15 Tips To Start Learning Coding

Hello!

First off, thanks for letting me share these 15 practical tips with you.

They’re all lessons I learned on my coding journey since 1995, and I’m sharing them so I can give back to the community by helping others who are starting to learn coding.

Wondering what’s the best way to start when you’re interested in learning to code? These 15 tips will help you find the right starting path that best fits your needs.

They’ll get you thinking right about finding the best resources and solutions to learn coding in an easier and more efficient way.

Let’s get started! 🚀

Table of Content

TIP #1: LEARN ABOUT CODING

If you’re just starting to learn coding, congrats 😊

Soon, you’ll find out coding is like a real superpower! Once you start learning, you’ll quickly see the endless possibilities of creating cool stuff with code.

But first, you gotta gather some basic info about what coding is all about. Before diving into coding, you should be able to answer these questions:

What’s coding?
What’s web development?
What’s a programming language?
Why are there so many of them?
What happens when you run a computer program?
How does the internet work?
What tools do I need to start learning coding?

Finding answers to these questions will help you understand the basics of computer programming better. This will make learning coding more fun and you’ll see results faster.

The guide will also help you set your goals and give yourself some clear targets. You’ll be able to choose the right programming language to learn.

TIP #2: UNDERSTAND WHY YOU WANT TO LEARN CODING

Once you’ve got a clear idea about what coding is, this next point is super important to consider.

Why are you interested in learning coding?

Being aware of why you want to learn programming and thinking analytically about your reasons is key. I’m not saying you need to spend days or weeks on this. But do take some time to make sure you know what’s driving you.

Once you figure out your “mission,” it’ll be easier to understand the steps you need to take to reach your goal.

Remember,

learning programming is a long haul.

And things might not always go as planned!

Trust me, they really don’t…

So, you need to be able to motivate yourself again and again. You’re gonna need a few months or even years to reach your goals.

But despite the challenges, I promise the journey towards your goal will be awesome.

Let’s take a look at two different scenarios on the next page. These are the main reasons I’ve seen people start learning coding:

REASON #1: I’M IN IT FOR THE MONEY OR WANT TO GET A JOB AS A SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

These days, being a programmer can seriously boost your monthly income. Right now, skilled coders are some of the most sought-after AND highest-paid workers worldwide. With loads of resources online, you can teach yourself coding and open doors to a great life. Plus, with remote work opportunities, you can improve your quality of life, having more freedom.

And the best part: It’s much easier to learn digital skills online nowadays, all the info’s just a click away - you couldn’t pick a better time to start!

REASON #2: JUST CURIOUS, WANNA SEE WHAT I CAN DO WITH CODING

If this is your reason, awesome 😍 Even in tough times, you’ll likely keep going. People tend to enjoy what they’re curious about more. Have fun coding!

Maybe you’re trying to figure out how to automate tasks at work. Or perhaps you’re using a simple mobile app and you’re not quite happy with it. Learning how to program your own mobile app might not be as hard as you think! What sets this reason apart is something called intrinsic motivation. It’s what makes us enjoy what we do and keeps us curious to see what comes next.

Be mindful of your reason. Having a clear idea of what’s driving you to learn coding will help you stick to your learning routine. If you’re not sure about your long-term goals, it’s really easy to give up, and over time, your desire and energy will fade.

In short: Clarifying why you want to learn coding will keep you motivated and make reaching your goal easier.

TIP #3: KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO CREATE WITH CODING

This step is all about figuring out what skills you need to learn to hit your goals. So, before you start picking your first programming language to learn, take a moment to think.

There are tons of possibilities! Lots of different projects can be coded. Start by asking yourself these questions:

Are you interested in building websites?

Or would you prefer creating mobile apps?

How about some data analysis and visualization?

Or maybe developing games or desktop applications?

Focus on just the area you want to develop software in.

Personally, one of my favorite ways to use my coding skills is by pulling data from websites and mobile apps and and analyzing them. 😎 😉 Like everyone says, data is the new oil! But it’s only valuable if you can make sense of it!

You can pull prices from any automobile or real estate listing site and create some statistical data for yourself.

If you do it well enough, you might even write code that helps you make investment decisions. Whether it’s code that does trend analysis or one that automates trading in crypto, you can write it.

Sure, you might be tempted to pick a programming language and quickly jump into it because it’s exciting to learn. But the language you choose can determine what area you’ll progress in.

Programming is the art of problem-solving. When you figure out which problems you want to solve, learning to code becomes much easier. Discover what problems you want to solve.

Later on, when you’re learning a specific topic, you’ll already have an idea of what you’ll need this skill for in the future. This means you’ll be more focused and pay more attention to what you’re learning.

TIP #4: PICK THE RIGHT PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE

When you have a clear goal, the next question is: what do you need to learn to reach it?

Knowing what you want to create is like a problem to solve. And a programming language gives you the tools to solve that problem.

A lot of beginners find this choice tough - I was one of them! It can feel like you’re picking something you’ll be stuck with for the rest of your life. You might feel trapped among many languages, all confused.

But, try not to let this one decision take up most of your time and energy. The key thing is to start learning! If the first language you pick doesn’t seem right, you can always switch to another one.

For instance, if you’re into web development, you’ll learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for front-end development. They determine the look and feel of your websites. You might also use Python, Java, or PHP for back-end development. These languages handle the logic and different functions of a web project.

TIP #5: FOCUS: MASTER YOUR FIRST PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE

When you start learning coding, begin with just one programming language and STICK WITH IT for a while.

Learn that language really well before you start exploring others.

Once you master one language, learning the next one becomes much easier.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t look around. On the contrary, you’ll start getting curious about other programming languages. That’s totally cool and a sign that you’re genuinely interested in programming.

Jot down everything you want to learn in the future, whether it’s another programming language, a workflow tool, or something else. Writing stuff down takes it off your mind, frees up brain space, and lets you focus on what you’re doing right now.

A great tool for focusing is keeping a learning journal. Sounds a bit old-school and maybe boring, but it works. Trust me! Write down your thoughts and move on. Don’t let them distract you! Stay fully concentrated on the language you’re learning.

You’ve got it right?

Depending on why you want to learn coding, you’ll choose the language that fits your goal.

Here are some learning paths I’ve created for you:

Path 1: Building Websites:

Kick off with HTML and CSS to get the basics of web pages down.
Jump into JavaScript to make your sites do cool stuff.
Get your hands on front-end tools like React for fancier pages.
Learn Node.js or Python for the stuff that happens on the server.
Play around with databases like MySQL.
Finally, figure out how to get your site live on the web.

Path 2: Creating Mobile Apps:

Start with Java for Android apps or Swift for iPhone apps.
Learn how to make an app look good and work well.
Get to know how phones use things like location and motion.
Check out Flutter or React Native for apps that work on both Android and iPhone.
Learn the rules for putting your app in app stores.

Path 3: Data Analysis and Visualization:

Start with Python, it’s great for data stuff.
Get good at using data tools like Pandas and NumPy.
Make cool graphs and charts with tools like Matplotlib.
If you’re up for it, dive into machine learning with libraries like scikit-learn.
Don’t forget SQL for handling databases.
Learn about big data with things like Hadoop.

Path 4: Developing Games or Desktop Apps:

Use C# for making games in Unity or Python for simpler desktop apps.
Get to grips with making things move and react in games.
Learn how to make apps that look good and are easy to use.
If you’re into game visuals, learn about graphics and animation.
Understand how desktop apps are structured.
Figure out how to get your app onto people’s computers.

Focus on Your Chosen Area:

Pick the thing you’re most pumped about.
Start with the basic tools and languages for that thing.
Build small projects to practice what you’re learning.
Gradually take on bigger challenges.
Keep up with new tech and updates in your field.
Join online groups or forums where people talk about what you’re learning.

TIP #6: START SMALL AND BE KIND TO YOURSELF

When you begin learning coding, don’t forget to be kind to yourself and set realistic goals for your projects.

Creating cool stuff is exciting and can make you impatient, but you need to calmly learn the basics.

As a beginner, you don’t have to aim for the stars. Just like a fresh engineering grad doesn’t know how to build the world’s tallest building, you don’t need to know how to create the next Google right away.

You don’t have to be the world’s best coder.

So, try to find small motivations for yourself. Start with simple tasks like writing a small program that does just one thing. And celebrate your success!

Then, as you write one program, you get ideas for the next one. This cycle is a learning process fueled only by your curiosity.

Remember the intrinsic motivation I mentioned earlier? That’s exactly what’s happening here. You keep going because you enjoy solving small coding problems.

With every problem you solve, you’re enhancing your programming skills and tools. As you reach small goals one by one, the pieces will start to come together. Then, gradually, you’ll develop a skill set that allows you to tackle larger projects and solve more complex problems with coding.

TIP #7: DON’T BE AFRAID TO MAKE MISTAKES

This can be tough for many of us, but it’s one of the most important tips for succeeding in learning to code.

Our modern society is so focused on efficiency, perfection, and striving for success that many people are terribly afraid to make mistakes, almost on autopilot.

When learning to code, make sure to let your curiosity take the lead. Your CURIOSITY is your strongest asset, trust me on this!

Use your curiosity to open your mind to trying new things and learning by doing. A big part of this is, of course, learning through trial and error.

The person who never makes mistakes is

actually the one who never makes any progress.

So, focus your mind and keep track of your progress. This way, you can always look back at your notes and see how far you’ve come.

TIP #8: UNDERSTAND THE BASICS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

How do you start learning coding?

Start by understanding the basics of Computer Science!

When you learn coding, you’re telling computers what to do for you. To get a better idea of what computers can do, I highly recommend you start by learning the basics of Computer Science right away.

Understanding how computers work “under the hood” will make learning much easier for you. Imagine you’re trying to drive a car but have no idea what happens when you turn the steering wheel. Coding your own programs and running them on a device you don’t fully understand can feel like that.

In the end, when you’re familiar with the basics of Computer Science, you’ll reach your coding goals much faster.

TIP #9: START AN ONLINE CODING COURSE

Alright, now you’ve got a clear goal in mind, picked a programming language to learn, and have some knowledge about how computers work.

The next step is finally starting to learn coding!

Luckily, you won’t have a hard time finding enough resources online to get started. Actually, it’s the opposite: The internet is so packed with coding tutorials, guides, and courses that it’s tough to find the best ones for beginners.

My suggestion is, especially if you’re interested in learning web development, to choose a course that’ll step-by-step teach you a few different programming languages and cover other tools too.

The trick here is to find a course that really does a great job teaching you multiple languages. Many courses out there give you a quick intro to a bunch or a language, but you can find free or paid a lot courses.

TIP #10: ASK FOR HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT

For everyone learning new things, facing tough times is inevitable. All these are part of the learning process and just show that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone.

Luckily, there’s a massive global community ready to pick you up when you fall.

Remember, hundreds of people are struggling with the same questions you might be asking yourself. Most of them will likely be happy to help you.

The whole tech world revolves around constant development. In such an industry, a culture of curiosity and collaboration fuels the amazing advancements we’ve seen in the last few decades.

So, keep being curious, keep asking questions, and head to these discussion forums for support and help when you need it.

For example, check out CodeNewbies on Twitter. It’s a fantastic community of developers, both beginners and experts. Post your question and you’ll get help without wasting time. There are loads of forums, Twitter accounts, and YouTube channels. Just go and check them out.

TIP #11: FIND YOURSELF A MENTOR

You know that feeling when you’re learning something new, but suddenly you’re not sure if you’ve really understood it right. Did you get it correct?

I know that feeling - and it’s really easy to overcome.

Try to find someone who’s been through the same questions and found the answers. This person could be someone you already know, or someone from a coders’ group on Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Sometimes finding a coding mentor can be a bit tough. If you know someone more experienced, don’t hesitate to reach out directly and ask if they could occasionally help you out.

Alternatively, you can find help and support in various discussion forums out there.

And don’t forget to share what you’ve learned later on. When you’re more experienced, you can easily pay back the help you received by helping others. Just drop by your chosen forum from time to time and see if you can answer someone else’s question.

TIP #12: DON’T TRY TO LEARN EVERYTHING

When you start learning coding, all the technical jargon and terminology can seem overwhelming at first glance. I assure you, this feeling is temporary.

Everything you read and learn at the beginning is new. Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to digest it.

Your learning curve in the first days and weeks will be incredibly steep. Keep this in mind for moments when you feel like you’re not making any progress.

Starting with understanding the binary number system or exploring data structures can be daunting and exhausting. When your brain is processing so much new information at once, you tend to lose focus.

That’s when frustration and impatience kick in.

If this sounds familiar, take a break and let your brain rest a bit. Do something totally different for the rest of the day. Go outside, take a walk, and come back to your questions tomorrow.

Moreover, don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s great to understand the basics first.

Handle the rest when you’re ready. If you get too caught up in all the technical terms and let them drag you into their dark labyrinths, you’re just wasting your time. You don’t need to learn everything.

TIP #13: PRACTICE EVERY DAY

Repetition, focus, consistency - that’s the combination behind success!

The key to learning coding and mastering the art of programming is consistent, daily practice of a specific dose.

Your coding sessions don’t have to be at the same time every day. But make sure to work on it a little bit each day. Repeat. This will ensure a smooth transition from your short-term memory to the long-term storage in the back of your mind. Your learning will stick.

I know how hard this can be - we’ve lived and are still living through it…

So, how do I find my motivation on days I don’t feel like writing code?

I just look at how far I’ve come and remind myself of all the great things still to come. Then I open my laptop and do 1 hour of practice. That’s my minimum set time for myself, but your daily time can be completely different. 3 hours, 5 hours, the more you can spare, the better. But consistency is key.

And here’s the good news: Most days, you’ll want to learn for more than 1 hour. If you’re really motivated to learn programming, you probably won’t have any trouble making it a daily routine.

You can do it! 💪

TIP #14: TRACK YOUR LEARNING

Tracking your learning is one of the best tips you’ll hear for learning coding. I always emphasize this in my writings. Monitoring your progress is important.

When you start learning how to code, it’s often hard to tell if you’re making progress and really learning.

Keeping track of your learning will help you stay focused and motivated. You’ll be more mindful about what you’re doing and the new skills you’re acquiring.

Moreover, tracking your progress is really easy and doesn’t require much time or effort. Grab a notebook for a journal, or try a web app like Penzu. Even better: code your own learning diary!

If journal writing isn’t your thing, why not start a blog and share your learning experience with the world? Check out our article on reasons to create your own coding blog.

Whenever you lack motivation or drive to continue, looking back at how far you’ve come is one of the most helpful things you can imagine.

Seeing all those steps you’ve completed towards your goal will be something to lift you back up.

TIP #15: NEVER STOP LEARNING

The tech world is constantly evolving and advancing. It’s an industry where technological developments happen so fast, and sometimes it’s hard to keep up.

We see new technologies, solutions, and tools in computers and programming emerging at an increasing rate.

Therefore, everyone interested in learning coding should be committed to continually improving themselves for the rest of their careers and lives.

Keep working,

Keep learning,

Keep coding!

Remember, you’ll never completely “learn” programming. You’ll never be “done.” There’s always something new and cool just around the corner that will spark your interest and curiosity.

Find new resources, read blogs and discussion forums. Check out online courses and books. You’ll always find something new worth taking a closer look at.

Just enjoy this wonderful experience of learning new things and you’ll definitely succeed!

FINAL THOUGHTS: THANKS FOR READING!

We’ve made it this far, and that’s it for the tips for now! I hope you can make use of some of the coding tips I’ve mentioned.

As I’ve said, most of them are simple to implement and the time you spend on them will pay off quicker than you think, I promise.

Don’t forget that understanding and speaking the language of code is like magic. It’s a superpower.

Coding will help you understand how things around you work. All you need is a bit of curiosity, discipline, and yes, consistency helps a lot!

Anyone can learn to code and it’s never too late to start! So, I hope you have as much fun learning coding as I did!

Good luck on your coding journey!

You can do it!

Orhan Doğan, CTO