that can be interpreted and executed by a computer to achieve desired results. Programming is an important skill in many fields, from the development of software and web applications to the use of computer and data analysis in science and industry.

Why you should start learning programming.

There are many reasons why you should learn programming. First of all, programming can help you solve complex problems and think logically. It can also be a valuable skill that opens up many opportunities for you in the job market. Many companies today are looking for employees who have skills in programming as digital transformation continues to advance. In addition, programming can also help you improve your creative skills and realize your own ideas by developing apps or websites, for example.

How can I start now?

If you want to start learning programming, there are a few steps you can take. First of all, you should think about the area you want to learn programming in and what kind of projects you are interested in. There are many different programming languages that are suitable for different purposes, so it’s important to choose one that fits your interests and goals.

Once you’ve decided on a programming language, you can begin to familiarize yourself with the subject. A good starting point is to follow a book or online course that teaches the basics of your chosen language. It’s important to practice regularly and start small projects to reinforce what you’ve learned. Participating in online communities and hackathons can also be helpful to learn from experienced developers and share new ideas.

Which language should I learn?

There are many different programming languages that vary in complexity. Some of the simpler languages that are suitable for beginners include Python, JavaScript, and Scratch. These languages are usually easy to learn and offer many opportunities to implement smaller projects without in-depth knowledge of programming.

Other languages, such as C, C++, and Java, are a bit more complex and are well suited for developing larger applications and systems. These languages often use more concrete syntax and therefore require more time and practice to master.

It is important to note that the complexity of a programming language is not necessarily a measure of its power. Rather, it depends on the purpose for which a language is being used and what knowledge and skills the developer already possesses. For example, an experienced programmer may be very successful with a more sophisticated language such as C++, while a beginner may do better with a simpler language such as Python.

Let’s take a closer look at the Python programming language

Python is an interpreted, high-level programming language known for its readable syntax and versatility. It was developed by Guido van Rossum in the early 1990s and is now one of the most popular languages for web application development, data analytics and artificial intelligence.

Python is a very powerful language that is used by both beginners and experienced developers. Some of the strengths of Python are:

  • Simplicity: Python has a very readable and intuitive syntax that makes it easy for beginners to learn the language.
  • Flexibility: Python can be used for a variety of purposes, from web development to data analytics to machine learning.
  • Powerful libraries: Python has a large number of libraries and frameworks that allow developers to build complex applications quickly and easily.
  • Scalability: Python is a scalable language, suitable for both small scripts and large, complex systems.

Overall, Python provides a solid foundation for programming and is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced developers alike.

And what about JavaScript?

JavaScript is also an interpreted, high-level programming language that is mainly used for developing web applications — similar to Python. It was originally developed by Netscape and is now one of the most widely used languages on the World Wide Web.

JavaScript is a so-called client-side language, which means that the code is executed directly in the user’s web browser. This makes it possible to create dynamic and interactive content on web pages that would be static and less user-friendly without JavaScript.

Some of the strengths of JavaScript include:

  • Universal usability: JavaScript can run in almost all modern web browsers, making it one of the most widely used languages on the World Wide Web.
  • Interactivity: JavaScript makes it possible to create web pages with interactive elements such as drop-down menus, slideshows, and forms.
  • Scalability: JavaScript is scalable and can be used for small scripts as well as large, complex applications.

Overall, JavaScript is a versatile and powerful language that is essential for developing web applications.

let’s go, learn programming!

A well-known saying that conveys the importance of getting on board is

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

This saying emphasizes the importance of taking action and initiative and makes it clear that it is never too late to do something that is important and meaningful. While you may not have started early enough to get involved with programming, now is the perfect time to get started and improve your skills. It’s never too late to learn something new and grow personally and professionally.

For an easy start, I have linked you to an ebook collection of documents where you can find a variety of literature to learn programming.
Good luck! :)

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Alexander Maximilian Röser

Consultant for credit institutions, specializing in risk management and counterparty risk.