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Should I have any experience prior to taking classes for careers on computer coding?

I know how to use a computer, doing the day to day tasks but I've never used any coding language programs and explored it.
#computer-software

Thank you comment icon Thank you for all your feedback! I'll definitely look into some free practice courses and learn as much as I can. Antonio

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Suman’s Answer

Hi , I would strongly recommend to have coding skills in Python as automation is very relevant & has a upward trend in the job market. Having this on your resume will give you an easy edge.

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Bonnie’s Answer

Hi Antonio

I recommend Udacity’s online programs because I have tried them myself. I earned an Introduction to Programming Nanodegree and it required no prior experience. I created an app in class with no prior experience. You will learn quickly. Plus they have free courses so you can test out the experience.

Bonnie recommends the following next steps:

Visit Udacity.com and try free courses
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M’s Answer

Absolutely not. If you brand new to Computer Programming there are a few things to consider:

  1. You want to start with some of the most popular programming languages ( mainly because of the amount of resources available and the ecosystems built around it)
  2. Go through beginner programming classes for this language
  3. Understand CS 101 level data structures and algorithms as this will greatly help improve your understanding of Programming and why it is being done a certain way.
  4. Start writing code / practise coding on various online resources that are available such as leetcode.com

Good luck !!

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Mario’s Answer

it's not really necessary.

Just make sure the classes you take, are appropriate for an *introductory* level.

Also kind of important...is picking a class in a suitable programming language. If you are coming from a background where you don't have a computer-science degree...the kinds of general purpose languages that are probably a good fit (and also highly desirable), are python and javascript.


good luck.

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Chris’s Answer

No - there are a lot of self-taught coders out there nowadays. I've seen friends completely change their careers after teaching themselves.

Start with something relatively simple and engaging. I recommend Swift Playgrounds (iPad app) that teaches you Apple's Swift coding language. It's gamified so it keeps it engaging and has a great structure.

Also, make sure you have a goal in mind. Coding gets hard and you'll either want to stop or fully stop at times. Find a goal to help you get through those times. And just keep going...hope it helps!

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Radhika’s Answer

No, prior experience is not necessary for you to start programming classes.

There are many online platforms also where you can take classes and practice the labs and see which finds your interest and later decide for formal classes suitable to the job market.

These sites might be of some help to you:

-W3Schools
-Codecademy
-Udemy
-Khan Academy
-EdX.
-BeginnersBook
-Programming Simplified
-Tutorials Point
-Coursera.

Good luck!
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Margus’s Answer

There's really no need to have prior experience when stating introductory level classes. Only essential thing you need is the will to learn, also having some understanding of basic logic helps as well (to understand and follow simple flow and control logic).

Initial classes would give you a rather crude understanding what coding really is, however the best experience comes from practice, thus in addition to taking the class try to tackle a few tutorials and smaller applications as side projects (presenting those later will contribute towards getting a job in the industry).

And as suggested earlier - try different programming languages to find something that you feel the most comfortable with, this helps with the overall learning process (in addition to the mentioned help on figuring out what type of development is most suited to you).

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Steven’s Answer

Previous coding experience is not necessarily required for you to begin taking programming classes!

I would recommend, however, exploring various programming languages via free online platforms to see what type of software development interests you. You'll then be more equipped to decide what formal classes you may want to take in the future.

I personally transitioned into the tech industry after exploring different programming languages on a free site called Codeacademy, which provides different development tracks that are very rewarding and easy to digest (I ultimately decided to pursue a career in front-end web development!). Once you find a programming language that you enjoy, you can also consider supplementing that with more formal courses/programs (whether that be at a college, development bootcamp, etc.) to pursue a career in that field!

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Srini’s Answer

I would say start with something easy like front end development, which will create interest in learning and get into the grove of career.
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Peter’s Answer

Hi Antonio - no prior experience is necessary to take computer classes. I would recommend that you focus on front-end/user interface development. Your coding/programming is immediately visible to you and you can adjust your code to quickly get to your intended design. Mobile application development is a good starting point. There are a lot of free, online learning platforms where you can develop your coding skills. Hope this helps. Good luck! Peter
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