8 answers
kendalle
Student
Crest Hill, Illinois
3
Questions
Updated
1215 views
In computer programming, what should I focus on most?
It would be helpful if there was something significant to focus on if I were to start computer programming.
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8 answers
Chad Hester
Technical Leader in Digital Accessibility, Lifelong Programmer, Adventurer
8
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Chad’s Answer
Learn concepts; I mean really learn them - like functions, classes, extensions and overrides. There are some very common concepts in programming that are in every programming language. Unlocking that knowledge and understanding will allow you to seamlessly move from one language to another.
Patricia McKinney
Software Developer in Test
6
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
Learn how to write clean, understandable and reusable code. You WILL have to go back to code you've written years before or others will be revisiting it. Well constructed code is appreciated and admired.
Here's a few rules for a starter
No magic numbers
One source of truth
Comment, comment, comment.
Look at other peoples code. You'll soon see what makes reading and maintaining code easier and harder.
Here's a few rules for a starter
No magic numbers
One source of truth
Comment, comment, comment.
Look at other peoples code. You'll soon see what makes reading and maintaining code easier and harder.
Josh Viktorov
Data Scientist
5
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Josh’s Answer
I would say the best way to get started is by trying to learn the basic concepts, data structures, and algorithms that are the foundation of CS. If you simply search up CS101 I'm sure there will be lots of resources that offer to teach this. This is a personal preference by I would also say try to start with Python if you can. Python is extremely simple to get started with and I think for beginners is much less likely to scare you off than a language like Java or C++.
Jimil Burkhart
Software Engineer
97
Answers
Gilbert, Arizona
Updated
Jimil’s Answer
When starting to learn computer programming, there are a few key things to focus on:
Understanding the fundamentals: This includes basic concepts such as data types, variables, control structures, and data structures. You should also learn how to use basic programming constructs such as loops, conditionals, and functions.
Choosing a programming language: There are many different programming languages to choose from, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. You may want to start with a language that is widely used and has a large community, such as Python or JavaScript, or a language that is specific to the area of interest you have.
Algorithm and problem solving: One of the key skills of a programmer is the ability to think algorithmically and solve problems effectively. This includes learning how to break down a problem into smaller parts, and understanding how to use data structures and algorithms to design efficient solutions.
Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice, the more familiar you will become with the language, and the more comfortable you will become with solving problems. Start small, and as you build up your skills, take on more complex projects.
Learning to use tools and libraries: As you gain experience, you'll learn to use different tools, frameworks, and libraries that can help you build more powerful, sophisticated software. This is important to know as it will give you a significant advantage in the field.
Continuously learning and improving: The field of computer programming is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay current with new technologies, tools and development trends.
It's essential to start with the basic concepts, move on to the language and continue to practice, improve and stay current. This will help you in the long run and also make your programming journey more smooth and efficient.
Understanding the fundamentals: This includes basic concepts such as data types, variables, control structures, and data structures. You should also learn how to use basic programming constructs such as loops, conditionals, and functions.
Choosing a programming language: There are many different programming languages to choose from, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. You may want to start with a language that is widely used and has a large community, such as Python or JavaScript, or a language that is specific to the area of interest you have.
Algorithm and problem solving: One of the key skills of a programmer is the ability to think algorithmically and solve problems effectively. This includes learning how to break down a problem into smaller parts, and understanding how to use data structures and algorithms to design efficient solutions.
Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice, the more familiar you will become with the language, and the more comfortable you will become with solving problems. Start small, and as you build up your skills, take on more complex projects.
Learning to use tools and libraries: As you gain experience, you'll learn to use different tools, frameworks, and libraries that can help you build more powerful, sophisticated software. This is important to know as it will give you a significant advantage in the field.
Continuously learning and improving: The field of computer programming is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay current with new technologies, tools and development trends.
It's essential to start with the basic concepts, move on to the language and continue to practice, improve and stay current. This will help you in the long run and also make your programming journey more smooth and efficient.
Shweta V A
Software Engineer
24
Answers
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Updated
Shweta’s Answer
Here are 5 things you need to focus on when learning how to code:
-Understanding the Basics
-One Language at a Time
-Whether you’re learning to code by following tutorials or by reading a book, you should always type along. Reading the code will only get you so far since it doesn’t help you to understand how the code works.
-You need to do a lot of programming, make mistakes, and fix them. This is the only way that you’re going to get better.
-Learning how object-oriented programming works is a perfect step after you completely understand the basics.
Hope this helps!
-Understanding the Basics
-One Language at a Time
-Whether you’re learning to code by following tutorials or by reading a book, you should always type along. Reading the code will only get you so far since it doesn’t help you to understand how the code works.
-You need to do a lot of programming, make mistakes, and fix them. This is the only way that you’re going to get better.
-Learning how object-oriented programming works is a perfect step after you completely understand the basics.
Hope this helps!
John Raflores
Software Engineer
16
Answers
Arlington Heights, Illinois
Updated
John’s Answer
Kendalle,
The best way to get started in computer programming is to start coding and have fun with it. In addition to taking classes in HS or getting a technical degree, there are a lot of great and free online sites to learn how to code. More coding (formal classes or self learning) will only help you get better.
Start by finding a language that you are interesting in learning and try to learn it. As a beginner I would suggest a modern programing language like Java, Node.js, Python, etc.
Once you gain the basics and have a good foundation try coding challenges. There are a lot of sites out there that give a problem that you need to code the solution for. As a bonus several companies use sites like this as part of the technical interview process.
Learn to code sites (there are more out there):
https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-programming
https://www.codecademy.com/catalog
Coding Challenges (one of several out there):
https://www.hackerrank.com/
The best way to get started in computer programming is to start coding and have fun with it. In addition to taking classes in HS or getting a technical degree, there are a lot of great and free online sites to learn how to code. More coding (formal classes or self learning) will only help you get better.
Start by finding a language that you are interesting in learning and try to learn it. As a beginner I would suggest a modern programing language like Java, Node.js, Python, etc.
Once you gain the basics and have a good foundation try coding challenges. There are a lot of sites out there that give a problem that you need to code the solution for. As a bonus several companies use sites like this as part of the technical interview process.
Learn to code sites (there are more out there):
https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-programming
https://www.codecademy.com/catalog
Coding Challenges (one of several out there):
https://www.hackerrank.com/
Oanh Tran
Manufacturing engineer
31
Answers
Round Rock, Texas
Updated
Oanh’s Answer
Oanh's answer: You should familiar with Computer Architecture and Data Basics, understand the Internet Works, practice with Some Command-Line Basics, take some HTML class, start programming with JavaScrip, complete Python Bootcamp - it is a powerful general - purpose programming language, an excellent language to learn to program for beginners.
Caryn Conklin, MBA
Project Manager for large computer sales opportunities.
23
Answers
Key West, Florida
Updated
Caryn’s Answer
On top of what's already been mentioned, you could kick off your journey with something like LoCode or Gaming Pseudo Code, such as Minecraft.
State and Community Colleges are providing a plethora of free and affordable courses, many of which are conveniently available online.
My advice? Begin with a small, manageable project in an area that piques your interest. You've got this!
State and Community Colleges are providing a plethora of free and affordable courses, many of which are conveniently available online.
My advice? Begin with a small, manageable project in an area that piques your interest. You've got this!