7 answers
Solomon
Student
Irving, Texas
1
Question
Asked
442 views
What would be the best way to start proggraming? Which scripting language should I start learning before I enter college?
Hi I am in highschool, I have wanted to start programming for a while but never knew how to really get started so I always put it off. I wanted to know what would be the best way to get started and how should i start off?
Login to comment
7 answers
Jesse Bartola
Software Engineer
7
Answers
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Updated
Jesse’s Answer
The best way to start programming is to begin learning a programming language that is beginner-friendly, versatile, and widely used. As you're preparing for college, it's beneficial to focus on a language that is popular in industry and academia. Some good options for a beginner are:
Python: Python is known for its readability, simplicity, and wide range of applications. It is widely used in web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and scientific computing. Many universities also use Python in their introductory programming courses. Python has a large community, which means you'll find plenty of resources and tutorials to help you learn.
JavaScript: JavaScript is essential for web development, as it allows you to create interactive web pages and work with HTML and CSS. It is also used for server-side programming with Node.js. Learning JavaScript can be valuable if you're interested in web development or want to have a solid foundation in front-end technologies.
Java: Java is an object-oriented programming language that is widely used in industry and academia. It is the primary language for Android app development and has a strong presence in web development, enterprise software, and embedded systems. Java has a steeper learning curve compared to Python and JavaScript, but learning it can provide a strong foundation in programming concepts and best practices.
To get started with programming, follow these steps:
1. Choose a language: Select one of the languages mentioned above, based on your interests and goals.
2. Learn the basics: Start by learning the fundamentals of the language, such as syntax, data types, control structures, functions, and basic object-oriented programming concepts.
3. Find resources: Use online tutorials, videos, courses, or books to guide your learning process. Websites like Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, Coursera, and edX offer interactive courses that cover various programming languages.
4. Practice regularly: Work on small coding exercises and challenges to reinforce your learning. Websites like LeetCode, HackerRank, and Codewars provide coding problems that cater to different skill levels.
5. Build projects: Apply your programming skills to real-world projects, such as creating a personal website, building a simple game, or developing a basic web app. This will help you gain experience and develop your problem-solving abilities.
6. Join communities: Engage with online communities, forums, or local meetups to learn from others, ask questions, and share your knowledge.
7. Keep learning: Programming is a continuous learning process. As you become more comfortable with your chosen language, explore additional concepts, tools, libraries, and frameworks to expand your skillset.
Ultimately, the language you choose to learn first is not as important as building a strong foundation in programming concepts and developing your problem-solving skills. Once you've mastered one language, it will be easier to learn other languages in the future. The most important thing you can do today is just start! Go ahead and try one out, and over time if you're consistent you'll be surprised at what you can achieve :)
Python: Python is known for its readability, simplicity, and wide range of applications. It is widely used in web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and scientific computing. Many universities also use Python in their introductory programming courses. Python has a large community, which means you'll find plenty of resources and tutorials to help you learn.
JavaScript: JavaScript is essential for web development, as it allows you to create interactive web pages and work with HTML and CSS. It is also used for server-side programming with Node.js. Learning JavaScript can be valuable if you're interested in web development or want to have a solid foundation in front-end technologies.
Java: Java is an object-oriented programming language that is widely used in industry and academia. It is the primary language for Android app development and has a strong presence in web development, enterprise software, and embedded systems. Java has a steeper learning curve compared to Python and JavaScript, but learning it can provide a strong foundation in programming concepts and best practices.
To get started with programming, follow these steps:
1. Choose a language: Select one of the languages mentioned above, based on your interests and goals.
2. Learn the basics: Start by learning the fundamentals of the language, such as syntax, data types, control structures, functions, and basic object-oriented programming concepts.
3. Find resources: Use online tutorials, videos, courses, or books to guide your learning process. Websites like Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, Coursera, and edX offer interactive courses that cover various programming languages.
4. Practice regularly: Work on small coding exercises and challenges to reinforce your learning. Websites like LeetCode, HackerRank, and Codewars provide coding problems that cater to different skill levels.
5. Build projects: Apply your programming skills to real-world projects, such as creating a personal website, building a simple game, or developing a basic web app. This will help you gain experience and develop your problem-solving abilities.
6. Join communities: Engage with online communities, forums, or local meetups to learn from others, ask questions, and share your knowledge.
7. Keep learning: Programming is a continuous learning process. As you become more comfortable with your chosen language, explore additional concepts, tools, libraries, and frameworks to expand your skillset.
Ultimately, the language you choose to learn first is not as important as building a strong foundation in programming concepts and developing your problem-solving skills. Once you've mastered one language, it will be easier to learn other languages in the future. The most important thing you can do today is just start! Go ahead and try one out, and over time if you're consistent you'll be surprised at what you can achieve :)
Sandra Lukac
Solutions Architect
4
Answers
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
Sandra’s Answer
Hi Solomon! The best way to learn a language is on YouTube in my opinion. There is so much free content on YouTube and the content is really good and has a lot of detail. JavaScript or JSON would be my suggestion to start as this language is relatively easy to pick up and has a lot of practical uses. Most integrations (API calls) use JSON. This is a great video to get you started: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiADhChRriM&ab_channel=WebDevSimplified and this this video is a little more advanced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWcUJLUAO2A&ab_channel=TechCode
Create a to-do list with specific videos you want to watch
Download PostMan (free) to test your JSON knowledge
Use HubSpot's API documentation (free) to get real life examples on how to use JSON and make an API call
Sandra recommends the following next steps:
Matt Fehskens
Front-end web developer
5
Answers
Washington Township, New Jersey
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hi Solomon!
For me, the best way to start was just to start. Learn about core programming concepts (what's a variable? what's a function?) first. Once you have those concepts, it'll be easier to understand what you're doing when you start playing around with a specific programming language. I think an intro into software engineering course may even help; here's one from Coursera:
https://www.coursera.org/learn/introduction-to-software-engineering
As for language, I'd pick one with a low barrier to entry, such as Python or HTML/CSS/JavaScript since they don't require a lot of extensive knowledge of the language to create something.
For me, the best way to start was just to start. Learn about core programming concepts (what's a variable? what's a function?) first. Once you have those concepts, it'll be easier to understand what you're doing when you start playing around with a specific programming language. I think an intro into software engineering course may even help; here's one from Coursera:
https://www.coursera.org/learn/introduction-to-software-engineering
As for language, I'd pick one with a low barrier to entry, such as Python or HTML/CSS/JavaScript since they don't require a lot of extensive knowledge of the language to create something.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Solomon
Bassel Mohieddin
Banker
6
Answers
Belmont, Massachusetts
Updated
Bassel’s Answer
Coursera and EDX are absolutely fantastic platforms for learning programming! These highly-regarded resources offer a wealth of expert-taught courses that cater to all skill levels. They provide a flexible and engaging way to gain valuable programming knowledge, and you'll be amazed at the progress you can make from the comfort of your own home. Dive right in, embrace the opportunities these platforms provide, and watch as your programming skills soar to new heights!
Coursera
Edx
Bassel recommends the following next steps:
Christine Glasper
28
Answers
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Do you know any professionals in the business? They would be best to ask, especially if they are in charge of hiring for their department or if they are new to the profession. There might also be forums you can find through Google to learn from other self driven people that are learning in a DIY style. YouTube is sometimes a great resource as well!
Or, look up a job that you would want and read the description…whatever they require is what you should get or learn. Good luck!
Or, look up a job that you would want and read the description…whatever they require is what you should get or learn. Good luck!
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Solomon
Mihir Majmundar
Software Engineer
1
Answer
Monroe Township, New Jersey
Updated
Mihir’s Answer
Hi,
Python is a good choice to start learning programming.
Step 1: You need computer or laptop to run your code
Option 1: Install software on home/school computer and run the code
Option 2: Online resource where you can run your code online, no dedicated computer required
Step 2:Training
Option 1: Book. You can get a book from school or public library and walk thru step by step.
Option 2: You can use online resource like YouTube and other free training videos.
Programing has common elements like variable, if statement, for loop, while loop, break, print, input, etc.... You can take this basic knowledge and learn any other programing language quickly. Programing is not hard, just keep it simple.
Good luck.
Python is a good choice to start learning programming.
Step 1: You need computer or laptop to run your code
Option 1: Install software on home/school computer and run the code
Option 2: Online resource where you can run your code online, no dedicated computer required
Step 2:Training
Option 1: Book. You can get a book from school or public library and walk thru step by step.
Option 2: You can use online resource like YouTube and other free training videos.
Programing has common elements like variable, if statement, for loop, while loop, break, print, input, etc.... You can take this basic knowledge and learn any other programing language quickly. Programing is not hard, just keep it simple.
Good luck.
Lorenzo Signoretti
Software Engineer
2
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Lorenzo’s Answer
Hi Solomon!
I think there are plenty of great free resources online to get you started: from YouTube to sites like Coursera or Codecademy, which offer both free and paid content.
I would recommend choosing a language that you think you would find interesting, and starting to learn the basics of it. Once you think you have a good grasp of the fundamentals, I would encourage you to keep your motivation up by coming up with small projects where you can apply what you have learned.
Good luck!
I think there are plenty of great free resources online to get you started: from YouTube to sites like Coursera or Codecademy, which offer both free and paid content.
I would recommend choosing a language that you think you would find interesting, and starting to learn the basics of it. Once you think you have a good grasp of the fundamentals, I would encourage you to keep your motivation up by coming up with small projects where you can apply what you have learned.
Good luck!