So, You Want to Start Coding? Here’s How to Get Started

So, you want to start coding? If you’re like me, you probably have no idea where to start, and you need a lot of hand-holding to get yourself through the process. Well, this guide will help you get your feet wet in the world of coding as fast as possible so that you can start making cool apps right away! If you’ve never coded before but want to learn how, then this article has all the information you need to get started.

What is programming

There are many definitions of programming — or coding — but most of them have something in common: it’s all about instructing a computer on how to solve problems. So at its simplest level, coding is writing instructions for a computer. This can be as simple as telling your phone what you want your text message to say or as complex as building an entire website. It’s up to you! If you’re thinking about learning how to code, there are lots of different types of programming languages out there, but they fall into two main categories: high-level and low-level. High-level languages allow you to write code that resembles natural language more closely and generally use fewer lines of code than low-level languages do.

What skills you need

The good news is that anyone can learn how to code — and even those who didn’t major in computer science in college can still build a career as a developer. On top of having some time on your hands and an interest in coding, you’ll need three skills: creativity (so you can think of new ideas), discipline (so you can focus on one idea for days at a time), and persistence (so nothing stops you from getting your work done). If you don’t have these qualities naturally, it doesn’t mean they aren’t learnable; if anything, working through challenges will help develop them.

3 ways to learn

If you’re a complete beginner, take a course or two (or three). If you want to learn at your own pace and without structure, there are tons of great resources online. Or if you’re feeling like a total newbie and don’t know where to start because of it, there are tons of fantastic introductions into coding for beginners available for free online. Any way you learn is just fine! The important thing is that you do it. And then keep doing it. And eventually you’ll get good at it. There’s no shortcut — and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying to you. So stop looking for one. Instead, buckle down and get started with whatever method feels right to you.

What tools you will need

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