More often than not, we hear people talk about programming, coding, program development, etc. They make it sound really cool — it’s cool though — and make anybody, who doesn’t know anything about it, feel like__ (programming isn’t the only skill out there, though).
To understand programming, we have to first accept the fact that computers are dumb. Yes, you think they are smart? Nah-dah. Most computers available now are only following instructions. Where do these instructions come from? Those who program them, of course. So that’s where programming comes in.
What is programming? In simple terms, as you might have guessed already, programming has to do with laying down rules for the computer to follow.
In our lives, right now, pretty much everything involves some sort of programming. Our mobile phones are programmed. Programming can be considered at different levels: software, hardware, networking, architecture, etc.
Now, it’s very common for people to confuse programming with programming languages. They are two different things. The languages can be thought of as tools used to write the computer programmes. Programming, itself, has more to do with how one thinks and solves problems. (a reason they say that when you learn one language, it’s easier learning another. Because the concept is similar.)
I know you saw it coming; I’d recommend you start learning programming now, if you haven’t already. A lot of things could become simpler in your life when you start programming.
Now, here’s how I think one can get started with programming:
What is programming? First, research and understand what programming is really about, what it can be used for and why you should have such a skill.
Learn about the types and examples of programming languages.
Research and learn about the different fields programming can be applied in (just anything that has to do with coding. ML/AI, web development, game development, OS development, just to mention a few…)
Figure out which of these fields is interesting to you. Something you will enjoy doing.
Identify the programming languages that are mostly used for the specific field that fascinates you. For example, in ML/AI, python and R are some of the commonly used ones. In web development, JavaScript, Python, CSS, are used together with some HTML.
Now that you’ve chosen your language, it’s up to you to start learning it. Get materials on that language. Get videos. Just anything to help you study it very well.
Tip: Stick to one resource and finish up with it before you move to another. Don’t search for a perfect material before you start learning. There’s no such thing. You can checkout courses on coursera .
Python?
You’ll hear people say that you should start with Python. The reason is simple. The Python language is very easy to understand. Its syntax is simple. As such, it’s a good language for beginners.
But as I said earlier: some languages are better suited for some fields than others are. That’s why I feel everyone should start with a language that is mostly used in a field they are interested in. That should also bring motivation.
It is important to understand that no programming language is easy. None is difficult either. It’s all about the mindset and how determined one is to learn it.
Believe me, its not an easy process learning a programming language. The field of software engineering and anything related to programming is a really frustrating one. So as you start your journey, do not expect a smooth ride throughout.
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I wrote a copy of this article on my medium page and Math plus Tech’s medium page. My other articles are there, also.
I hope this article was helpful. If it was, I’m glad.
Feel free to connect with me on twitter (handle: trevenue44 ) or checkout my youtube channels Math plus Tech and trevenue44.
FTR, this is my first article here 😂😂
// trevenue