How do I start to learn how to program?

The MIT intro course using python is a pretty good starting spot (pretty sure it's free too):

https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-computer-science-mitx-6-00-1x-11

^ If that one isn't free you can get it off of mit opencourseware directly.

Both people answered already well about where to learn how to code. You can also refer to bunch of lecture videos on youtube.

However based on personal experience about how I learned to code, I suggest to set a goal like simple project that you can start with like simple todo list, but some what you are really want to build that can make you excited. Then try chunking down that project into small questions and google that questions to figure where you can start with.

This might take longer time to learn but this is how I started coding. Me personally am learning effectively and faster when I have goal or inspiration, not just watching lectures without them.

Great question!

Before starting to learn computer science, you may want to ask yourself why you want to do it? How much time are you willing to spend in front of the computer? For me, I can sit in front of my desk and code for more than 10 hours per day. Are you willing to spend your time to learn new technologies in the evening and during weekends?

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3 years ago, I decided to quit my PHD program in Mechanical Engineer and pursue my career as a software engineer. The first thing that I did was reading. I spent around 6 months in reading my first computer science related book, <<absolute C++>>. It was super hard at the beginning since I did not have background. I typed every line of code in the book to computer and run in visual studio. After a while, I started to get the idea and can read faster. Then, I took courses and did projects. The best way to learn software is to code, debug, search online to find solution, kill the bug and savor the moment :)

I strongly recommend you to read a book about how programming language works before starting to code and do projects because you might be confused if you don't understand what it is, especially when there is no one around you that can answer your questions. You might feel discouraged.

Codecademy.com and coursera both have free courses to get you started. There also also many sites that will teach you how to code any particular language. Two of the most common languages are Java and Python. Between the two, I normally recommend people starting with Java since it forces you to learn proper coding techniques. Python is easier to learn and very powerful, but as a first language, it can get people into habits that are hard to break when dealing with heavily typed languages or some object oriented languages.

However, the basics of most languages are the same.