Have you been thinking about learning to code for a while?

Perhaps you've seen people building applications, websites, or even robots and thought, "That seems cool, but how does one get started?" or maybe you have tried to start, but you feel a bit lost.

If this sounds all too familiar, that's because you are not alone. In reality, everyone, even the most experienced coders, started from a similar vantage point. Before you begin, it is helpful to understand what coding is and how it works; this starting point will go a long way in making learning easier.

What is coding?

However, before diving in, it's helpful to understand what coding actually is. Coding (or programming) is the process of providing instructions to a computer so that it knows what to do. People can write these instructions in specific programming languages, such as Python, JavaScript, or HTML, that computers can understand to achieve different things.

What Language should I choose?

When choosing a coding language, there are three things you should take into account. Your current skill level, your end goals and what is in demand

1. If you’re curious about web design or development, start with HTML and CSS. They’re the foundation of every website. HTML controls the structure, and CSS handles the style — colours, fonts, and layouts. They’re visual and beginner-friendly, so you’ll see your progress right away.
2. If you want to make things interactive, such as games or web applications, add JavaScript next. It brings websites to life and is one of the most in-demand languages in the world.
3. If you’re more interested in logic and problem-solving, or want to explore AI, automation, or data, then Python is a brilliant choice. It’s clean, simple to read, and highly versatile. You can use it for anything from analysing data to programming robots.
4. If you're interested in how computers or robots work, C and C++ are great options. C is fast and efficient, hence used in operating systems, devices, and basic robot control; C++ builds upon it and adds a variety of features such as object-oriented programming and reusable code structures, which makes it perfect for applications like video games, simulations, and more complex robotics.

So how do I Start?

You don’t need expensive courses to start coding; in fact, there are also free resources that will allow you to start on your coding journey today.

Websites like freeCodeCamp and W3Schools provide step-by-step tutorials for beginners. You can also explore Harvard’s CS50 or other free online university courses to get a more structured introduction to programming. If you prefer video tutorials, YouTube offers numerous coding channels that guide you through projects, explain concepts clearly, and demonstrate real-world applications. When you get stuck, Stack Overflow is an invaluable community where experienced programmers answer questions and share advice. The key is to mix learning styles — tutorials, videos, and community help — to find what works best for you and keep your learning engaging.

Below, I've linked various resources to get you started:

1. Udemy: Offers both free and paid courses on almost every coding language and topic.
2. Coursera: Free and paid courses from top universities, including beginner-friendly programming classes.
3. edX: University-level courses for free or a small fee, including Harvard’s CS50 introduction to computer science.
4. freeCodeCamp: Step-by-step tutorials and coding challenges for beginners and beyond.
5. Codecademy: Interactive lessons for learning multiple programming languages.
6. W3Schools: Clear explanations and examples, great for reference and practice.
7. Daily.dev: Curates articles, tutorials, and news for developers to keep learning and stay updated.
8. YouTube: Search for coding tutorials and project walkthroughs; channels like freeCodeCamp and Programming with Mosh are great options for beginners.
9. Stack Overflow: Ask questions and get answers from experienced programmers when you run into problems.

Apply your Skills

Once you have the gist of how to code, the absolute best way to learn and retain information is to apply it by building real projects. Its always best to start small, for example: a personal webpage, a simple calculator or a basic game where you can practice concepts without becoming overwhelmed.
Project-building doesn't just reinforce your skills; it gives you something tangible that you can show off, a significant motivator and possibly useful if you're learning to code as a way into the tech industry. If you're learning Python, I've already compiled a list of projects for beginners to start working on here.

Learning to code might initially seem daunting, but everybody has to begin somewhere. Pick a language that will suit your goals, leverage free resources to guide you through your learning, and practice building small projects. In no time, with patience and consistency, you will develop skills, confidence, and the ability to create for fun, personal projects, or even your future career in tech.
Enjoy Coding!!! 😁