Skip to main content
5 answers
5
Asked 558 views

best source to learn programming?

best source to learn programming?

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

5

5 answers


0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

James Constantine’s Answer

Hi There Joanna!

Best Source to Learn Programming

When it comes to learning programming, the best source can vary based on individual learning styles, preferences, and specific goals. However, several authoritative resources stand out for their comprehensive content, structured learning paths, and community support. Below is a detailed exploration of some of the best sources to learn programming.

1. Online Learning Platforms

Online learning platforms have become increasingly popular due to their flexibility and variety of courses. Some of the most reputable platforms include:

Coursera: Offers courses from top universities and organizations worldwide. You can find beginner to advanced programming courses in various languages such as Python, Java, C++, and more. The courses often include video lectures, quizzes, and peer-reviewed assignments.

edX: Similar to Coursera, edX provides access to university-level courses across a wide range of subjects including computer science and programming. Many courses are free to audit, with an option to pay for certification.

Udacity: Focuses on tech-related skills with “Nanodegree” programs that are designed in collaboration with industry leaders. These programs provide hands-on projects and mentorship opportunities.

2. Interactive Coding Websites

Interactive coding websites allow learners to practice coding directly in their browsers while receiving instant feedback. Notable examples include:

Codecademy: Offers interactive coding lessons in various programming languages like Python, JavaScript, Ruby, and HTML/CSS. The platform is user-friendly and great for beginners who prefer a hands-on approach.

freeCodeCamp: A nonprofit organization that provides a comprehensive curriculum covering web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React.js, Node.js, and more. It also includes projects that help build a portfolio.

LeetCode: While primarily known for preparing for technical interviews through coding challenges, LeetCode also offers tutorials and discussions that can enhance your problem-solving skills in programming.

3. Books

Books remain a valuable resource for many learners who prefer structured content or deeper theoretical insights into programming concepts:

“Automate the Boring Stuff with Python” by Al Sweigart: This book is excellent for beginners looking to apply Python programming to practical tasks like automating repetitive work.

“Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship” by Robert C. Martin: This book is ideal for those who want to improve their coding practices and write maintainable code.

“You Don’t Know JS (book series)” by Kyle Simpson: A deep dive into JavaScript that helps learners understand the language’s intricacies beyond just syntax.

4. Community Resources

Engaging with communities can significantly enhance your learning experience through networking and support:

Stack Overflow: An essential resource where programmers ask questions and share knowledge about specific coding problems or concepts.

GitHub: Not only a platform for version control but also a place where you can collaborate on open-source projects or explore others’ codebases to learn best practices.

Reddit (subreddits like r/learnprogramming): Provides forums where learners can ask questions, share resources, and connect with other aspiring programmers.

In conclusion, the best source for learning programming will depend on your personal preferences regarding format (video vs text), interactivity (hands-on practice vs theoretical study), and community engagement (forums vs solitary study). Combining multiple resources often yields the best results as it allows you to gain different perspectives on programming concepts while practicing your skills effectively.

Probability the answer is correct: 95%

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:

Coursera

A leading online learning platform offering courses from top universities worldwide across various subjects including computer science.

Codecademy

An interactive platform specifically designed for beginners that teaches coding through hands-on exercises in multiple programming languages.

freeCodeCamp

A nonprofit organization providing free coding education through an extensive curriculum focused on web development technologies along with practical project-based learning opportunities.

God Bless You, Richly!
James Constantine,
The Little Old Aussie Battler.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Alejandro’s Answer

Hi Joanna, great question!

The programming language makes the difference. When choosing the best source to learn programming, it's essential to consider the language you wish to master. Here are some tailored recommendations:

- **Python**: Start with "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python" for practical applications, and explore the Python documentation for in-depth understanding.
- **JavaScript**: "Eloquent JavaScript" is a comprehensive guide, and MDN Web Docs offers extensive resources for web development.
- **C#**: Microsoft's C# Guide provides a solid foundation, while LearnCS.org offers interactive tutorials for hands-on learning.
- **Java**: "Head First Java" is excellent for beginners, and Oracle's Java Tutorials are invaluable for more advanced concepts.
- **Ruby**: "The Well-Grounded Rubyist" is a great starting point, complemented by Ruby's official documentation.

Each language has its unique ecosystem and resources, so choose based on your goals and interests.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Justin’s Answer

Hi Joanna,

Here are some of the best sources to learn programming, ranging from beginner-friendly to more advanced:

1. FreeCodeCamp

• Best for: Beginners to intermediate.
• Features: Offers interactive courses on web development, data visualization, and machine learning, along with certifications.
• Platform: Online; free and self-paced.

2. Codecademy

• Best for: Beginners to advanced.
• Features: Interactive learning with hands-on exercises for many languages (Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, etc.).
• Platform: Online; free courses available, with a Pro plan for more advanced topics and projects.

3. Coursera and edX

• Best for: Structured, academic-style learning.
• Features: Partnered with universities (Stanford, MIT, etc.) to offer courses in Python, Java, C++, and more, often with certifications.
• Platform: Online; many courses are free to audit, with fees for certificates.

4. Khan Academy

• Best for: Beginners, especially younger learners.
• Features: Simple explanations and practice exercises, focusing on fundamentals and beginner-friendly languages like JavaScript.
• Platform: Online; completely free.

5. MIT OpenCourseWare

• Best for: Intermediate to advanced learners.
• Features: Free, self-paced university-level courses from MIT, including Intro to Computer Science (Python) and more advanced computer science topics.
• Platform: Online; free.

6. Udemy

• Best for: Customized learning paths for all levels.
• Features: Huge library of courses, from web development to data science and machine learning.
• Platform: Online; courses often on sale, with lifetime access after purchase.

7. CS50 from Harvard (via edX)

• Best for: Beginners to intermediate.
• Features: Harvard’s introductory computer science course covers core CS concepts in languages like C and Python.
• Platform: Online; free to audit with an optional paid certificate.

8. YouTube Channels

• Examples: Traversy Media, Programming with Mosh, and Academind.
• Best for: Learning specific skills or topics for free.
• Features: Bite-sized videos for quick learning, covering everything from programming basics to advanced frameworks.

9. LeetCode, HackerRank, and Codewars

• Best for: Intermediate to advanced learners, especially those practicing problem-solving for technical interviews.
• Features: Hands-on coding exercises and challenges to improve problem-solving skills.
• Platform: Online; many free features with optional premium plans.

10. Books and Documentation

• Examples: Automate the Boring Stuff with Python for Python beginners, and Eloquent JavaScript for web development.
• Best for: Those who prefer deep-diving into concepts.
• Features: Structured, comprehensive explanations and practical projects.

Each of these has its strengths, so the best source depends on your learning style and goals. A combination of these can also provide a well-rounded approach!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Anthany’s Answer

It heavily depends on your language but I think a good general one that has a variety of tutorials and can teach plenty of skills is w3schools.com! They have different tutorials based on your preferred coding language so just browse and see what you can find!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Caitlyn’s Answer

Hi Joanna,

As others have said, it depends a little on the language. However, when I had to self-teach myself some coding languages, I found the beginner courses in Codecademy to be very helpful as a starting point.

Then when I needed practice at any level, Leetcode was very helpful. It has a lot of sample problems at all levels with solutions. You can choose what language you complete the problem in too.

As a general knowledge source, Stack Overflow is very helpful.
0