8 answers
Michael
Student
Staunton, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best path to learn web programming?
I want to become a web developer.
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8 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Michael web developers need skills and knowledge in HTML, CSS, Javascript, and other programming languages and tools. Aspiring professionals can gain those skills and information through self-directed study, coding bootcamps, certificate programs, and/or web development degrees.
Educational requirements vary. Depending on the role, some employers may require a degree or other formal education in a specific field. To advance into management positions, web developers often need bachelor's degree. Experienced developers may not want to repeat the basic skills taught in an associate degree and might pursue certificates or advanced bootcamps. Similarly, aspiring professionals with bachelor's degrees can consider certificates or master's degrees. Throughout their careers, web developers need to stay on top of new tools and technologies, computer languages, and frameworks. Some web development professionals take advantage of continuing education opportunities, while others pursue advanced degrees or computer science certifications.
The best web developers are determined problem-solvers with strong attention to detail and an interest in lifelong learning. They also love to code and can spend hours doing uninterrupted computer work. Web developers must stay on top of the new languages, trends, and tools that are constantly emerging in their industry. These professionals may need to enroll in online courses, attend conferences, and read relevant journals to keep their skills current. Web developers who maintain their technical competence can become lead developers who mentor junior employees and create scalable systems.
Hope this was helpful Michael
Educational requirements vary. Depending on the role, some employers may require a degree or other formal education in a specific field. To advance into management positions, web developers often need bachelor's degree. Experienced developers may not want to repeat the basic skills taught in an associate degree and might pursue certificates or advanced bootcamps. Similarly, aspiring professionals with bachelor's degrees can consider certificates or master's degrees. Throughout their careers, web developers need to stay on top of new tools and technologies, computer languages, and frameworks. Some web development professionals take advantage of continuing education opportunities, while others pursue advanced degrees or computer science certifications.
The best web developers are determined problem-solvers with strong attention to detail and an interest in lifelong learning. They also love to code and can spend hours doing uninterrupted computer work. Web developers must stay on top of the new languages, trends, and tools that are constantly emerging in their industry. These professionals may need to enroll in online courses, attend conferences, and read relevant journals to keep their skills current. Web developers who maintain their technical competence can become lead developers who mentor junior employees and create scalable systems.
Hope this was helpful Michael
Loved reading this, thanks!
Daria Mikita
55
Answers
Gdańsk, Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland
Updated
Daria’s Answer
The path to learning web programming can vary depending on your current level of experience and learning style. However, here is a general path that can help you get started:
1. HTML and CSS: Begin by learning the fundamentals of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). HTML is used for structuring web content, while CSS is used for styling and layout. Understand concepts like tags, elements, attributes, selectors, and basic styling techniques.
2. JavaScript: JavaScript is a programming language that adds interactivity and dynamic functionality to web pages. Learn JavaScript to manipulate HTML elements, handle events, perform calculations, and create interactive features. Understand core JavaScript concepts like variables, functions, conditionals, loops, and object-oriented programming (OOP) principles.
3. Front-End Frameworks and Libraries: Explore popular front-end frameworks and libraries that simplify web development and enhance productivity. Frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js provide powerful tools for building interactive and responsive web applications. Familiarize yourself with the chosen framework and its associated concepts.
4. Back-End Development: To build dynamic web applications, you'll need to learn back-end development. This involves server-side programming, handling databases, and managing data. Common back-end languages include JavaScript (Node.js), Python (Django, Flask), Ruby (Ruby on Rails), or PHP (Laravel).
5. Databases: Gain knowledge of working with databases, such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB. Learn about database design, querying data, and integrating databases with your web applications.
6. APIs and Web Services: Understand how to work with Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and web services. Learn how to consume APIs to fetch data from external sources, integrate third-party services, or build your own APIs for others to use.
7. Version Control: Familiarize yourself with version control systems like Git. Version control enables you to track changes, collaborate with others, and manage your codebase effectively.
8. Responsive Design and CSS Frameworks: Learn responsive web design techniques to create websites that adapt to different screen sizes and devices. Explore CSS frameworks like Bootstrap or Foundation, which provide pre-built components and responsive grids to speed up development.
9. Security and Performance: Understand web security best practices, including protecting against common vulnerabilities like cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injection. Additionally, learn techniques to optimize website performance, such as reducing file sizes, optimizing images, and implementing caching.
10. Continuous Learning and Practice: Web development is a continuously evolving field. Stay updated with new technologies, frameworks, and best practices through online resources, blogs, tutorials, and forums. Regularly practice coding, work on projects, and explore real-world applications to reinforce your learning.
Remember that hands-on practice and building projects are crucial for solidifying your web programming skills. As you gain experience, consider creating a portfolio of your projects to showcase your abilities to potential employers or clients.
1. HTML and CSS: Begin by learning the fundamentals of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). HTML is used for structuring web content, while CSS is used for styling and layout. Understand concepts like tags, elements, attributes, selectors, and basic styling techniques.
2. JavaScript: JavaScript is a programming language that adds interactivity and dynamic functionality to web pages. Learn JavaScript to manipulate HTML elements, handle events, perform calculations, and create interactive features. Understand core JavaScript concepts like variables, functions, conditionals, loops, and object-oriented programming (OOP) principles.
3. Front-End Frameworks and Libraries: Explore popular front-end frameworks and libraries that simplify web development and enhance productivity. Frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js provide powerful tools for building interactive and responsive web applications. Familiarize yourself with the chosen framework and its associated concepts.
4. Back-End Development: To build dynamic web applications, you'll need to learn back-end development. This involves server-side programming, handling databases, and managing data. Common back-end languages include JavaScript (Node.js), Python (Django, Flask), Ruby (Ruby on Rails), or PHP (Laravel).
5. Databases: Gain knowledge of working with databases, such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB. Learn about database design, querying data, and integrating databases with your web applications.
6. APIs and Web Services: Understand how to work with Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and web services. Learn how to consume APIs to fetch data from external sources, integrate third-party services, or build your own APIs for others to use.
7. Version Control: Familiarize yourself with version control systems like Git. Version control enables you to track changes, collaborate with others, and manage your codebase effectively.
8. Responsive Design and CSS Frameworks: Learn responsive web design techniques to create websites that adapt to different screen sizes and devices. Explore CSS frameworks like Bootstrap or Foundation, which provide pre-built components and responsive grids to speed up development.
9. Security and Performance: Understand web security best practices, including protecting against common vulnerabilities like cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injection. Additionally, learn techniques to optimize website performance, such as reducing file sizes, optimizing images, and implementing caching.
10. Continuous Learning and Practice: Web development is a continuously evolving field. Stay updated with new technologies, frameworks, and best practices through online resources, blogs, tutorials, and forums. Regularly practice coding, work on projects, and explore real-world applications to reinforce your learning.
Remember that hands-on practice and building projects are crucial for solidifying your web programming skills. As you gain experience, consider creating a portfolio of your projects to showcase your abilities to potential employers or clients.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Michael,
I'm thrilled to guide you on the exciting journey to become a web developer! There are numerous routes to master web programming, and the best one for you depends on your unique learning style, previous experience, and the particular aspects of web development that pique your interest. Here's a friendly guide to kickstart your web development adventure.
1. Master the ABCs of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript: These three languages are the building blocks of every website and are crucial for any budding web developer. Begin with HTML, which shapes the content of a webpage. Next, dive into CSS, which beautifies and organizes the HTML elements. Finally, get to grips with JavaScript, which breathes life into websites by adding interaction and dynamic features.
2. Pick a Backend Language: Once you're comfortable with front-end technologies, it's time to explore a backend language. Popular options include Python, Ruby, PHP, and Node.js. Each language has its own pros and cons, so do some homework and select one that aligns with your career ambitions and the projects you're excited to tackle.
3. Get to Know a Framework or Library: Frameworks and libraries are your best friends as they can accelerate the development process and bring order to your code. For front-end development, consider React.js, Angular, or Vue.js. For the backend, Django (Python), Ruby on Rails (Ruby), Laravel (PHP), and Express.js (Node.js) are all great choices.
4. Grasp Databases: A firm understanding of databases is a must for web development. Familiarize yourself with database management systems like MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or SQLite. Knowing how to store and fetch data is key to creating dynamic web applications.
5. Master Version Control with Git: Git is a vital tool for web developers because it allows for version control and teamwork with other developers. Getting the hang of Git and using platforms like GitHub or Bitbucket will be a huge asset in your web development career.
6. Practice Makes Perfect: The most effective way to learn web programming is by doing. Start with small projects and gradually take on more complex applications. This hands-on experience will help you grasp web development concepts more firmly.
7. Stay in the Loop: The world of web development is always changing, with new technologies and best practices popping up regularly. Keep your finger on the pulse by following industry blogs, attending meetups or conferences, and joining the developer community.
Top 3 Go-To Resources:
Mozilla Developer Network (MDN): MDN is a treasure trove of information on web technologies including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more.
W3Schools: W3Schools offers easy-to-follow tutorials on various web development technologies, complete with interactive examples for practice.
Stack Overflow: This popular Q&A platform is a great place for developers to ask questions and find solutions to programming challenges.
By following these steps and consistently sharpening your skills through practice and learning from reliable sources, you're well on your way to becoming a successful web developer.
Take care and God bless,
James
I'm thrilled to guide you on the exciting journey to become a web developer! There are numerous routes to master web programming, and the best one for you depends on your unique learning style, previous experience, and the particular aspects of web development that pique your interest. Here's a friendly guide to kickstart your web development adventure.
1. Master the ABCs of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript: These three languages are the building blocks of every website and are crucial for any budding web developer. Begin with HTML, which shapes the content of a webpage. Next, dive into CSS, which beautifies and organizes the HTML elements. Finally, get to grips with JavaScript, which breathes life into websites by adding interaction and dynamic features.
2. Pick a Backend Language: Once you're comfortable with front-end technologies, it's time to explore a backend language. Popular options include Python, Ruby, PHP, and Node.js. Each language has its own pros and cons, so do some homework and select one that aligns with your career ambitions and the projects you're excited to tackle.
3. Get to Know a Framework or Library: Frameworks and libraries are your best friends as they can accelerate the development process and bring order to your code. For front-end development, consider React.js, Angular, or Vue.js. For the backend, Django (Python), Ruby on Rails (Ruby), Laravel (PHP), and Express.js (Node.js) are all great choices.
4. Grasp Databases: A firm understanding of databases is a must for web development. Familiarize yourself with database management systems like MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or SQLite. Knowing how to store and fetch data is key to creating dynamic web applications.
5. Master Version Control with Git: Git is a vital tool for web developers because it allows for version control and teamwork with other developers. Getting the hang of Git and using platforms like GitHub or Bitbucket will be a huge asset in your web development career.
6. Practice Makes Perfect: The most effective way to learn web programming is by doing. Start with small projects and gradually take on more complex applications. This hands-on experience will help you grasp web development concepts more firmly.
7. Stay in the Loop: The world of web development is always changing, with new technologies and best practices popping up regularly. Keep your finger on the pulse by following industry blogs, attending meetups or conferences, and joining the developer community.
Top 3 Go-To Resources:
Mozilla Developer Network (MDN): MDN is a treasure trove of information on web technologies including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more.
W3Schools: W3Schools offers easy-to-follow tutorials on various web development technologies, complete with interactive examples for practice.
Stack Overflow: This popular Q&A platform is a great place for developers to ask questions and find solutions to programming challenges.
By following these steps and consistently sharpening your skills through practice and learning from reliable sources, you're well on your way to becoming a successful web developer.
Take care and God bless,
James
Bob Hartung
Professional Services
4
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Bob’s Answer
If you're a student aspiring to become a web developer, you're embarking on an exciting journey in the world of technology. Here's a recommended path to help you get started:
1. Learn the Basics: Begin with the fundamentals of web development. Start by mastering HTML, the backbone of web pages, and CSS, which controls their visual design. These languages are relatively easy to grasp and will give you a solid foundation.
2. Dive into JavaScript: JavaScript is the scripting language that makes websites interactive and dynamic. After getting comfortable with HTML and CSS, learn JavaScript. It might be a bit more challenging, but it's incredibly powerful. Start with the basics and gradually progress to more complex concepts.
3. Build Projects: To truly understand web development, apply your knowledge by building projects. Start with small ones like a personal website or a simple to-do list app, and then gradually take on more complex projects. This hands-on experience will help you reinforce your skills and create a portfolio that showcases your work to potential employers or clients in the future. Joining coding communities like GitHub can also help you collaborate with others and learn from experienced developers.
Remember, web development is a constantly evolving field, so staying updated with the latest technologies and trends is essential. Learning to work with web development frameworks and libraries (e.g., React, Angular, or Vue.js) can also open up more opportunities in your web development career. Patience, persistence, and a willingness to keep learning will be your greatest allies on your journey to becoming a successful web developer. Good luck!
1. Learn the Basics: Begin with the fundamentals of web development. Start by mastering HTML, the backbone of web pages, and CSS, which controls their visual design. These languages are relatively easy to grasp and will give you a solid foundation.
2. Dive into JavaScript: JavaScript is the scripting language that makes websites interactive and dynamic. After getting comfortable with HTML and CSS, learn JavaScript. It might be a bit more challenging, but it's incredibly powerful. Start with the basics and gradually progress to more complex concepts.
3. Build Projects: To truly understand web development, apply your knowledge by building projects. Start with small ones like a personal website or a simple to-do list app, and then gradually take on more complex projects. This hands-on experience will help you reinforce your skills and create a portfolio that showcases your work to potential employers or clients in the future. Joining coding communities like GitHub can also help you collaborate with others and learn from experienced developers.
Remember, web development is a constantly evolving field, so staying updated with the latest technologies and trends is essential. Learning to work with web development frameworks and libraries (e.g., React, Angular, or Vue.js) can also open up more opportunities in your web development career. Patience, persistence, and a willingness to keep learning will be your greatest allies on your journey to becoming a successful web developer. Good luck!
John D
Software Engineer
4
Answers
Hellertown, Pennsylvania
Updated
John’s Answer
There are countless ways to approach this, but I believe the most effective strategy is to dive in and start creating. Numerous step-by-step guides are available for various technology stacks. There's a myriad of methods to construct a web application. If you're interested in a specific company, investigate the tools they use to develop their web applications. I recommend learning React or Angular - they're enjoyable to use and allow you to create a basic web application in just a few hours. Follow the guide and begin to personalize it, making it uniquely yours. Once you've mastered the basics of visual representation, consider linking it to a data storage system. SQL is a popular choice, but some companies prefer technologies like CosmosDB or Mongo. Remember, there are endless paths to create the same product. Choose a project that excites you and take it from there. Start with a small project and expand it whenever you have spare time.
Pick a web development “Tech Stack”
Do a basic tutorial on how to spin up a webpage using that stack
Modify that tutorial by understanding how things work.
Go to sites like stackOverFlow to find answers or GitHub to contribute to existing projects as you get more comfortable in the space.
John recommends the following next steps:
Sean Browne
Web Marketing Manager
6
Answers
Salinas, California
Updated
Sean’s Answer
There's a wealth of excellent responses here already. When you delve into the world of modern websites, you'll notice a few major platforms standing out - Adobe, Sitecore, and then there are open-source platforms such as Drupal, Typo3, and of course, WordPress. If you're planning to spearhead web development within a marketing team, it would be beneficial to familiarize yourself with these platforms. Having managed websites for numerous large corporations, I've found that the best web developers not only master their craft but also develop a keen understanding and appreciation for design, user experience, and the overall functionality of the sites. Choosing web development as a career path is a fantastic decision that could eventually lead you to oversee this field, provided you remain receptive and grasp the broader perspective of your work and its purpose.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Michael!
Best Path to Learn Web Programming
Becoming a web developer is an exciting journey that involves acquiring a variety of skills and knowledge. Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you navigate this path effectively.
1. Understand the Basics of Web Development
Before diving into programming, it’s essential to understand the fundamental concepts of web development. This includes:
What is Web Development?: Familiarize yourself with the difference between front-end (client-side) and back-end (server-side) development.
Web Technologies: Learn about HTML (HyperText Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and JavaScript, which are the core technologies for building websites.
2. Start with Front-End Development
Front-end development focuses on what users see and interact with in their web browsers. Here’s how to start:
Learn HTML & CSS: Begin by mastering HTML for structuring content and CSS for styling it. Resources like freeCodeCamp or W3Schools can be very helpful.
JavaScript Fundamentals: Once comfortable with HTML and CSS, move on to JavaScript, which adds interactivity to your web pages. Focus on understanding variables, functions, loops, and DOM manipulation.
Responsive Design: Learn about responsive design principles using frameworks like Bootstrap or Flexbox to ensure your websites work well on various devices.
3. Explore Front-End Frameworks
After grasping the basics, explore popular front-end frameworks that enhance productivity:
React.js: A widely-used library for building user interfaces.
Vue.js or Angular: Other powerful frameworks that can help you create dynamic single-page applications.
Practice building projects using these frameworks to solidify your understanding.
4. Dive into Back-End Development
Back-end development involves server-side programming and database management:
Choose a Programming Language: Popular choices include Node.js (JavaScript), Python (Django/Flask), Ruby (Ruby on Rails), or PHP. Start with one language and learn its syntax and features.
Understand Databases: Learn about relational databases like MySQL or PostgreSQL, as well as NoSQL databases like MongoDB. Understand how to perform CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete).
API Development: Learn how to build RESTful APIs that allow communication between the front end and back end of your applications.
5. Version Control Systems
Familiarize yourself with version control systems like Git:
Git Basics: Learn how to use Git for tracking changes in your codebase.
GitHub/GitLab/Bitbucket: Use platforms like GitHub to host your projects and collaborate with others.
6. Build Projects
The best way to learn is by doing:
Personal Projects: Start small by creating personal projects such as portfolios or simple applications.
Contribute to Open Source: Engage in open-source projects on platforms like GitHub to gain real-world experience and collaborate with other developers.
7. Continuous Learning
Web development is an ever-evolving field; hence continuous learning is crucial:
Follow Blogs & Tutorials: Stay updated by following reputable blogs such as CSS-Tricks, Smashing Magazine, or MDN Web Docs.
Online Courses & Certifications: Consider enrolling in online courses from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or edX that offer structured learning paths.
8. Networking & Community Engagement
Engaging with the developer community can provide support and opportunities:
Join Online Communities: Participate in forums such as Stack Overflow or Reddit’s r/webdev.
Attend Meetups & Conferences: Network with other developers through local meetups or tech conferences.
By following this structured approach—starting from foundational knowledge through advanced topics—you will be well-equipped to become a proficient web developer.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used
MDN Web Docs
A comprehensive resource for web developers providing documentation on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more.
freeCodeCamp
An interactive platform offering free coding lessons focused on web development skills through hands-on projects.
W3Schools
A widely used educational website that provides tutorials and references covering various aspects of web development technologies.
God Bless You!
JC.
Best Path to Learn Web Programming
Becoming a web developer is an exciting journey that involves acquiring a variety of skills and knowledge. Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you navigate this path effectively.
1. Understand the Basics of Web Development
Before diving into programming, it’s essential to understand the fundamental concepts of web development. This includes:
What is Web Development?: Familiarize yourself with the difference between front-end (client-side) and back-end (server-side) development.
Web Technologies: Learn about HTML (HyperText Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and JavaScript, which are the core technologies for building websites.
2. Start with Front-End Development
Front-end development focuses on what users see and interact with in their web browsers. Here’s how to start:
Learn HTML & CSS: Begin by mastering HTML for structuring content and CSS for styling it. Resources like freeCodeCamp or W3Schools can be very helpful.
JavaScript Fundamentals: Once comfortable with HTML and CSS, move on to JavaScript, which adds interactivity to your web pages. Focus on understanding variables, functions, loops, and DOM manipulation.
Responsive Design: Learn about responsive design principles using frameworks like Bootstrap or Flexbox to ensure your websites work well on various devices.
3. Explore Front-End Frameworks
After grasping the basics, explore popular front-end frameworks that enhance productivity:
React.js: A widely-used library for building user interfaces.
Vue.js or Angular: Other powerful frameworks that can help you create dynamic single-page applications.
Practice building projects using these frameworks to solidify your understanding.
4. Dive into Back-End Development
Back-end development involves server-side programming and database management:
Choose a Programming Language: Popular choices include Node.js (JavaScript), Python (Django/Flask), Ruby (Ruby on Rails), or PHP. Start with one language and learn its syntax and features.
Understand Databases: Learn about relational databases like MySQL or PostgreSQL, as well as NoSQL databases like MongoDB. Understand how to perform CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete).
API Development: Learn how to build RESTful APIs that allow communication between the front end and back end of your applications.
5. Version Control Systems
Familiarize yourself with version control systems like Git:
Git Basics: Learn how to use Git for tracking changes in your codebase.
GitHub/GitLab/Bitbucket: Use platforms like GitHub to host your projects and collaborate with others.
6. Build Projects
The best way to learn is by doing:
Personal Projects: Start small by creating personal projects such as portfolios or simple applications.
Contribute to Open Source: Engage in open-source projects on platforms like GitHub to gain real-world experience and collaborate with other developers.
7. Continuous Learning
Web development is an ever-evolving field; hence continuous learning is crucial:
Follow Blogs & Tutorials: Stay updated by following reputable blogs such as CSS-Tricks, Smashing Magazine, or MDN Web Docs.
Online Courses & Certifications: Consider enrolling in online courses from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or edX that offer structured learning paths.
8. Networking & Community Engagement
Engaging with the developer community can provide support and opportunities:
Join Online Communities: Participate in forums such as Stack Overflow or Reddit’s r/webdev.
Attend Meetups & Conferences: Network with other developers through local meetups or tech conferences.
By following this structured approach—starting from foundational knowledge through advanced topics—you will be well-equipped to become a proficient web developer.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used
MDN Web Docs
A comprehensive resource for web developers providing documentation on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more.
freeCodeCamp
An interactive platform offering free coding lessons focused on web development skills through hands-on projects.
W3Schools
A widely used educational website that provides tutorials and references covering various aspects of web development technologies.
God Bless You!
JC.
Esther Carter
Software Engineering
22
Answers
Springville, Utah
Updated
Esther’s Answer
Hi Michael! I’m excited that you’re looking into web development. It’s a great field to be in!
If you want to get into web design, you can take either a formal or informal route. If you want a more formal path, there are plenty of universities with computer science majors. One of these would be a good place to start.
A lot of web developers also take an informal, self-taught path. Like Doc mentioned, you’ll want start with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You can learn with boot camps, or online tutorials or classes.
Web development (and programming in general) takes lots of practice, especially when you’re first starting. Be patient and have fun with it as you learn.
If you want to get into web design, you can take either a formal or informal route. If you want a more formal path, there are plenty of universities with computer science majors. One of these would be a good place to start.
A lot of web developers also take an informal, self-taught path. Like Doc mentioned, you’ll want start with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You can learn with boot camps, or online tutorials or classes.
Web development (and programming in general) takes lots of practice, especially when you’re first starting. Be patient and have fun with it as you learn.