Maybe you are someone who is thinking about coding but doesn’t know where to start or you want to make a career change to programming and don’t know where to begin. With so many resources online it’s easy to become overwhelmed and not know where to start.

In this post, we will look at, what is a programming language? 4 tips to help you get started and the 5 best programming languages for beginners

Now let’s dive into what is a programming language

What is a programming language?

A programming language is a computer language programmers use to assign tasks to the computer. It is used to develop software programs, scripts, or other sets of instructions for computers to execute. Although many languages share similarities, each has its own unique syntax.

You can get started with programming by figuring out what you want to do. When answering the question of how to start programming, narrow it down to where do you want to code? And how do you want to code?

Here are a few tips that would help you get started.

1. Why do you want to learn to code?

You need to really sit down and think about it, come up with reasons as to why you want to learn to code. Is it because you want a promotion, a career change or do you want to build the next social media biggest App? Whatever it is, make sure you have a clear understanding as to why you want to learn to code.

This is so important because it will really help the path that you will need to take to learn how to code. For example, if you are learning the basics of coding to get a promotion then your learning path is going to be very different from someone who is learning to code to build the next App on their own. Once you’ve figured out why you want to learn how to code, this leads us to point number 2

2. Figure out the right programming language

This is based on why you want to code, if you want to make a career change look at job postings. Go online and do your research, what are people hiring for? What is the programming language that you keep seeing on repeat where you are located that are in demand? No matter what your reason is, make your research and chose the right coding language and learn the basics of that language. The language you are learning now may not be the same language you may be using maybe in a year time, but getting the basics right would help you make a difference. This leads us to point number 3

3. Start learning

There are lots of resources online that are great for learning how to code. Examples of such are free code camp, Udemy, Youtube etc. while learning a programming language, try to focus on developing skills like how to problem solve, improve your skills at concepts like pattern recognition, algorithm and abstractions. There are also things like loops that are bound to pop up in any language that you use. The better you understand these principles and basics, the easier it would be to master a programming language.

Basics programming concepts include:

4. Create a project

When creating a project, for example like creating an App, make sure it’s a very simple one. It’s best to use basic steps when starting, don’t start with something gigantic or you would get stuck in the process. For example, you can build a to-do App following a tutorial, once you have completed it, try and add on some piece to it that isn’t part of the tutorial, whether it is to delete items on the App or make a second page. You can apply other learnings you’ve had to that. You can create a game, Mobile App or a Web App

5 BEST PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES FOR BEGINNERS

1. JavaScript

JavaScript is a dominant language in web development. Any website that wants to be interactive would need JavaScript. JavaScript allows a website to be more interactive and more user friendly. If you have any interest or career goal in web development then you would need to learn JavaScript. JavaScript is a multi-purpose language. You have the front end which is the client-side code that you can interact with and you also have the backend which a lot of people use Node.js as their backend for JavaScript.

JavaScript was listed as one most popular languages in the stack overflow developers survey. JavaScript is high in demand language, a lot of employers are looking for people who have the skill to build great and interactive websites. JavaScript also has a huge community of people who are interested and passionate about it so it’s going to be easier to learn from other people if you decide to choose this language.

2. Python

Python is extremely readable. When you look at python it reads like pseudocode, everything is very neat, easy and simple. It’s not very difficult to start working on projects if you know python. The great thing about Python is that it’s not only extremely easy to learn but it’s also high in demand in the workforce.

Python is a multi-purpose language, it is used in different aspects of the workforce. One of the most popular reasons for using Python is because it has strong libraries and strong capabilities. A lot of data scientists tend to trend to use it to build models. Python can be used for other things, for example, a backend engineer can use Python’s different libraries to build out backend services. Python is good with data engineering and data ingestion. It can also be used for DevOps and Cybersecurity. Python has a lot of usefulness in the workforce and in the building of different applications.

3. Java

Java is one of the most popular programming languages in the world. Java tends to be very bulky, but I feel it’s a good language to start with because it really helps solidify a lot of fundamentals when you are learning.

Java allows you to understand why things are working the way they are, with Java it’s easy to understand those complex programming concepts because you have to write down every single thing. Because of the popularity of Java, it’s easy to find a lot of online resources.

Just like JavaScript and Python, Java is also a multi-purpose language. Java is used to build desktop applications, it can be used for backend services, it can also be used for Andriod mobile development. Banks use Java for their enterprise applications and a lot of companies use Java

4. Swift

This is a language to develop applications around the Apple ecosystem. So you can use Swift to develop not only mobile Apps but also for desktop applications, iPad applications. Swift is also a multi-purpose language if you are in the Apple ecosystem

5. Sequel (SQL)

This is a programming language that is used to help design and manage data in a database. Any sort of communication you are going to need with a database you are going to have to use SQL for that communication. Any form of application you are going to be building would probably rely on some sort of database. 

Now I’d love to hear from you,

Why have you decided to learn to code? And how do you intend to get started?

Let me know by leaving a comment below right now