Ten top tips on learning how to code from our Junior Developer

Tip one: Do your research.

Think about what you want to achieve from learning to code and your end goal. Is it to build a website, build the next big mobile application, or just learn a new skill? Put some time in and think about what you want to do then choose a language to learn. It may seem daunting, but the more you research, the clearer things get.

I would strongly recommend learning HTML and CSS if you want to build basic websites, and for apps I would suggest Objective C.

Tip Two: Make the time.

Programming isn’t something you can do for five minutes a week. It’s the same as learning any other language; the more your practice, the better you will become. Try making a schedule, especially if that’s the way you like to work. When I started, I made sure I did at least an hour and a half a day.

Tip Three: Learn for free.

Yes, free! There are many websites and applications to explore, all with the aim of making you a better coder. The best by far though is codecademy.com, a website simply made for novice programmers. They have a whole range of courses making it really easy and enjoyable to learn.

Tip Four: YouTube.

YouTube is one of the most helpful places in the world (it’s how I learned). There are thousands of videos online that will walk and talk you through how to code, and how to program specific things. I am currently learning java for my college course, and it was back to YouTube to learn the ropes.

Tip Five: Be Persistent.

I’m not going to pretend it’s a breeze; learning to code is really hard, especially for a newbie. Being persistent is so important! Giving up is very easy, and I know every programmer has wanted to launch their computer out of a window at some point. Keep at it. It always works out in the end.

Tip Six: Don’t commit to a project early on.

A mistake I made a lot was trying to commit to all the ideas in my head, when I was nowhere near ready to start programming them. Take your time, learn the steps that you need to learn, and build mini projects before taking on the battle of a full website or app.

Tip Seven: Talk to the pros.

I have really benefited from talking to and working with people in the industry. They can help with those errors and bugs you keep getting, and sit down and explain why you got them in the first place. YouTube is good, but it’s for a mass audience; a pro can help you 1 to 1.

Tip Eight: One at a time.

There are so many languages and frameworks to explore, all promising magical and wonderful things, but don’t bite off more than you can chew. Learn the language you have chosen until you feel you have got to grips with it. Once you’re comfortable, move on. Don’t learn snippets of every language — it doesn’t work like that.

Tip Nine: Do it because you want too.

It shouldn’t be a daily chore. Do it because you have a strong passion and interest about the language. It will never work if that isn’t the case, and you will lose the drive and persistence you need to learn effectively.

Tip 10: Be Happy.

You’re learning to programme! In this ever-growing technology filled world, it is an amazing skill to have. So be happy, think off all the things you will be able to create with your newly found skill. You could be the next Mark Zuckerberg!