So You want to Learn how to Code?

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Everyone wants to be a programmer and design their own web based startups. 1WD is your one stop resource for web design, programming, inspiration and everything else that’s related. So, we thought why not compile a one stop article for those who are beginning to learn coding. Without further ado, let us all learn how to program.

There is quite a bit of information in this article that you may find useful, I highly recommend bookmarking it for later reference.

Why do people want to learn how to program?

This is an interesting development actually, similar to when blogging started becoming popular. There was a chunk of people who wanted to start a blog of their own because it looked like anyone could do it. Similarly, these days there seems to be a rush towards non-programmers wanting to learn how to program.

What Language should I Learn?

There are so many different programming languages that sometimes it’s hard to figure out where to start. This is what I think:

• Start with C.
• Learn python.
• I am a Ruby expert and I can tell you that Ruby is probably the easiest to learn. Learn Ruby to learn programming.
• Go for Java. The world runs on Java!

How should I learn to Program

Programming, like everything else, is easy once you know what you’re do. You just need to start programming to learn how your language of choice works. Once you’ve made some mistakes and had some success it will start to come easier to you.

• Programming is an art and there is no ‘right way’ to learn it - C, C#, C++, Java, Ruby and all other programming languages are tools that will teach you programming. They are just tools. So now, ask yourself how do artists become artists? Well, they just start painting or drawing whatever they are passionate about. At the end of the day the journey makes them the artists. So, start trying and stop thinking.
• Got it, Sir! But, I still need to start somewhere, right? WHERE? - There will be a list of resources at the end of this article that you can use to start learning programming.
• How long will it take me to become a ‘real’ programmer? - This isn’t a question I can answer. If you really want to be an expert then be rest assured that it’ll take at least a decade! If you think you’re going to be the next Mark Zuckerberg remember that Zuk started programming as a child. It even took him a decade to create something like Facebook.
• ENOUGH! Which programming language? Tell me, NOW! - Any, really. I mean it. Write each language you’re interested in on a piece of paper, put them in a hat and start with whatever language you pull out. Trust me when I say that the core of all programming languages is the same. The syntax changes and that can be grasped in a couple of weeks. The most important thing about learning a programming language is to CODE. Don’t just read books and watch video tutorials. CODE the stuff yourself. Don’t copy the program and execute it as explained in those tutorials. Type the codes yourself and then execute them. Make changes in and do your own thing. Make sure that you have started to feel and understand those programs.

Now, how do I pick a project?

Actually, you should have an answer to this question. You have learned programming and now you want to create your own web application. Then why think? Just pick anything and DIY (Do It Yourself). Sound good? Go ahead, create a chess program in your programming language or a calculator. Just code something!

Resources that teach you how to code and learn a language

Enough talking. Let us all get rolling now. Here are some of the best resources that you can use to learn programming:

• W3Schools - This was my go-to website while I was in school. It has been an amazing experience learning programming from W3Schools. They start from the basics, stick to basics and even the complex explanations on the website are pretty easy to understand. In short, it’s a perfect place to start learning programming.
• Try Ruby – Got 15 minutes? Go, give Ruby a chance in those 15 minutes. The on-the-fly editor helps you learn Ruby in no time. At least it will introduce you to Ruby very quickly.
• Code School – This is another one stop website for those who want to learn programming. They are loaded with video based tutorials and on-the-fly coding tools that help you understand programming even when you know nothing about it.
• Try Bloc - Another great member and teacher in the Ruby community.
• Codecademy - Another site that is loaded with amazing and helpful information. It has been appreciated by its users and I know that it is worth it. One of the rare, interactive ways to pickup JavaScript.
• jQuery Air - This tool helps you learn jQuery in the browser itself. This tool will help you learn jQuery in the most practical way. Don’t miss it.
• Hackety - Well, they won’t actually teach you how to hack, but they will teach you how to program.
• TeamTreeHouse - Team Tree House has received praise from around the planet and the Internet community for the amazing work they have been doing. Try them if you are beginning to learn any new programming language.
• PHP Know How – You didn’t think I’d forget about PHP did you? PHP is the language that WordPress relies on to function.
• Lifehacker’s Learn to Code - Lifehacker has compiled an amazing article that teaches you the basics of coding. This article is a great starting point for anyone that wants to learn more about programming.

What  language should I start learning?

Gosh! How many times will I have to tell you this. ANY! Just check out any of the resources listed in this article and start learning how to program. Let me know if you found the resources beneficial.