How To Get Good At Coding [Complete 8 Step Guide]
Hey learners, if you love coding and thinking about starting your coding journey but don't know how to start, then don't worry about it. I will help you to solve all your problems. Maybe some of you already know something about coding and some are already practising coding. Here in this blog, I have covered all the major problems you face while starting coding. And I'll also help you to reach the top 1% in your field, but the first thing that you need to understand is that coding is not a one-day game, it requires a lot of practice and time.
Let’s check out the blog and increase your productivity and know How To Get Good At Coding.
Step 1- Choose The Right Roadmap First
First of all, I want to explain to you that there are different types of coding languages and each type has a different field. So as a beginner, your first step should be to gain knowledge about coding, this way you get a complete roadmap for learning coding.
Some of the most popular languages are Java, Python, JavaScript, Ruby, Swift and SQL. These are the languages you hear most about, but which one to learn? This question cannot be answered until you know which field you are choosing.
Fields like software engineer, software developer, app developer, game developer, information security analyst, computer programmer are popular job opportunities for coders, so you have to first decide which one you are interested in, like if you are more interested in high level languages or logic building seems interesting, then you can become a software engineer or a web developer, where both of these are most needed.
Step 2- Learn The Basic Fundamentals
Once you decide what you are interested in, the next step becomes easy. Knowing the languages which you need to learn is important, then only we can start with their fundamentals. Every language has its fundamentals and after learning them you can start with the advanced version.
The problem I faced while learning was that I didn't clear the basic concepts and jumped into the advanced concepts which resulted in a waste of time. In the beginning, I found everything normal but gradually the concept became broad and basic problems started arising and I could not solve the basic bugs. Therefore follow these fundamental first:
- Syntax: Every programming language has its own syntax, which is the set of rules that defines the combinations of symbols that are considered to be correctly structured programs.
- Data Types: Learn about different data types such as integers, strings, floats, and booleans. Understanding how to work with these data types is very important for manipulating data effectively.
- Control Structures: Familiarise yourself with conditional statements (if/else), loops (for, while), and switch cases. These structures are mostly used for controlling the flow of your program.
- Functions: Functions allow you to encapsulate code into reusable blocks. Learning how to write and use functions will greatly enhance your programming efficiency.
- Basic Data Structures: Understand arrays, lists, dictionaries, and sets. These structures are fundamental for storing and organising data in your programs.
So, instead of moving fast, just take your time to understand the concepts properly and then move to the next level. This will not only help you in your concept building but will also help you transform your coding skills.
Step 3 - Practice Regularly To Become Pro
"Practice makes you perfect" is a famous quote by John Adams that applies to any field. You should always keep practising, coding is not a course, it is a language that can have infinite and discrete computations. This means that being a coder you need to practise as much as you can.
- Daily Coding Challenges: Solve coding challenges that will help you to improve your skills. Start with easier problems and then switch to advanced work according to your mindset and concepts and take challenges which you can solve.
- Do Projects: Apply what you’ve learned by creating real-world projects. It can be a personal website, a simple application, or a small software. The experience which you gain after practising has different values.
- Contribute to Open Source: Engaging in open-source communities can provide real-world experience which help you to learn from other developers. There are multiple platforms where you can make contributions.
Step 4 - Take Benefits From Online Content
There are many ways to learn coding , but the method I like best is online learning. All you need is an internet connection, and everything you need is available online. Whether you're looking for tutorials or practice projects, you can simply search on different platforms. Here are some of the best platforms:
YouTube
YouTube is the most amazing resource for learning coding. It offers a wide range of interactive videos, live problem-solving examples, and clear visuals. You can find many channels that focus on programming for the beginners to advance level.
Some of the best my recommended channels are freeCodeCamp has structured courses on web development, covering topics like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Derek Banas is known for his quick and thorough tutorials on different programming languages. The Net Ninja also provides easy-to-follow, project-based lessons. And many more you can choose according to your understanding
One more tip I want to share with you is using a playlist format which helps you follow a clear learning path, step by step covering all important topics. For example, a Python playlist can take you from the basics to more advanced topics which is a more structured way for learning.
By organising your learning this way, you can easily navigate through the content if you need to go through the old lesson or any of the concepts. For more on improving your study time and managing them easily, you can check out this productive tool called YouTube Playlist Length Calculator. It’s a great way to enhance your coding journey through optimising your content properly!
Websites
Several websites provide structured learning paths, coding exercises, and resources for beginners. Popular platforms include:
- Codecademy: Offers interactive courses in languages like Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS.
- Khan Academy: Provides lessons in computer programming with a focus on JavaScript and SQL.
- Coursera: Partners with universities to offer courses in languages such as Python and Java, often with certificates upon completion.
- edX: Similar to Coursera, it offers courses from institutions like MIT and Harvard in various programming languages.
Forums and Communities
Engaging with forums and communities can greatly enhance your learning experience. Platforms like:
- Stack Overflow: A Q&A site where you can ask coding questions and get answers from experienced developers.
- Reddit: offer advice, resources, and support from fellow learners.
Step - 5 Develops Debugging And Problem-Solving Skill
As a coder you must know about debugging. It is a problem-solving skill that resolves errors in the code and helps to protect the software from bugs. Debugging is one of the most important and sought-after skills. Coders with problem-solving skills have high-paying jobs. Which also helps in good career selection and also helps in building your concept. Follow these tips:
- Study Advanced Topics: You can develop debugging after you have covered all the basics, now get into more advanced concepts, such as frameworks, libraries, and design patterns. For example, if you chose java, you can move further to Django for web development or Pandas for data analysis.
- Feedback: Share your projects online or your mentors to receive valuable feedback. This feedback can help you find where you have to improve and overcome all your errors and weak areas where you need more attention.
Step 6 - Follow Coding Platforms
Technology is always evolving so it is important to know what is important as a coder in the coming years and what are the latest technologies that are important to learn. All this information is important for you as you are a coder because working on the skill that is in demand is more beneficial for you. All you need to do is follow the platforms that always post coding related posts platforms like:
- Twitter: Follow expert developers, tech companies, and programming communities. Look for hashtags like #Coding, #Programming, and #DevCommunity to discover relevant content.
- LinkedIn: Connect with professionals in the tech industry and also excellent coders. Join groups focused on coding and technology to engage in discussions and share information all related to coding.
- Instagram: Follow accounts dedicated to coding tips, tutorials, and industry news. Many developers share small concepts and tips and tricks to solve errors. Some of the creators are @coders.world, @confident_coder, @coding.beast, @theindiandev
- Reddit: Subreddits like r/learnprogramming, r/programming, and r/webdev provide a wealth of information, discussions, and resources shared by the community support. Also you can put comments and also try to reply to someone's problem which will make your concept more clear.
Step 7 - Master One Thing First
Instead of running in all the fields you should follow one language first because coding is a versatile job. Which means learning one language is not enough. You should have knowledge about more languages which makes you an effective coder.
But instead of learning individually most of the people study different languages in the beginning. And in the end everything gets mixed up,therefore keep practising one language first and then moving to the next language. How to master one language first:
- Choose a Language: Pick a language in which you have interest and career opportunities. For example, if you want to develop web development, JavaScript is the best choice for you to start. If you're interested in data analysis, Python is what you have to learn.
- Build Projects: Start working on projects once you start completing the concept one by one. This can be anything from any website to a simple game or app. Building real projects helps you to understand the language more effectively.
- Study Advanced Topics: when you complete the basics, go with the more advanced concepts in that language. This includes learning about frameworks, libraries, or design patterns which will help you to work in your field.
Step 8 - Keep Learning And Updated
Coding is a never-ending learning job so you should always keep learning about new things and strategies coming in the market and keep yourself updated with new technologies. Coding is a professional job which requires a lot of technical knowledge and logic-building ability which will only happen if you keep yourself updated and learn new concepts. The tips to get updated:
- Websites follow the courses that cover new technologies or advanced topics. Websites like Udemy, Codecademy, and freeCodeCamp often have courses on the latest trends. Which will keep you updated.
- Forums and communities These platforms can help you learn quickly and keep you focused on the latest technologies in demand for job opportunities.
- Wattsapp group and social media Join local coding groups or social media platforms online where you can meet other coders. Joining such groups can lead to learning new opportunities, job offers, and collaborations on projects.
Conclusion
As we discussed coding and the tips I have shared will surely help you to be productive. Remember coding is a challenging task but if you have interest and good basic knowledge then it will be fun for you.
Learning is the most important part of coding as you have to keep yourself engaged with the techniques that will help you to understand new strategies for logic building and make your concept more clear. You can continue tracking through the platforms that I have discussed in this blog.
Also improving your skills is the major part of your coding journey. Remember, every expert coder started as a beginner. Be patient, practice regularly, and enjoy the process. With dedication and the right mindset, you can become a skilled coder. Therefore keep learning and practising. I hope you like the blog. These are my tips to make your concept clear to become a good coder. Also if you have any tips then please share.