Learning Programming in 2021
Coding in today’s world is a highly marketable and in-demand skill! It is no secret that computing has been on the rise ever since computer were introduced. With the adaptation of smart phones, internet and online memes, our world has truly never been the same! Even as we approach the computer uprising, computing has changed the way we do business. That’s why it’s a great idea to learn programming in today’s market!
While there are a number of ways to get started, it is quite frustrating figuring out what plan is best for you. You hear a lot about what language you should learn first, how to set up your first development environment, what operating system, bleh bleh bleh. It gets very confusing, very quickly and could turn off new programmers from even trying.
In this article, we’ll go over the best ways to get started programming so hopefully your start into programming is less painful!
How I Started to Learn Programming
The Very Beginning of My Programming Career
I first began when I was 14 years old with HTML/CSS/JavaScript. With this set of languages, you can make a very basic website from the 2000’s! For me at the time, I was quite impressed with this and made dozen of these poorly designed websites. When I needed to do something fancy, I would just look it up. What a time to be alive!
However, I was frustrated with the lack of functionality with this setup. I wanted to make games (who doesn’t), but it just wasn’t working out. I thought HTML would be the end-all be-all language. I knew I needed to learn more about computers and different languages if I wanted to become a hackerman.
My First Exposure to a Real Programming Language
While I expect at least one comment saying how HTML is the best language ever, it takes forever to learn how to “professionally use it” at that level. For those who would be “less inclined” to learn hacking with HTML, a language like Python is more suiting. Python offers a wide range of functionality for us mere mortals and makes the transition to computer programming much more intuitive.
I first learned about Python programming from my Intro to Computers class at SPC. There was a brief section on programming, and I instantly fell in love! Using an online IDE (integrated-development environment), I was able to make the BEST text-based, dungeon crawler ever! At this stage, I knew that this field was for me. With my basic knowledge of computers, I took off to the University of Central Florida for my Bachelor’s in Computer Science.
My Experience Learning From a University
Full disclosure, I’m a huge fan of UCF! I had an amazing time learning CS and making connections there. I’m more extroverted and got into as much activities as I could during my time. Hence, why I’m doing a round two. Going to a large university has many pros and cons depending on your personal situation, but it worked very well for me. But with that being said, one undeniable advantage is the close network of alumni and corporations that are constantly looking for new recruits. Plus, you get to hang out with Knightro!
I picked up my journey learning C. C is like Python, but 10x more difficult to work and it’s almost 50 years old… the best start for any programmer! It is very easy to hate on C, and I did, but sticking it through the program at UCF helped me grow an appreciation for the language. Even if I forgot to clean up my memory usage and started a small fire at my workstation.
But as I continued with Python and picked up other languages like Java, I started to see why C was the first language in the curriculum. In comparison to all other modern languages, C is probably one of the most difficult languages to work with. But with that, you have so much more control with C than any other language out there. If you can learn C, you can learn the rest of em!
Should I Go to a University or Coding Bootcamp
TL;DR it depends.
If you feel that passion and know exactly what you are going to do, then definitely! You already have the motivation and determination to finish the job, and the time and monetary investment in education will be well worth it.
Now if this isn’t you, do not worry! I would have never imagined myself doing any of this 5 years ago, but I am grateful that I have the opportunity to do so. If it weren’t for my exposure to programming at SPC, I don’t know if I would look at programming the same way I do today. I got access to that program through a high-school dual-enrollment status, and probably wouldn’t have taken it if I didn’t need to.
But whether you are trying to make apps or be the “one guy” that does all the computer stuff, having some starting point is very handy.
Get the Inspiration to Finish Your Education
Bottom line, if you are going to be successful in computer science (or anything really), you should want to do it! Forcing yourself to go through the program because it will make you a lot of money will be more of a chore than something you will be happy doing for the rest of your life.
Whether it’s learning how to hack, making video games or seeing your apps published online having that vision will drive you to finish your goal. Otherwise, you may forget where you are and lose focus of what you are trying to accompolish.
Get Started on the Right Path
There are a hundred jillion-million ways to get started. There are so many programs out there that can get you on the right foot. Having someone to guide you is quintessential for learning what you need to in a timely manner. Regardless of what program you choose, having a strong support system will get you very far!
Additionally, getting started on your journey might also change your initial thoughts of programming. You might really love it, or you might really hate it. If you are hesitant about dropping a large chunk of cash and time on a program you might not enjoy, programs like ours are something I would recommend. This way, it’s less of an oof if you decide this isn’t right for you.
If you really love programming after your first bite (who wouldn’t?), you’ll want to be sure that the foundation you have will transfer with you wherever you go. Learning all about HTML/CSS/JavaScript like I did will limit you to web-based designs UNTIL you learn another language. That being said, if you don’t want to do web-development, you should probably learn another language.
Staying on the Right Path
As you level up, you will be more prepared to take on more challenging projects and even apply for programming career options! As you pursue your dreams with programming, it is important to always remember where you started.
It is easy to get overwhelmed with all the possibilities out there with programming, but remembering why you started will help give you a reference point whenever you face difficult decisions in the field. Whether it’s a moral dilemma or deciding what flavor of Linux to use, combining your previous vision with where you are now will guide you.
Putting It All Together
If you have the slightest interest in learning how to program, you should try it out! From my experience, it is a very rewarding field and will give bug squashing a new meaning for you. If you do decide to try it out, you owe it to yourself to have the best first experience possible. Do your research when looking at entry-level programming courses and set a goal for yourself.
If you are looking to get started, contact us, and we can help you get started! Whether you choose our program or not, we’d love to see you try out programming <3
Closing Thoughts
Whether you are changing careers, starting out fresh or want to do this as a hobby, getting a plan of action and a quality support system will help you learn how to program effectively.
Founder and CEO of R U Coding Me LLC. Jacob obtained his Bachelor’s of Computer Science at the University of Central Florida. He likes to go to the gym and teach people about technology.
