How to Teach Yourself Programming: A Comprehensive Guide
Programming can seem like a daunting task, especially if you have no prior experience. However, with the right approach and resources, you can develop your skills and start creating real software programs.
1. Identify the Right Resources
Choosing the right book is crucial. A good programming book should contain exercises, as they are essential for reinforcing your learning. If the book lacks exercises, consider finding another one. The key is to engage with the material and practice writing real programs.
Begin with larger projects. When you can write and run a program containing around 1000 lines, you can consider yourself a competent programmer. However, this should be a 'real' program, not just an artificial increase in lines by unwrapping loops.
2. Explore Additional Learning Options
While a book can be a great starting point, there are other options available:
Attend College or Boot Camp: Formal education can provide a structured learning environment, which may be beneficial for some learners. Consider attending a college or coding boot camp if you prefer a traditional learning approach. Online Courses: Websites like Udemy offer a wide range of courses on various programming languages. These courses often include practical projects and are accessible with a monthly fee. Freecodecamp: This site provides free courses with certifications, starting with the basics. It's an excellent resource for beginners who want to learn at their own pace.3. Build Essential Skills
For a new programmer, learning logic-building is fundamental. This skill doesn't require much technical knowledge and is crucial for building confidence and increasing your learning pace.
Follow these steps to effectively learn:
Read: Go through the book or resource carefully, including all the exercises. Practice: Write real programs. Aim for a program that requires about 1000 lines of code. This will give you a solid foundation in the language and its features. Research: Refer to the documentation and online resources when you encounter problems. Tools like StackOverflow can be invaluable for guidance.4. Set Up Your Development Environment
To start programming, you need the right tools. Here are the essentials:
Programming Environment: This can be a computer with a programming language installed or an online platform where you can write and run code. Tutorial: Look for a beginner-friendly tutorial that guides you through creating simple programs. This could be a course or a series of lessons. Reference Manual: A comprehensive reference manual or documentation that details the language features and syntax.Follow the tutorial and experiment with ideas that the book might not cover. This hands-on approach will help you understand the language better and build more complex programs as you progress.
Conclusion
Learning programming is a rewarding journey. By choosing the right resources, practicing regularly, and following structured learning paths, you can become a proficient programmer. Start with the basics, and gradually build up your skills. The key is consistency and practice.