Diving into programming and computer science with virtually no experience can feel both exciting and overwhelming. As someone who started coding in middle school with virtually no clue what she was doing, I definitely understand the initial nervousness and confusion. However, with the right guidance, motivation, and (a not-so-little amount of) patience, venturing into the vast world of computer science can lead to an incredibly rewarding journey, opening doors to endless possibilities!
Here are my top five tips for beginner programmers starting their programming journey!
1. Embrace the Basics
Learning how to code is a marathon, not a sprint, and the foundation of any programming language lies in understanding the basics. Once you’ve picked a specific language to delve into (I highly recommend starting with Python), start with simple concepts and focus on becoming particularly familiar with those. These could include variables, loops, data types, etc! No matter the basic concepts you choose to learn, mastering these will make learning advanced topics much easier. Remember, every expert was once a beginner who took the time to understand the basics.
2. Practice Makes Perfect
Programming is also a skill that improves with practice. Setting aside dedicated time each day or week to code can allow you to make consistent progress and gradually improve your skills! Whether you spend two hours coding every day or twenty minutes a week, small, consistent efforts will lead to significant progress over time. In order to apply what you’ve learned, you can also try solving coding challenges or building small projects each week!
3. Seek Help and Community
Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you’re stuck! By joining online forums (ex: Reddit, Stack Overflow, etc.), coding communities, or local coding groups/clubs, this allows you to engage with a community of individuals who can provide support, feedback, and even motivation! Helen Keller sums this tip up best when she states, 'Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.'"
4. Build Multiple Side Projects!
Creating side projects is one of the best ways to apply your programming knowledge no matter your experience level! Even small, manageable projects that interest you can help reinforce what you’ve learned and provide a sense of accomplishment. Plus, this is a great way to showcase your skills to others.
5. Stay Curious! (Continuous Learning)
The world of tech is constantly changing and evolving, with new advancements continually surfacing. This makes it especially important to stay curious and keep learning. By exploring new languages, techniques, frameworks, and tools, you’re one step closer to becoming a more versatile and knowledgeable programmer!
In conclusion, while starting your programming journey with no experience can seem incredibly daunting to say the least, by embracing challenges, staying committed to learning, and seeking help when needed, you can set a strong foundation as you venture into the world of CS!
(Plus, if you're looking for a comprehensive, offline guide to Python programming, check out my book, Coding Unplugged: An Offline Guide to Python Programming. It's perfect for curious middle and high school students, covering essential Python topics like variables, data types, functions, algorithms, control structures, and more through engaging explanations and graphics! Additionally, all proceeds go towards providing students at CTRL Code with more technology and educational materials.)
Keep Coding,
Mary Adegbesan
Komentāri