6 answers
2
Questions
Asked
644 views
How did you learn the basics of coding?
I want to learn, but do not know where to start.
#JULY20
Login to comment
6 answers
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
I'd recommend going to edX.com. There are many free classes available. I'd recommend starting out with R or Python. You don't need to buy software to get started with either one. Also, Google is definitely your friend here. There are so many different sites with information on coding. Try a couple out and see what you like. Good luck!
Thank you for your answer, Mr. Elam! I will check that out when I get a chance.
Ceclina
Updated
Diana’s Answer
It really depends on how comfortable you currently feel about coding. So I'll try my best in helping you with different steps you can take!
- Pick a language. You can start with something more guided like a block language (Scratch or AppInventor is a good example), or a language that closely represents English (like Python)
- Understand the basic syntax of all high level languages (these are things like integers, booleans, functions, for loops, if statements, etc. ). You can find guides online for the syntax of your language of choice.
- Build something simple! Create a function that adds two numbers. Then build on top of that. Have a command line interface that asks the user for the two numbers. Add more operators and make it into a calculator. Here you'll use the syntax you learned above (integers, functions, if statements...).
- Learn about algorithms, data structures, objects and classes. Maybe even refactor your calculator into a Calculator object!
- Follow online classes for guided learning. Colleges like MIT post some of their free lectures/courses online, so check out the ones that interest you. Alternatively, find youtube videos, or invest in a udemy course.
- Build something more challenging (and don't be afraid to StackOverflow when you get stuck)
- Contribute to open source, participate in hackathons aimed at students (or similar events)
- Pick a language. You can start with something more guided like a block language (Scratch or AppInventor is a good example), or a language that closely represents English (like Python)
- Understand the basic syntax of all high level languages (these are things like integers, booleans, functions, for loops, if statements, etc. ). You can find guides online for the syntax of your language of choice.
- Build something simple! Create a function that adds two numbers. Then build on top of that. Have a command line interface that asks the user for the two numbers. Add more operators and make it into a calculator. Here you'll use the syntax you learned above (integers, functions, if statements...).
- Learn about algorithms, data structures, objects and classes. Maybe even refactor your calculator into a Calculator object!
- Follow online classes for guided learning. Colleges like MIT post some of their free lectures/courses online, so check out the ones that interest you. Alternatively, find youtube videos, or invest in a udemy course.
- Build something more challenging (and don't be afraid to StackOverflow when you get stuck)
- Contribute to open source, participate in hackathons aimed at students (or similar events)
Thank you for the advice Ms. Doherty. I will be sure to check them out.
Ceclina
Updated
Anand’s Answer
Frst thing that you need to do - before you even think about enrolling in courses or starting to watch YouTube videos about coding - is to ask yourself why you want to learn to code. Sit down and think carefully about what you hope to get out of it, why coding is a skill that you want to learn, and how much time and money you have to commit to it. Different types of programming require different skills. For example, if you want to learn how to code a website, you should learn languages like HTML, CSS, Java, and JavaScript. Likewise, mobile app development requires Java (for Android) or Swift (for iOS). Choosing the right language is extremely important.
Once you have decided on the above, you need to choose the right resources to learn like online coding courses, textbooks, online videos on youtube etc. Although a lot of online courses let you write code in a code editor directly in your browser, you need to realize that this isn’t how it works in the real world. Once you graduate from your online course, you will need to start writing your code directly into a code editor, so it’s a good idea to start practicing doing this now.
Most programming languages have their code editors that you can download. They usually come complete with interactive development environments (IDEs) that will help you build clear, error-free code. Simple languages like HTML and CSS can be written straight into a simple text document if you find that easier.
Once the above is done, then the time comes to practice it. Also join an online community for the same. This I guess should give you some direction.
Once you have decided on the above, you need to choose the right resources to learn like online coding courses, textbooks, online videos on youtube etc. Although a lot of online courses let you write code in a code editor directly in your browser, you need to realize that this isn’t how it works in the real world. Once you graduate from your online course, you will need to start writing your code directly into a code editor, so it’s a good idea to start practicing doing this now.
Most programming languages have their code editors that you can download. They usually come complete with interactive development environments (IDEs) that will help you build clear, error-free code. Simple languages like HTML and CSS can be written straight into a simple text document if you find that easier.
Once the above is done, then the time comes to practice it. Also join an online community for the same. This I guess should give you some direction.
Thank you for your advice Mr. Khajanchi. I will ask myself that question and see where it takes me.
Ceclina
Updated
Hamish’s Answer
Hi Ceclina,
I recommend scratch, it's build for children. But great for everyone.
Free and open.
https://scratch.mit.edu/
A great building block to python.
I recommend scratch, it's build for children. But great for everyone.
Free and open.
https://scratch.mit.edu/
A great building block to python.
Updated
Sagar’s Answer
I was first taught coding in school. I learnt QBASIC and HTML then. Nowadays there are several online resources available to learn to code. Udemy, Codeacademy are some of the websites you can visit to learn to code.
Thank you for the advice and resources Mr. Subedi
Ceclina
Updated
Darin’s Answer
Just like Jeff said there are websites out there. My go to website has been code.org but you can also look at Youtube videos. And if you want to see what language is the top language right now look up the TIOBE index
Yes, I will take a look. Thank you for your insight Mr. Munnell.
Ceclina