Do this if you want to learn programming in 2025

A lot of people want to learn how to code and they are always trying to find the easiest way possible but they still end up in the same loop thinking its hard and this is actually true cause the late nights, commitment required for one to put in is unmatched and the time required. This makes a lot of people give up on the process hence missing out on the big picture

Nothing comes easy

Well you might have started reading this thinking I will be able to give you a short cut to get all these things in your head but I would like to start by apologizing cause it doesn't exist, I personally struggled to go through all these things I am going to tell you but then I overcame and I want to share with you these tips which might be helpful in your journey of this war with the keyboard

Choose a niche

When I first started out, I wasn’t sure of what I really wanted but all I knew was I wanted to write code, I was jumping from one language to another and feeling very fulfilled after learning a few syntax and I could write code for a rock paper and scissors game but the truth is I was going no where. this wasted a whole lot of my time and when I look back I wish I could have done some things differently. jumping from C++ to HTML and CSS then doing a little JavaScript with no actual goal, you shouldn't go through what i went through so I tell you this, do some research and find out what you want to do and it can be anything, there's a whole lot of career path you can choose ranging from front end development, backend development, data science and machine learning, game development and many more. this will help you in creating a learning path.

Learn the basics

Think about it — everyone you see walking had to first start by crawling. The same logic applies to coding. Begin by learning the fundamentals of programming. This foundation is critical and will make learning more advanced topics much easier. Regardless of the path you choose, there are some basics you should cover:

• Syntax: Start with learning the syntax of your chosen language. Syntax is the grammar of coding, and mastering it allows you to write your first lines of functional code.
• Logic and Problem-Solving: Coding isn’t just about writing lines of code; it’s about solving problems. Learn to think logically and break down problems into smaller parts.
• Common Data Structures and Algorithms: Understanding concepts like arrays, loops, and functions is essential. From there, move into more complex topics like data structures (stacks, queues, linked lists) and algorithms (sorting, searching).

The basics can feel challenging, but once you’re comfortable with them, the more advanced material will be much easier to tackle.

Join a Community

One of the best decisions you can make as a beginner is to join a community. Learning in isolation can be difficult, especially when you encounter roadblocks or complex concepts that feel overwhelming. By joining a community, you’ll get to share knowledge, ask questions, and receive guidance from others who have gone through similar challenges.

Here’s how being part of a community can help:

• Support and Motivation: Coding can be tough, but a community can provide motivation and encouragement when you hit a wall.
• Networking Opportunities: You’ll meet other learners, potential mentors, and possibly even future collaborators or employers.
• Access to Resources: Communities often share valuable resources like tutorials, code snippets, and project ideas that can accelerate your learning.

Look for communities on platforms like GitHub, Stack Overflow, Reddit, or Discord, or consider joining meetups and local coding clubs.

Practice, Practice, Practice!

Learning to code is like learning any skill: it requires consistent practice. Don’t just read tutorials and watch videos; put what you’ve learned into action. Create small projects, solve coding challenges, and push yourself to build something on your own.

Some tips for productive practice include:

• Set Small Goals: Break down larger projects into small, manageable tasks. This will help you stay focused and build confidence as you complete each step.
• Use Platforms for Coding Practice: Websites like HackerRank, LeetCode, and Codewars offer coding challenges that can help you improve your skills and prepare for job interviews.
• Build Projects: Choose projects that align with your interests and career goals. These can be anything from a personal website, a basic calculator app, or even a game. Building projects not only reinforces your learning but also provides you with a portfolio you can showcase to potential employers.

Keep Learning and Evolving

The tech world is always changing, and continuous learning is part of the journey. After you’ve mastered the basics, start exploring more advanced topics relevant to your niche. Keep up with industry trends, explore new languages, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.