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How do you start computer coding?

I am currently in the 10th grade interested in computer science and coding but don't know how to start. It would be greatly appreciated if anyone doesn't mind giving me a few pointers and guidance.

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Daria’s Answer

To start computer coding, here are some steps you can follow:

1. Choose a Programming Language: Decide which programming language you want to learn. Popular languages for beginners include Python, JavaScript, and Ruby due to their simplicity and extensive resources available for learning.

2. Set Clear Goals: Determine your goals and what you want to achieve with coding. It could be building websites, creating mobile apps, working on data analysis, or pursuing a specific career path. Having a clear focus will help guide your learning journey.

3. Select Learning Resources: There are numerous resources available to learn coding, including online tutorials, interactive coding platforms, video courses, and textbooks. Choose resources that suit your learning style and provide clear explanations, practical examples, and exercises.

4. Start with Fundamentals: Begin by learning the basics of programming concepts such as variables, data types, control structures (loops and conditionals), functions, and object-oriented programming (OOP) if applicable to your chosen language. These concepts serve as the foundation for more advanced coding.

5. Practice Regularly: Consistency is key when learning to code. Dedicate regular time to practice coding exercises and projects. Hands-on practice helps reinforce your understanding, improves problem-solving skills, and builds confidence.

6. Work on Simple Projects: Apply what you've learned by working on small projects that align with your interests. Start with simple tasks and gradually increase the complexity of your projects. Building projects allows you to see the practical applications of coding and enhances your skills.

7. Seek Community and Support: Join coding communities, forums, or online groups where you can connect with other learners and experienced programmers. Engaging with others provides opportunities to ask questions, share insights, and learn from different perspectives.

8. Embrace Debugging and Problem-Solving: Debugging is an essential skill in coding. Practice identifying and fixing errors in your code as it will help you become a more proficient programmer and develop strong problem-solving abilities.

9. Expand Your Knowledge: As you gain proficiency, explore additional programming concepts, libraries, frameworks, and tools related to your chosen language. Continuously expand your knowledge to stay updated with industry trends and advancements.

10. Build a Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your coding projects. A portfolio is valuable when applying for jobs or freelance opportunities, as it demonstrates your skills and practical experience.

Remember, learning to code is a journey that requires patience, persistence, and a growth mindset. Don't be discouraged by challenges or errors along the way; they are all part of the learning process. Enjoy the process of learning, practicing, and building projects, and you'll gradually become more proficient in computer coding.
Thank you comment icon I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question. leiasia
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Amy’s Answer

Here's a motivating approach to kickstart your journey in programming: Begin with a simple task you believe you can solve using programming. It could be as basic as creating a program that calculates the area of a triangle using its base and height, or perhaps the surface area of a sphere using its radius. The objective here is to get you comfortable with the concepts of inputs, outputs, and the fundamentals of any language you opt for.

Once you've got the basics down, challenge yourself with something more intricate! I too embarked on my computer science journey around 10th grade with AP Computer Science, and to be honest, I didn't find it appealing initially! The concepts of polymorphism, object-oriented programming, syntax, and so on were hard to appreciate without understanding their significance. However, my passion for programming ignited after attending a science-based summer camp where I got to tackle more engaging problems and create my own mini video games. If you're inclined towards math or science, a fun way to practice coding while honing your math skills is Project Euler (https://projecteuler.net/). It's a natural way to learn about different data structures, recursion, dynamic programming, and other programming concepts by compelling you to understand them while providing immediate application. Alternatively, if you're fond of a particular app, website, or game, try recreating it, or a small portion of it! Numerous online tutorials can guide you to create clones of popular platforms like Facebook or Twitter. With an open, inquisitive mind, you'll learn a great deal along the journey.

If you find yourself drawn towards computer science after dipping your toes in the water, you can get a head start on your college classes by delving deeper into data structures and algorithms. There are exceptional, free online courses such as MIT's Introduction to Computer Programming in Python (https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/6-0001-introduction-to-computer-science-and-programming-in-python-fall-2016/pages/syllabus/) and its Introduction to Algorithms class (https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/6-006-introduction-to-algorithms-spring-2020/). These are more technical than most online demos, so it might be challenging, but it'll prepare you exceptionally well for college classes and beyond.

Best of luck, and may you find joy in the world of computer science!
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Alen’s Answer

Try looking up videos on youtube on programming languages or areas you might be interested. If you're interested in web development for example, try searching for web development basics and follow from there. Plenty of great tutorials on there how to get started!
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Alok’s Answer

I suggest browsing through YouTube channels as opposed to visiting websites. Numerous YouTube channels feature high-quality content shared by individuals. Spend some time exploring different channels to discover the one that fits your needs and works best.
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Kodi’s Answer

Hi Leiasia, a lot of great advice already given. So I would just like to add a couple of useful free resources that could help you with your beginning journey into the world of coding and software development. Two of my favorite websites that I always recommend to beginners are freecodecamp.org and theodinproject.com.

If you are coming from zero experience these two sites will start you on a guided path so you don't have to worry about the "Where do I even begin?" stress. They both have well thought out road maps for you so that you understand the basics and get practical experience while learning. Using these websites you will also be building some fun and simple applications.

Coding sounds really fun and the idea of creating apps and/or websites is exciting but remember like with everything you start with the basics and there may be some "not so exciting" parts and also some frustrating aspects to coding (it comes with the territory). My advice when you feel like this is to stay curious, solving problems and finding those missing pieces to the puzzle is a huge part of coding, so try to think of the difficult parts as chances to learn more and not deterrents.

I hope these resources help and I wish you the best of luck on your coding journey! You got this!
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Bill’s Answer

The first and most important thing to know is that you MUST never stop learning. Technology is changing faster and faster and I have seen many coders burn out at 30.

I'd suggest Python and Javascript as computer languages to learn. There are some code introductory courses on places like Udemy.com, but you probably can get started more easily by finding some videos on Youtube.

Join Github.com and learn how to search for applications that interest you. For example, search for "sports betting" or "yearbook" or "photo portfolio" or "MIDI" or "Hello World" and you'll find dozens of open-source applications. Find simple ones and figure out how they work. When you don't understand something in the code use Google or even better ChatGPT (which is a fine coder but lacking in inventiveness). You can also take any code you don't understand in the Github examples and ask ChatGPT to improve it or explain it.

The first lesson of succeeding is showing up and getting started.
Get started.
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Jenna’s Answer

Hi, Leiasia!

It really helps if you have your own computer to learn on. If you do not, then finding a place where you can use a computer for 30 minutes to 1 hour at least a few times a week and ideally everyday is important. Libraries at school and in your town are a good resource.

My advice would be to look over a lot of different YouTube channels and free learning resources, until you find someone who presents information in a way that you find easy to understand. There are SO MANY learning resources for learning to code! You will be astonished, I think! Trust your judgement and your preferences when it comes to choosing your learning resources.

If I were teaching someone to code, I would choose JavaScript as their first language. I think Python is also a great choice. Once you learn one language, it is far easier to learn any of the others. So don't worry too much about which one comes first. Just think about which learning resource feels easiest and clearest to you and work your way through that first one. Don't let a lot of confusion early on convince you that you are not good at coding.

~Jenna
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Farnia’s Answer

I suggest you explore https://www.codepath.org/.

CodePath is an exceptional non-profit organization that provides high school and college students with free introductory courses in various Computer Science fields. After grasping the fundamentals of coding, you can further enhance your skills by enrolling in their technical interview classes. These courses are designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge and confidence to excel in company interviews, increasing your chances of securing a job!
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Aryn’s Answer

FreeCodeCamp is a fantastic resource that I highly recommend! It's packed with numerous tutorials and blog posts that guide you in creating mini projects using virtually any programming language. Not only does it help you discover your areas of interest, but it also aids in identifying where you can further develop your skills. So, why wait? Start exploring FreeCodeCamp today!
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Melody’s Answer

Hi Leiasia,

I'm happy you are interested in computer programming and is a path that if you do study by yourself, it does require time, organization and the right tools followed by a lot of practice as is what companies look for.

Find below the steps I would recommend.

I studied by myself Data analysis and by studying 4h a day during 6 months I managed to grasp the foundations and position myself in my first data role, however there are a lot of knowledge I needed to learn to step up and that took me 2 years of continuous reading.

Another option is waiting until you are out of college and study Computer science at university and read/watch complementary details along the way.

Melody recommends the following next steps:

- Start with a roadmap on mind/written, in that I would recommend youtubers with years of experience showing a roadmap so you can set goals on how long you want to cover each topic, for example python 4 months and so on.
- Once you know where to start then set a time frame per week and in months on how much you would like to dedicate per topic and start by topic 1, you can either start by videos on youtube (make sure they are updated), books (my preferred one so professionals explain the logic of things) I would only read books that were published after 2018 since again there are many updates, online courses (can be expensive and they sometimes don't go in depth which can be a waste of time).
- You move on topics and never just trust 1 source, read articles and books about a topic, sometimes 1 book/video that you see additionally have valuable information to cover gaps.
- You also need to determine what type of programmer you want to become, each speciality has its own tools and processes that you will need to study.
- Remember that math is important in Computer science, at a work level you will have to implement algorithms that just programming doesn't cover in depth and is needed for interviews and to give good responses about process implementation.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Starting computer coding can be an exciting and rewarding journey, especially if you have an interest in computer science. Here are some pointers and guidance to help you get started:

1. Choose a Programming Language:
The first step is to choose a programming language to learn. There are numerous programming languages available, each with its own strengths and purposes. Some popular languages for beginners include Python, Java, and JavaScript. Python is often recommended for its simplicity and readability, making it a great choice for beginners.

2. Set Up Your Development Environment:
Once you have chosen a programming language, you need to set up your development environment. This involves installing the necessary software tools and frameworks to write, compile, and run your code. For example, if you choose Python, you can install an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like PyCharm or use a text editor like Sublime Text along with the Python interpreter.

3. Learn the Basics:
Start by learning the basics of programming concepts such as variables, data types, control structures (if-else statements, loops), functions, and object-oriented programming (OOP) if applicable to your chosen language. Online tutorials, video courses, and interactive coding platforms like Codecademy or FreeCodeCamp can be helpful resources for learning these fundamentals.

4. Practice Coding:
Coding is a skill that improves with practice. Start by solving small coding problems or challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. These platforms provide a range of coding problems with varying difficulty levels to help you improve your problem-solving skills and gain confidence in writing code.

5. Work on Projects:
As you gain more knowledge and confidence in coding, start working on small projects that interest you. Projects allow you to apply what you have learned and gain practical experience. You can build simple websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript or create small applications using Python or Java.

6. Join Coding Communities:
Engaging with coding communities can be immensely beneficial. Join online forums, coding communities, or social media groups where you can ask questions, seek guidance, and learn from experienced programmers. Websites like Stack Overflow and Reddit have active communities where you can find answers to your coding queries.

7. Read Documentation and Books:
Documentation is an essential resource for any programming language or framework. It provides detailed explanations, examples, and usage guidelines for various functions and libraries. Additionally, there are many books available that cover programming concepts in-depth. Some popular books for beginners include "Python Crash Course" by Eric Matthes and "Eloquent JavaScript" by Marijn Haverbeke.

8. Take Online Courses or Attend Workshops:
If you prefer a more structured learning approach, consider enrolling in online courses or attending coding workshops. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer a wide range of computer science and coding courses taught by experts in the field. These courses often provide comprehensive curriculum and hands-on projects to enhance your learning experience.

9. Collaborate on Open Source Projects:
Contributing to open source projects can be a great way to improve your coding skills while working with experienced developers. Open source projects are publicly available projects where developers collaborate to build software together. GitHub is a popular platform for finding open source projects that align with your interests.

10. Stay Curious and Keep Learning:
Computer coding is a constantly evolving field, so it's important to stay curious and keep learning. Follow industry blogs, subscribe to coding newsletters, and stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in the programming world. Continuous learning will help you grow as a coder and keep you engaged in this dynamic field.

Remember that learning to code is a gradual process that requires patience and persistence. Start small, practice regularly, and gradually challenge yourself with more complex projects as you progress.

Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:

1. Codecademy - www.codecademy.com
2. Stack Overflow - stackoverflow.com
3. GitHub - github.com
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Leiasia,

Hope you're doing well! I have a great resource for you - PDFDRIVE [https://www.pdfdrive.com/]. Here, you can find a vast collection of programming texts that you can download for free. It's a fantastic way to get a jump-start on your learning journey.

You have the freedom to choose from a variety of programming languages. If you're up for a challenge, you might want to consider C++. But if you prefer something a bit simpler to start with, Java or HTML could be your best bet. If you're interested, you could even begin by learning how to develop websites.

Additionally, using major programming platforms like Microsoft Visual Studio could be a great advantage for you. If you have a knack for mathematics, you're already halfway there! It's also beneficial to remember linguistic terminology and follow established rules.

As for codeproject.com, it had five major competitors in September 2023: c-sharpcorner.com, stackoverflow.com, codeguru.com, w3schools.com, and others. Based on SimilarWeb's monthly visit data, codeproject.com's top competitor in September 2023 was c-sharpcorner.com, with 2.7M visits.

Here are some alternative resources similar to The Code Project that you might find helpful:
https://www.slant.co/options/27352/alternatives/~codeproject-alternatives
https://www.sitelike.org/similar/code-projects.org/
http://www.moreofit.com/similar-to/www.codeproject.com/Top_10_Sites_Like_Codeproject/
https://stackshare.io/codeproject/alternatives
https://freestuff.dev/alternative/codeproject/

I encourage you to get started as soon as possible. And remember, if you ever decide to pursue a Ph.D. and need advice on maintaining a healthy diet while studying, don't hesitate to ask!

Take care,
JIM.

P.S. The Code Project (https://www.codeproject.com/) is another excellent site that can be incredibly useful to you.
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Maria’s Answer

Hey there, leiasia! Here's my personal journey into the world of coding that might inspire you.
1. Visualize your end goal. I've always found that hands-on practice is the best way to learn. So, before I dive into the nitty-gritty, I like to envision the final product I'm aiming to create. As a beginner, you could start with something as straightforward as a calculator.
2. Strategize your approach. How many hours a day can you dedicate to practicing? There's a wealth of resources available online, so find what works best for you. Do you prefer video tutorials or reading lectures? Also, consider which programming language you want to tackle first. You could go for the most popular ones currently in demand (just do a quick search for the top 5 or 10) or start with more challenging ones like C or C++ to truly grasp the basics of programming.
3. Explore your options. As I mentioned earlier, there's a plethora of online resources. It's up to you to discover which ones resonate with your learning style.
4. Go beyond your initial goal. Don't stop at just creating your final product. Immerse yourself in the tech world by reading blogs and whitepapers from leading tech companies like Amazon and Google.
5. Get certified. If you can afford it, consider getting certified. You might also find local trainings that offer free certification voucher codes upon completion.

Remember, the journey into computer programming is a continuous learning process. Staying updated with the latest trends is key to thriving in this field for the long haul. So, keep learning, keep coding, and most importantly, keep enjoying the process!
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