10 answers
Abdulrahman
Student
1
Question
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Computer development ?
Is there anything best way to learn computer coding career
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10 answers
Adit Sheth
Senior Software Engineer
114
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Adit’s Answer
With a solid background of over 6 years at Microsoft and more than a decade in the industry, I've guided numerous beginners on their journey towards becoming proficient coders. If you're looking to master coding and establish a robust career in computer development, here are some top-notch strategies:
Kick-off with Basics: Start your journey with fundamental programming languages such as Python, Java, or JavaScript. These languages are not only beginner-friendly but also widely utilized in the industry.
Harness Online Learning Platforms: Websites like Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, and Coursera are structured to help you develop your coding skills from the ground up.
Hone Your Problem-Solving Skills: Platforms like LeetCode, Codeforces, or HackerRank are designed to enhance your problem-solving capabilities and algorithmic thinking, both of which are crucial for a career in coding.
Create Real-World Projects: Dive into creating your own projects, be it apps, websites, or tools. This not only allows you to put your learning into practice but also showcases your skills to prospective employers.
Participate in Open Source Contributions: Engaging in open-source projects on GitHub will provide you with hands-on coding experience and introduce you to the world of collaborative coding practices.
Stay Consistently Updated: Keep yourself abreast with the latest technologies, frameworks, and best practices through online communities, blogs, and conferences. This will ensure your skills stay relevant in this fast-paced field.
By integrating these strategies with hands-on experience and ceaseless learning, you'll be well on your way to a successful journey in computer software and coding.
Kick-off with Basics: Start your journey with fundamental programming languages such as Python, Java, or JavaScript. These languages are not only beginner-friendly but also widely utilized in the industry.
Harness Online Learning Platforms: Websites like Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, and Coursera are structured to help you develop your coding skills from the ground up.
Hone Your Problem-Solving Skills: Platforms like LeetCode, Codeforces, or HackerRank are designed to enhance your problem-solving capabilities and algorithmic thinking, both of which are crucial for a career in coding.
Create Real-World Projects: Dive into creating your own projects, be it apps, websites, or tools. This not only allows you to put your learning into practice but also showcases your skills to prospective employers.
Participate in Open Source Contributions: Engaging in open-source projects on GitHub will provide you with hands-on coding experience and introduce you to the world of collaborative coding practices.
Stay Consistently Updated: Keep yourself abreast with the latest technologies, frameworks, and best practices through online communities, blogs, and conferences. This will ensure your skills stay relevant in this fast-paced field.
By integrating these strategies with hands-on experience and ceaseless learning, you'll be well on your way to a successful journey in computer software and coding.
Rajeev Kumar
Technical Project Manager
12
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Rajeev’s Answer
In the digital era, computer programming emerges as an optimal field of study, offering a multitude of promising career paths. Your unique skills can guide you towards the right career choice. If you're artistically inclined and have a keen eye for aesthetics, you might want to consider becoming a user interface developer. If you possess strong analytical reasoning or logical thinking abilities, application coding could be your calling. Excellent communication skills can pave the way for a career in sales or project management.
Once you've made your choice, a wealth of resources are at your fingertips. Online platforms and YouTube channels provide comprehensive guides and practice material to help you master your chosen field. Here are some areas of programming you might want to explore:
1. Web UI Development: Design user-friendly interfaces for websites.
2. Cloud Computing
3. Application Development: Create software applications for specific tasks.
4. System Programming: Develop and manage computer operating systems.
5. Gaming: Design and develop video games.
6. iPhone/Android App Development: Build applications for mobile devices.
7. Cybersecurity: Protect systems and networks from digital attacks.
8. Testing Engineer/Performance Testing: Ensure software performance and quality.
Remember, the digital world is your oyster. Choose your path and start learning today!
Once you've made your choice, a wealth of resources are at your fingertips. Online platforms and YouTube channels provide comprehensive guides and practice material to help you master your chosen field. Here are some areas of programming you might want to explore:
1. Web UI Development: Design user-friendly interfaces for websites.
2. Cloud Computing
3. Application Development: Create software applications for specific tasks.
4. System Programming: Develop and manage computer operating systems.
5. Gaming: Design and develop video games.
6. iPhone/Android App Development: Build applications for mobile devices.
7. Cybersecurity: Protect systems and networks from digital attacks.
8. Testing Engineer/Performance Testing: Ensure software performance and quality.
Remember, the digital world is your oyster. Choose your path and start learning today!
Rajesh Kumar Subbiah
Manager
39
Answers
Florham Park, New Jersey
Updated
Rajesh Kumar’s Answer
Here are some steps you can take to get started:
1. Choose a Programming Language: Decide which programming language you want to learn. Popular choices include Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript. Each language has its own strengths and applications, so consider your goals and interests when making a choice.
2. Learn the Basics: Start with the fundamentals of programming, including concepts like variables, data types, loops, conditionals, and functions. Online resources, tutorials, and books are excellent starting points for self-study. Websites like Codecademy, Coursera, and Udemy offer comprehensive programming courses.
3. Practice and Build Projects: Apply your knowledge by working on small programming projects. Practice is crucial to reinforce your skills and gain practical experience. Start with simple projects and gradually tackle more complex ones as you progress.
4. Join Coding Communities: Engage with coding communities and forums to connect with fellow programmers, ask questions, and seek advice. Platforms like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and Reddit are great places to interact with experienced programmers and learn from their expertise.
5. Pursue a Degree or Certificate: While not mandatory, pursuing a degree or certificate in computer science or a related field can provide a structured and comprehensive education in programming. Many universities offer excellent programs in computer science, such as MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Carnegie Mellon. However, the "best" university ultimately depends on your personal circumstances, preferences, and the specific resources and opportunities available at each institution.
6. Build a Portfolio: As you gain experience, create a portfolio of your projects to showcase your skills to potential employers. This demonstrates your practical abilities and dedication to programming.
7. Stay Updated: Programming is a continuously evolving field, so it's essential to stay updated with new technologies, tools, and programming languages. Follow industry blogs, attend webinars or conferences, and explore online resources to keep your skills sharp.
Remember, becoming a programmer requires perseverance, continuous learning, and hands-on experience. With dedication and consistent effort, you can achieve your goal. Good luck on your programming journey!
Note: Coding using AI is evolving fast. AI can help write code and debug. So understand the basics of programming and utilize AI to discover more and code fast.
1. Choose a Programming Language: Decide which programming language you want to learn. Popular choices include Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript. Each language has its own strengths and applications, so consider your goals and interests when making a choice.
2. Learn the Basics: Start with the fundamentals of programming, including concepts like variables, data types, loops, conditionals, and functions. Online resources, tutorials, and books are excellent starting points for self-study. Websites like Codecademy, Coursera, and Udemy offer comprehensive programming courses.
3. Practice and Build Projects: Apply your knowledge by working on small programming projects. Practice is crucial to reinforce your skills and gain practical experience. Start with simple projects and gradually tackle more complex ones as you progress.
4. Join Coding Communities: Engage with coding communities and forums to connect with fellow programmers, ask questions, and seek advice. Platforms like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and Reddit are great places to interact with experienced programmers and learn from their expertise.
5. Pursue a Degree or Certificate: While not mandatory, pursuing a degree or certificate in computer science or a related field can provide a structured and comprehensive education in programming. Many universities offer excellent programs in computer science, such as MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Carnegie Mellon. However, the "best" university ultimately depends on your personal circumstances, preferences, and the specific resources and opportunities available at each institution.
6. Build a Portfolio: As you gain experience, create a portfolio of your projects to showcase your skills to potential employers. This demonstrates your practical abilities and dedication to programming.
7. Stay Updated: Programming is a continuously evolving field, so it's essential to stay updated with new technologies, tools, and programming languages. Follow industry blogs, attend webinars or conferences, and explore online resources to keep your skills sharp.
Remember, becoming a programmer requires perseverance, continuous learning, and hands-on experience. With dedication and consistent effort, you can achieve your goal. Good luck on your programming journey!
Note: Coding using AI is evolving fast. AI can help write code and debug. So understand the basics of programming and utilize AI to discover more and code fast.
John Easton CEng FIET FBCS CITP
Design large computer systems for companies
28
Answers
Winchester, England, United Kingdom
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Abdulrahman
As Frank says, the key here is practice. You can't learn to program by reading about it or watching videos. You have to actually create code.
What language you choose is less important. Once you have learnt to work with one, picking up another language is much easier. I would personally suggest a scripting language rather than one which is compiled, but it likely doesn't matter too much.
Start by writing simple things. Things that count up and down. Things that convert one thing into something else. Then add conditions and loops and you're already able to do lots of things with just these basics.
Key thing though is to learn by doing. Good luck!
As Frank says, the key here is practice. You can't learn to program by reading about it or watching videos. You have to actually create code.
What language you choose is less important. Once you have learnt to work with one, picking up another language is much easier. I would personally suggest a scripting language rather than one which is compiled, but it likely doesn't matter too much.
Start by writing simple things. Things that count up and down. Things that convert one thing into something else. Then add conditions and loops and you're already able to do lots of things with just these basics.
Key thing though is to learn by doing. Good luck!
Diya Vinod
Network Performance Intern
2
Answers
Lone Tree, Colorado
Updated
Diya’s Answer
The best way to prepare for a computer coding career is through practice and application.
Choose a language to start with. Select from a beginner friendly language if this is your first time coding. Examples are Python, Java, and C++. Begin with the basics. There are tons of free online tutorials and lectures you can follow that give you a good background of variables, functions, and other core programming principles. Once you understand the basics it is time to start applying what you have learned through the development of programs.
You'll want to install an IDE that works with the language you are using. A google search can help you find a free IDE that works. Make sure to spend some time understanding the different functionality of the IDE. An especially important thing to know is the debugger, which helps you identify the problems in your code. Make sure you know how to use it. Next, I would suggest building a simple program. Examples include: Rock-Paper-Scissors or a calculator. Building these from scratch will help you understand how to build a program and you will get experience using the debugger.
After you have learned about the basics of programming and you have applied them, consider learning more advanced topics in computer science. Data structures and algorithms are important things to know when pursuing a computer science career. The most important thing is to practice, practice, practice. Eventually coding becomes easy and you recognize patterns the when coding. Wishing you the best of luck with your exciting career!
Choose a language to start with. Select from a beginner friendly language if this is your first time coding. Examples are Python, Java, and C++. Begin with the basics. There are tons of free online tutorials and lectures you can follow that give you a good background of variables, functions, and other core programming principles. Once you understand the basics it is time to start applying what you have learned through the development of programs.
You'll want to install an IDE that works with the language you are using. A google search can help you find a free IDE that works. Make sure to spend some time understanding the different functionality of the IDE. An especially important thing to know is the debugger, which helps you identify the problems in your code. Make sure you know how to use it. Next, I would suggest building a simple program. Examples include: Rock-Paper-Scissors or a calculator. Building these from scratch will help you understand how to build a program and you will get experience using the debugger.
After you have learned about the basics of programming and you have applied them, consider learning more advanced topics in computer science. Data structures and algorithms are important things to know when pursuing a computer science career. The most important thing is to practice, practice, practice. Eventually coding becomes easy and you recognize patterns the when coding. Wishing you the best of luck with your exciting career!
Frank Scalia
16
Answers
Updated
Frank’s Answer
Hi Abdulrahman,
So glad you are interested in coding. Here are a few suggestions.
Understand Computer Basics: Familiarize yourself with computer architecture and data fundamentals. Knowing how hardware works can enhance your understanding of programming concepts.
Choose a Language: Decide which programming language you want to learn first. Popular options include Python, JavaScript, and Java. Each has its strengths and use cases.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Learning by doing is crucial. Write code, build small projects, and experiment. Use online resources, video tutorials, and coding bootcamps
It’s an exciting and rewarding career. Hope this helps.
So glad you are interested in coding. Here are a few suggestions.
Understand Computer Basics: Familiarize yourself with computer architecture and data fundamentals. Knowing how hardware works can enhance your understanding of programming concepts.
Choose a Language: Decide which programming language you want to learn first. Popular options include Python, JavaScript, and Java. Each has its strengths and use cases.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Learning by doing is crucial. Write code, build small projects, and experiment. Use online resources, video tutorials, and coding bootcamps
It’s an exciting and rewarding career. Hope this helps.
Anurag Naalla
Software Engineed
4
Answers
Kirkland, Washington
Updated
Anurag’s Answer
The best thing to do in my opinion is to learn a programming language, understand the basics and how it works.
Learn Data structures and algorithms through any book. "Data structures and Algorithms made easy". That will help you understand how you want to do it.
Learn Data structures and algorithms through any book. "Data structures and Algorithms made easy". That will help you understand how you want to do it.
Anika S
Software Engineer Intern
100
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Anika’s Answer
Depending on your goals, you’ll want to start with a language that aligns with your interests:
Web Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React or Angular.
Mobile Development: Swift (iOS), Kotlin (Android), or React Native (cross-platform).
Data Science and Machine Learning: Python, R, and libraries like TensorFlow or PyTorch.
Game Development: C# with Unity, or C++ with Unreal Engine.
There are many high-quality online resources and courses for learning to code:
Free Resources:
Codecademy: Offers interactive coding lessons in various languages.
freeCodeCamp: Provides a full curriculum on web development, including projects and certifications.
Khan Academy: Great for beginners, offering a variety of coding lessons.
Paid Resources:
Coursera: University-level courses on computer science and programming.
Udemy: Wide range of affordable coding courses.
Pluralsight: Professional-grade courses for more advanced topics.
From personal experience, I find that Python is the easiest language to pick up because of the way it is similar to the way we speak in the English language. No matter which language you choose however, there are a ton of resources online that can guide you from writing your first "Hello world" to developing your first ever project :) My biggest advice is practice, practice, practice! Coding truly only becomes second nature after lots of practice and usage. I personally love to use VS Code to write all of my code on. Very easy to use and to test your code on.
Web Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React or Angular.
Mobile Development: Swift (iOS), Kotlin (Android), or React Native (cross-platform).
Data Science and Machine Learning: Python, R, and libraries like TensorFlow or PyTorch.
Game Development: C# with Unity, or C++ with Unreal Engine.
There are many high-quality online resources and courses for learning to code:
Free Resources:
Codecademy: Offers interactive coding lessons in various languages.
freeCodeCamp: Provides a full curriculum on web development, including projects and certifications.
Khan Academy: Great for beginners, offering a variety of coding lessons.
Paid Resources:
Coursera: University-level courses on computer science and programming.
Udemy: Wide range of affordable coding courses.
Pluralsight: Professional-grade courses for more advanced topics.
From personal experience, I find that Python is the easiest language to pick up because of the way it is similar to the way we speak in the English language. No matter which language you choose however, there are a ton of resources online that can guide you from writing your first "Hello world" to developing your first ever project :) My biggest advice is practice, practice, practice! Coding truly only becomes second nature after lots of practice and usage. I personally love to use VS Code to write all of my code on. Very easy to use and to test your code on.
Priyanka K
Software Engineer
13
Answers
Little Elm, Texas
Updated
Priyanka’s Answer
Absolutely! Learning computer coding can open up numerous career opportunities in today's tech-driven world. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you embark on a successful coding career:
1. Choose a Programming Language:
Start with Popular Languages: Python, JavaScript, or Java are great for beginners due to their readability and wide usage.
Consider Your Goals: Different languages serve different purposes. For web development, JavaScript is essential. For data science, Python is a go-to.
2. Use Online Learning Platforms:
Interactive Courses: Platforms like Codecademy, Coursera, and Udacity offer interactive coding courses.
Structured Learning: Websites like Khan Academy and edX provide structured courses with clear learning paths.
3. Read Books and Documentation:
Books: Classic books such as "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python" by Al Sweigart and "You Don't Know JS" by Kyle Simpson.
Official Documentation: Always refer to the official documentation for the language you are learning. It’s the most reliable source of information.
4. Practice Regularly:
Coding Challenges: Websites like LeetCode, HackerRank, and CodeSignal offer coding challenges that help improve problem-solving skills.
Projects: Build small projects to apply what you’ve learned. This could be anything from a personal website to a simple game or a data analysis project.
5. Join a Community:
Online Communities: Participate in forums like Stack Overflow, Reddit, and GitHub. These communities can provide support, code reviews, and networking opportunities.
Local Meetups: Join local coding meetups or hackathons to meet like-minded individuals and collaborate on projects.
6. Follow a Curriculum:
FreeCodeCamp: Offers a comprehensive, free curriculum that covers web development, data visualization, and machine learning.
The Odin Project: A free, open-source curriculum focused on web development.
7. Learn Development Tools:
Version Control: Learn Git and GitHub for version control and collaboration.
IDEs and Text Editors: Familiarize yourself with Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) like Visual Studio Code, PyCharm, or IntelliJ IDEA.
8. Understand Computer Science Fundamentals:
CS50 by Harvard: A highly recommended free course that covers the basics of computer science.
Algorithms and Data Structures: Crucial for problem-solving and efficient coding.
9. Build a Portfolio:
Personal Projects: Showcase your projects on a personal website or a GitHub profile.
Contribute to Open Source: Contributing to open-source projects can improve your skills and increase your visibility in the coding community.
10. Seek Mentorship and Feedback:
Mentorship Programs: Join mentorship programs or coding bootcamps that offer guidance from experienced developers.
Code Reviews: Regularly seek feedback on your code from peers or mentors.
11. Stay Updated:
Tech Blogs and Podcasts: Follow tech blogs like Medium’s programming section, Hacker News, or podcasts like "CodeNewbie" and "Syntax."
Continuous Learning: Technology evolves rapidly. Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies.
12. Get Certified:
Certifications: Consider certifications from platforms like Coursera, edX, or industry-recognized certifications like AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer.
13. Apply for Internships or Entry-Level Positions:
Real-World Experience: Internships or entry-level positions provide practical experience and can be a stepping stone to a full-time career.
Networking: Attend career fairs and use LinkedIn to connect with potential employers.
Inspirational Stories:
Chris Wanstrath: Co-founder of GitHub, who was a self-taught programmer.
Joy Buolamwini: A computer scientist and digital activist who founded the Algorithmic Justice League.
Conclusion:
Learning to code is a journey that requires dedication, practice, and continuous learning. By choosing the right language, leveraging online resources, engaging with communities, and building a portfolio, you can pave the way for a successful coding career. Remember, persistence is key, and every step you take brings you closer to your goal. Happy coding!
1. Choose a Programming Language:
Start with Popular Languages: Python, JavaScript, or Java are great for beginners due to their readability and wide usage.
Consider Your Goals: Different languages serve different purposes. For web development, JavaScript is essential. For data science, Python is a go-to.
2. Use Online Learning Platforms:
Interactive Courses: Platforms like Codecademy, Coursera, and Udacity offer interactive coding courses.
Structured Learning: Websites like Khan Academy and edX provide structured courses with clear learning paths.
3. Read Books and Documentation:
Books: Classic books such as "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python" by Al Sweigart and "You Don't Know JS" by Kyle Simpson.
Official Documentation: Always refer to the official documentation for the language you are learning. It’s the most reliable source of information.
4. Practice Regularly:
Coding Challenges: Websites like LeetCode, HackerRank, and CodeSignal offer coding challenges that help improve problem-solving skills.
Projects: Build small projects to apply what you’ve learned. This could be anything from a personal website to a simple game or a data analysis project.
5. Join a Community:
Online Communities: Participate in forums like Stack Overflow, Reddit, and GitHub. These communities can provide support, code reviews, and networking opportunities.
Local Meetups: Join local coding meetups or hackathons to meet like-minded individuals and collaborate on projects.
6. Follow a Curriculum:
FreeCodeCamp: Offers a comprehensive, free curriculum that covers web development, data visualization, and machine learning.
The Odin Project: A free, open-source curriculum focused on web development.
7. Learn Development Tools:
Version Control: Learn Git and GitHub for version control and collaboration.
IDEs and Text Editors: Familiarize yourself with Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) like Visual Studio Code, PyCharm, or IntelliJ IDEA.
8. Understand Computer Science Fundamentals:
CS50 by Harvard: A highly recommended free course that covers the basics of computer science.
Algorithms and Data Structures: Crucial for problem-solving and efficient coding.
9. Build a Portfolio:
Personal Projects: Showcase your projects on a personal website or a GitHub profile.
Contribute to Open Source: Contributing to open-source projects can improve your skills and increase your visibility in the coding community.
10. Seek Mentorship and Feedback:
Mentorship Programs: Join mentorship programs or coding bootcamps that offer guidance from experienced developers.
Code Reviews: Regularly seek feedback on your code from peers or mentors.
11. Stay Updated:
Tech Blogs and Podcasts: Follow tech blogs like Medium’s programming section, Hacker News, or podcasts like "CodeNewbie" and "Syntax."
Continuous Learning: Technology evolves rapidly. Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies.
12. Get Certified:
Certifications: Consider certifications from platforms like Coursera, edX, or industry-recognized certifications like AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer.
13. Apply for Internships or Entry-Level Positions:
Real-World Experience: Internships or entry-level positions provide practical experience and can be a stepping stone to a full-time career.
Networking: Attend career fairs and use LinkedIn to connect with potential employers.
Inspirational Stories:
Chris Wanstrath: Co-founder of GitHub, who was a self-taught programmer.
Joy Buolamwini: A computer scientist and digital activist who founded the Algorithmic Justice League.
Conclusion:
Learning to code is a journey that requires dedication, practice, and continuous learning. By choosing the right language, leveraging online resources, engaging with communities, and building a portfolio, you can pave the way for a successful coding career. Remember, persistence is key, and every step you take brings you closer to your goal. Happy coding!
Xing Su
Software Engineer
11
Answers
Sunnyvale, California
Updated
Xing’s Answer
Coding can be a lot of fun!
A good place to start is by picking your "first" computer language. Python is a great option because it's relatively easy to learn. There are tons of tutorials available online to help you get started. For example, you could check out https://www.w3schools.com/python/ or search for "Python tutorial" on YouTube – there are so many helpful videos out there!
If you've never coded before, setting up the coding environment can be a bit tricky. If you get stuck, don't be afraid to ask for help from someone around you.
The most important thing is to practice regularly! At first, it's okay to follow tutorials closely, but try to type out the code yourself instead of just copy-pasting. Be curious and try changing the code a little bit to see what happens. It's okay if things don't work perfectly at first – that's all part of the learning process!
Above all, stay curious, have fun, and don't be afraid to experiment!
A good place to start is by picking your "first" computer language. Python is a great option because it's relatively easy to learn. There are tons of tutorials available online to help you get started. For example, you could check out https://www.w3schools.com/python/ or search for "Python tutorial" on YouTube – there are so many helpful videos out there!
If you've never coded before, setting up the coding environment can be a bit tricky. If you get stuck, don't be afraid to ask for help from someone around you.
The most important thing is to practice regularly! At first, it's okay to follow tutorials closely, but try to type out the code yourself instead of just copy-pasting. Be curious and try changing the code a little bit to see what happens. It's okay if things don't work perfectly at first – that's all part of the learning process!
Above all, stay curious, have fun, and don't be afraid to experiment!