PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

As technology becomes more and more accessible, the need for programmers is always increasing. Coding is a skill learned and perfected over time, but everyone has to start somewhere. There are a variety of languages that are perfect for beginners regardless of the field that you're interested in (ex. JavaScript, etc. JavaScript is quite advanced, so start with HTML or CSS). See Step 1 below to learn how.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Learning a Language

PDF download Download Article
  1. Many beginning coders struggle with what language to pick when they first start learning. (Because they don't know where to start with their first code). The actual language that you start learning on doesn't make a big difference when it comes to learning about data structures and logic. These are the skills that matter most, and they can be honed with any language.[1]
    • When picking a language, just focus on what kind of development you want to start with and pick an introductory language from there. For example, if you want to learn web development, start with HTML5, supplemented with CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. If you want to want to do desktop applications, start with C++ or another basic programming language.
    • If you make coding a career, you will find that you may never use the language that you first learned to code. Instead, you will be learning languages as you go through documentation and experimentation.
  2. The internet is a treasure trove of free tutorials, classes, and videos, all tailored towards the language of your choice. You can start getting a basic grasp of just about any introductory language in a day.
    • Popular sites include Bento, CodeAcademy, Code.org, html.net, Khan Academy, Udacity, W3Schools, Code School and many more.
    • There are a variety of language-specific starter guides available right here on wikiHow.
    • You can find how-to guides for almost any programming scenario on YouTube.
    • Stack Exchange is one of the more popular Q&A sites for any programming questions you may have.
    EXPERT TIP
    Archana Ramamoorthy is the Chief Technology Officer, North America at Workday. She is a product ninja, security advocate, and on a quest to enable more inclusion in the tech industry. Archana received her BS from SRM University and MS from Duke University and has been working in product management for over 8 years.
    Archana Ramamoorthy, MS

    Our Expert's Story: "I came to coding with zero background in either computer design or programming. When I wanted to learn to code, I started by reading Java books and using online information. In today's world, there are so many resources available, so it's very easy to learn new skills!"

    Advertisement
  3. Many programming languages allow you to use external text editors when you write your code. Find a text editor that will allow you to see indentations and code markup.
  4. Some programming languages require a compiler to run the code that you create. Compilers translate the code you write into a lower-level language that the machine can process. Many compilers are open-source and free to use. Languages that require compilers include:
  5. Pick a good introductory project that will help you get your feet wet. There are a variety of suggestions and tutorials online, but some places to start are basic websites for HTML, basic database and form functions with PHP, or simple programs with any of the compiler languages.[2]
  6. All programming languages have a comment feature that allows you to enter text that is ignored by the compiler. This allows you to add comments to your code. These comments are crucial, both for letting others know how your code works and for reminding yourself what your code does.[3]
    • You can also use the comment function to quickly remove code from your program for testing purposes. Put comment tags around the code you want to exclude and then remove the comment tags to return the code.
  7. When you're learning as you go, don't be ashamed to look things up and see how others have tackled the same tasks. Take time to understand why the code is doing what it does.
    • See this guide for details on how to view the source code of websites.
  8. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Expanding Your Knowledge

PDF download Download Article
  1. Community colleges, tech schools, and online programs offer certifications and classes that will help you get a job as well as teach you programming. An advanced degree like Computer Science is not always necessary, but it could help to get a full-time programming job.[4]
    • (A lot can be said for having one-on-one time with a teacher or programming expert, something that isn't always available with online sources.)
    • Classes can get expensive, so weigh the benefits. If programming is just a hobby, classes may not be worth the time and money. If you want to turn programming into a career, classes can give you a big boost (but again, it's far from necessary if you have the talent).
  2. Beyond simply learning programming languages, you will benefit a lot from logic and mathematics classes, as these are often required for advanced programming. You don't necessarily need to learn this at school, but classroom settings can help.
    • Programming involving physics calculations and other simulations requires a strong understanding of algorithms and models.
    • Logic is the fundamental basis of programming, so understanding logic and processes will help you problem-solve when you are coding.
    • Knowing advanced math isn't required for most programming, but the knowledge can lead to benefits and optimizations.
  3. Once you've got a good grasp on your initial language, you can start to branch out. Find another language that complements the one you know, or pick a language for a specific job that interests you. Complementary languages, such as HTML and CSS, are often the easiest to learn.
    • Java is one of the most popular languages, and there are often lots of opportunities for Java developers. Java can run on a huge variety of systems and has innumerable applications. Java is used for Android applications, one of the fastest-growing markets.
    • C++ is highly recommended for developing video games. Learning how to code in Unity (a widely used, low-cost game engine) and UDK (the code for the popular Unreal engine) can help open some doors, though they aren't as useful outside of the video game industry.
    • If you want to make iPhone apps, Xcode and Objective-C are going to be your primary tools. You'll also need a Mac since Xcode can only compile on a Mac.
    • Python is a server scripting language that is one of the easier languages to learn. Python is used for web services such as Pinterest and Instagram and is simple enough to learn the basics in just a few days.
  4. Be patient. You will often be faced with challenges while programming, especially when it comes to hunting for bugs or implementing a new idea. You'll have to learn to be satisfied with achieving small results rather than solving a whole puzzle at once. Patience leads to more effective code, which will lead to better-performing programs and happier colleagues.
  5. . If you have multiple people working on a project, you get multiple viewpoints on how to go about it. Working on teams is virtually unavoidable in the business world, so unless you're planning to develop everything independently, be prepared to work with others.[5]
  6. Get a job where you can practice your coding skills. Work as a volunteer designing websites or writing desktop applications. A part-time job with a small company can lead to opportunities to write code for websites or simple applications.
  7. There are countless communities and gatherings of developers that can help support and inspire you. Look up local programming conventions, participate in a hack-a-thon or game jam (timed events with a common theme), and sign up on some programming forums to start expanding your exposure and network.[6]
  8. It is estimated that it takes about 15,000 hours before you can be considered an expert in computer programming. This is years of applied practice. True mastery of programming will come only after you put the time in to practice and become proficient.[7]
    • Try to spend time programming every day, even when you're not working. Programming in your free time can lead to breakthroughs and new ideas.
  9. Advertisement

What Are Your Tips for Someone Who Wants to Learn Computer Programming?


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I make a website after I learn to code?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you can write HTML, CSS, and Javascript, you can write a coded webpage using a code writer and then you can have your website validated and exported onto the web. There are quite a few websites to do this with online, so look around to find the best choice.
  • Question
    Can I use a moble phone to learn how to creat a code?
    Joshua
    Joshua
    Community Answer
    Actually, yes you can. All you will need to make it possible is to have a mobile text editor.
  • Question
    I don't know a lot about coding, but all of my friends do. I get embarrassed. There are no classes to take in my area, what should I do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If all of your friends know how to code, you should ask them to teach you! There's nothing to be embarrassed about, they all had to start somewhere too. If you really want to do it on your own, codecademy.com and code.org are pretty good resources for beginners.
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Learn HTMLLearn HTML
Start Programming in PythonStart Programming in Python
Format Text as Code in Discord2 Simple Ways to Format Text Into Code on Discord
Change Code on Schlage Lock Change 4-Digit User Codes on Schlage Locks
Run a Program from the Command Line on LinuxRun a Program from the Command Line on Linux
Delay a Batch File Delay a Batch File: Timeout, Pause, Ping, Choice & Sleep
Reset Schlage Keypad Lock Without Programming Code Factory Reset a Schlage Lock & Restore the Default Programming Code
Convert from Binary to DecimalConverting Binary to Decimal: Positional Notation & Doubling
Download a GitHub Folder3 Ways to Download GitHub Directories and Repositories
Make an Exe FileMake an Exe File
Write PseudocodeLearn to Write Pseudocode: What It Is and Why You Need It
Convert from Decimal to HexadecimalConvert from Decimal to Hexadecimal: A Quick Guide + Examples
View Source Code View Source Code
Make a Program Using NotepadMake a Program Using Notepad
Advertisement

About This Article

Archana Ramamoorthy, MS
Co-authored by:
Tech Executive
This article was co-authored by Archana Ramamoorthy, MS. Archana Ramamoorthy is the Chief Technology Officer, North America at Workday. She is a product ninja, security advocate, and on a quest to enable more inclusion in the tech industry. Archana received her BS from SRM University and MS from Duke University and has been working in product management for over 8 years. This article has been viewed 504,097 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 69
Updated: December 12, 2024
Views: 504,097
Categories: Programming
Article SummaryX

To code, start by choosing a programming language that you want to learn, like HTML5 or C++, which are basic languages for beginners. Use free resources online, like video tutorials and blogs. Download a text editor like Notepad++, TextWrangler, or JEdit, and a compiler if necessary. In the text editor, start your first project and use online resources and other websites and apps for inspiration. For more experience, try taking an online class, or learning a different language. For tips on completing your first project, read on!

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 504,097 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Ah Zong

    Ah Zong

    Jul 18, 2017

    "I am 14 years old. I always wanted to be a programmer. I searched on Google about programming all by myself and..." more
    Rated this article:
Share your story

Is this article up to date?

Advertisement