More often than not, coding is viewed as complex and difficult. While expertise and skill need to be consistently honed as languages evolve, there exists a shortcut that simplifies the process across various languages. This is primarily because the foundational principles of learning coding languages remain largely consistent. We explore 9 keys to learning coding below.
Your 9 keys to learning coding language are as follows…
01. Start with the Fundamentals
Basic programming concepts like variables, loops, conditionals, functions, and data structures are universal across coding languages. As such, familiarising yourself with them is the best place to start. These concepts apply irrespective of which programming language you are learning.
02. Get Into the Syntax
After familiarising yourself with the fundamental concepts listed in step one, your next step is to understand the syntax of your chosen language. All programming languages, much like natural languages, have their syntax and ‘semantic’ rules. Understanding these rules will help lay a solid foundation for writing well in your chosen programming language. Correct syntax is fundamental to effective and successful coding.
03. Practice as often as you can, and practice some more
Programming is a skill. As is the case with all skills, programming improves with practice. So, as you garner new knowledge, make a concerted effort to practice, practice, practice!
04. Build something(s) real
It is one thing to learn through tutorials and exercises. It is quite another to build a project with the trimmings and functionalities using your newfound knowledge. As you build a project, you gain confidence and motivation from your accomplishments and you make our 3rd recommendation (to practice), a commitment you can realise.
05. Collaborate!
Yes, teamwork really can make the dream work. There is more than one way to code your desired results in programming. Consequently, collaborating with others through reading and analyzing their code can be a great learning experience. Seeking out open-source projects on platforms like GitHub can provide insights into best practices, different coding styles, and how large projects are structured.
By joining communities, you get to engage with other learners and professionals in the field. Online forums, local meetups, and coding communities can provide support, mentorship, and opportunities to collaborate. Collaborating can be a turning point in your journey as you implement these 9 keys to learning coding languages.
06. Keep abreast with changes
The technology industry is always rapidly changing. As such, to do well in this industry it helps to stay updated with the latest trends, updates, and best practices related to the language you’re learning. Blogs, forums, and other online communities are great places to start in that regard.
07. Develop your debugging skills
No matter how good you are as a programmer, you will experience broken code and elements in your projects not working as they should. In such instances, debugging your existing code (so you can fix it) is the answer.
Debugging is essentially troubleshooting for programmers. As such, learning to debug effectively is crucial. You’ll inevitably encounter errors and bugs. Cultivate the patience and skill to troubleshoot issues systematically.
08. Learn how you learn, and how to learn
Your learning style will determine just how you absorb new information and how quickly. Everyone has their learning style. Experiment with different resources (books, videos, courses) and techniques (e.g., pair programming, spaced repetition) to find what works best. You could also start with a test or quick learning style quiz which is usually available online for FREE. A simple web search should pull up some great options.
09. And when you have learned, lead someone else
Teaching is a great way to solidify your existing knowledge as you continue to learn and grow. Share your knowledge with peers, write blog posts, or create tutorials. Explaining concepts to others is a great way to help clarify your understanding.
Bringing home the 9 keys to learning coding languages…
Finally, it is important to remember that learning a programming language is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the challenges, stay persistent, and enjoy the process of discovery. Over time, with dedication and consistent effort, you’ll find that learning new languages becomes easier and more intuitive.