How hard is it to learn coding? I get this question all the time, from people curious about breaking into another career field or even just a new hobby. With web technologies and AI taking over the world by storm, it is safe to say that learning how to code is one of the best skills you can have up on your portfolio.
As fun as it sounds, most people actually find “coding” to be an intimidating job; they think that learning to code is difficult and that your chances of success are slim unless you were born with a natural aptitude or at least have some experience in computer science.
But you know what? The reality is quite different–there is nothing fundamentally difficult about learning how to code, but well, it does take a lot of time, patience, and discipline. You have to keep in mind that nobody is born understanding code, and every developer starts with something small; they just spend a lot of time and don’t give up until they have achieved mastery.
With that said, don’t worry if you don’t know what exactly coding is; this entire blog is dedicated to that very topic; from “what is coding” to “tips to learn to code easily,” we have everything written in detail. So make sure to read the very end.
What is coding?
So starting off with the basics, Coding is the process of actually communicating with the computer and giving it instructions that it needs to perform a specific task. Think of it as a secret language between you and your computer. You tell it what to do, and it listens attentively and carries out your commands. But unlike human languages, the computer only speaks a machine-readable language made up of 0s and 1s.
Now, imagine trying to communicate with the computer using only 0s and 1s – it would be like trying to write a novel using only numbers! That’s where programming languages come in to save the day. They allow you to write instructions in a way that’s much easier for us humans to understand. And then, a translator (called a compiler) takes your code and converts it into machine language so the computer can understand and execute the task.
What is a Programming Language?
A programming language is actually a set of rules, symbols, and structures that you can use to create software programs and applications. Each Language has its own syntax, structures, and rules, and hence there exist different programming languages for different tasks.
For example, if you want to do a project where data analysis and scientific computing are involved, your best would be Python. However, C++, another popular programming language, is used for game development and high-performance computing.
Even though every programming language has its own set of rules, each of them is designed to be human-readable, allowing programmers to write code that can be easily understood and maintained. This makes it easier for other programmers to understand the code and make changes or additions if needed.
The process of coding: from idea to execution
The very first thing that comes even before the coding part is the idea for a program and application. The next step is to determine what your program needs to do and what kind of data it will need to manipulate.
Then you pretty can pretty much start with the coding phase and also test your code along the way to make sure it’s working correctly. Finally, the code is compiled or interpreted, and executed, resulting in a functioning program.
Think of coding as giving your computer a set of step-by-step instructions to solve a problem. Okay, so let’s take a simple example. Let’s say you want to create a program that displays the message “Hello, World!” on the screen.
Here’s how you would output “Hello World!” in JavaScript, Python, and Ruby:
JavaScript:
console.log(“Hello World!”);
Python:
print(“Hello World!”)
Ruby:
puts “Hello World!”
As you can see, they’re all accomplishing the same things, albeit differently. This is a very simple example, but you can imagine how you could use coding to create more complex programs that can automate tasks, analyze data, and more.
Benefits of Coding
Why learn coding at all? If you’re wondering how hard is it to learn coding, then you’ve probably already pondered the benefits. From creating websites to developing cutting-edge technologies such as AI and machine learning, the possibilities are endless. Learning how to code can offer numerous benefits, including:
- Problem-solving skills: Coding constantly requires you to break down your complex problems into smaller, more manageable ones and find solutions to those smaller ones too. This helps to develop problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities, and you can implement this strategy in nearly all phases of life.
- Career opportunities: It shouldn’t come as a surprise to you, but coding is actually a very valuable and in-demand skill in many industries, leading to exciting and well-paying careers in technology and software development. So if you want your future to be financially secure, learning how to code is your best bet.
- Increased productivity: Coding is not always building websites etc; sometimes, the projects you work on are solutions to real-life problems. So it can help automate tasks and make your life easier, increasing your overall productivity and saving you time.
- Creativity: Maybe you really hated your school days, where teachers always demanded you to answer according to a particular book or something. With coding, that is no longer an issue. There are 100 ways of doing the same thing. So coding allows you to express your ideas and creativity by turning them into tangible solutions and programs.
Real-world Applications of Coding
Here are some real-world applications of some coding:
- Technology: Coding is a fundamental aspect of technology, and you can use it to create software programs, mobile apps, and websites. From social media platforms like Facebook to e-commerce sites like amazon, almost every aspect of our online lives is powered by code.
- Finance: It’s no surprise that the finance industry also heavily relies on coding. Algorithmic trading, risk management, and financial modeling are just a few examples of how coding is used in finance.
- Healthcare: Coding is used in healthcare to develop electronic health records (EHRs), manage patient data, and create medical applications that can help improve patient care.
- Data Science: Coding is an essential tool for data scientists, who use it to extract, process, and analyze data. With the rise of big data, coding skills have become increasingly valuable in this field. Everything now in the world is based on predictions, so data science has really become an integral part of our life.
- Business Analysis: Coding is used in business analysis to automate processes and extract insights from data. For example, a business analyst might use code to create a dashboard that visualizes sales data or automate the process of generating reports.
How hard is it to learn to code?
So how hard is it to learn coding? Learning to code can seem intimidating at first, but with dedication and effort, it can be a very rewarding experience. Like any new skill, the difficulty of learning to code will depend on various factors, such as your prior experience with technology, your learning style, and the programming language you’re learning.
When you start learning to code, there are 3 things that you should always keep in mind.
Learn one thing at a time!
There may be hundreds of instructions in a programming or markup language, but you probably won’t need all of them to complete routine, everyday operations. In other words, you don’t have to worry about learning every command and function before working on something. As you start to specialize, you might want to learn more advanced tools and frameworks.
On that note, it’s important to remember that many widely used web development languages, markup languages, and programming languages have a shared vocabulary for many fundamental commands. For instance, an IF statement will function consistently across different programming languages, despite minor differences in syntax. As a result, learning the fundamental instructions of one programming language will offer you an advantage over learning other languages.
Coding can be forgiving at times.
Every day, programmers make mistakes. Even experts occasionally misspell a variable name or fail to include a parenthesis. The best thing about coding is that there are many ways to spot mistakes as they occur. Therefore, you may focus on a particular area or even a specific line of your code rather than digging through the entire document for a single typo.
When you write code in a markup language like HTML, you can go back and edit any text that doesn’t look good by seeing it straight away. While you can use a text editor or an IDE, my suggestion is to opt for an integrated development environment while using a programming language like Python or JavaScript. This is due to the syntax-highlighting editor that comes with an IDE.
Some popular IDEs include VScode, PHPstorm, Eclipse, and PyCharm, each with their own specialized features and use cases. It’s best to start out with something simple yet powerful. VScode, otherwise known as Visual Studio Code, does the trick for many aspiring developers since it is free and packed with features.
Help is just a few clicks away!
It’s impossible for you to remember every function, syntax, and command available in many coding languages. A good coder always concentrates on the functions and languages they need. However, its only natural for you to forget things. You are a human, after all.
Programming languages have a tonne of documentation because of this. Online resources for documentation are available, and sometimes a unique help command may be found inside the code itself.
The greatest approach to learning about various coding commands and functions, including their uses, workings, and restrictions, is via documentation. The documentation also includes example code to assist you in seeing how to utilize it in your applications.
How to learn to code easily?
Learning to code can seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can make it a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Start with a project
Instead of diving right into coding concepts and syntax right away, start with a project that interests you. This could be building a website, creating a mobile app, or automating a task. By starting with a project, you’ll have a tangible goal to work towards, and you’ll be more motivated to learn.
And yes, reward yourself every time you finish off an important component of your project; it’ll motivate you even more.
Use interactive resources
Everyone loves challenges, right? The very concept of putting our skills to a test just makes everyone put in alot more effort, right? Interactive resources, such as online coding challenges and tutorials, can make learning to code more engaging and enjoyable.
You can see the results of your code in real-time, which makes it easier to understand the concepts and see how your code is affecting the outcome. Sites like freecodecamp.org offer an interactive playground to really have fun with your code.
Take a coding course!
It’s good to use internet forums and groups when you have queries or get stuck when coding. But you can what can you do to notch up the learning experience? Maybe you REALLY want to get your hands dirty and have someone pushing you to do your best. A coding course could be what you need to get the ball rolling. Good resources include Udemy and Sololearn, but you’ll have to make sure you vet your tutor and ensure they really know their stuff.
Join a community
The good news is that there are many others going through (or have gone through) the same thing as you if you’re stuck on a coding issue. They’re all waiting for you in online forums and communities. You’ll save hours of aggravation and pointless typing if you use these tools to learn how to fix your coding issues.
On the other hand, keep in mind that the majority of these groups are open and rely on individuals like you to assist other members. Therefore, don’t be reluctant to share your expertise and experience if you encounter someone with an issue you know you can fix. By helping others, you’ll develop your abilities and accomplish good deeds!
To improve your chances of discovering a solution, keep your searches as broad as possible. For instance, what if you asked Google how to make hyperlink text hot pink? You might try How can I change the color of the hyperlink text?
How long does it take to learn to code?
That’s a really difficult question because there is no definitive answer to it. Learning to code can take you anywhere from a few months to even years. It actually all depends on factors like your prior experience and the amount of time and effort you are really willing to invest.
It will cost you a bit of extra time if you have no prior experience. But hey, don’t give up so easily! With dedication and practice, you can develop the necessary skills to become proficient in a matter of months.
Okay, this is an important point. If you are someone who is new to coding, we recommend starting off with a beginner-friendly language such as Python or JavaScript. Just get in there and get a feel for the basics. As you gain experience, you can move on to more complex languages such as Scala, Kotlin, or Java.
One thing that you need to keep in mind is that coding is a continuous learning process. New technologies and programming languages are constantly being developed. So it’s important to stay up-to-date and continue to improve your skills.
FAQs
Can you learn coding on your own?
Yes, it is possible to learn coding on your own. There are many resources available online, including online tutorials, video courses, and coding challenges, that can help you get started with coding.
Can I learn coding on my phone?
Yes, it is possible to learn coding on your phone. There are many coding learning apps available that provide interactive lessons and coding challenges on a mobile platform. These apps can help you learn the basics of programming and provide a convenient way to practice coding whenever you have a few spare moments. Sololearn, Mimo, and Encode are some of the famous coding apps.
Can I learn coding without a laptop?
Yes, you can learn coding without a laptop, for example, by using a desktop computer or a tablet. However, having a laptop might be more convenient as it is portable and can be used in a variety of locations, making it easier to continue learning and practicing your coding skills.
Can I learn coding online?
Yes, you can; for learning to code online, there are many resources available that allow you to do so. Online tutorials, video courses, coding challenges, and interactive platforms are a few resources available to help you learn to code. You can find a wealth of information on websites like Codecademy, Udemy, Coursera, and Khan Academy, among others. Even this very website you’re reading now is on a mission to help you learn to code!
