In this day and age, coding has become an essential skill worth mastering. Whether you’re looking for a new career or want to create your websites and apps, learning how to code is totally worth giving a shot.
Thanks to the internet, there are many ways you can learn how to code without spending a dime. In this article, we’ll look at some self-taught guides and tips on how to learn how to code for free.
Choose a language
The first step is to choose an in-demand language. Python is an excellent place to start for beginners. It’s relatively easy to learn and there are plenty of online resources to help you get started. In addition, the python programming language is used in many commercial applications.
Software development is highly adaptable and comes in various shapes and sizes. Begin by acquiring a general understanding of what programming and software development entails.
There are dozens of languages to choose from, but don’t allow yourself to get overwhelmed. Just pick one and start learning. Resources abound on the web for all sorts of languages. So dive in without wasting too much time on this and get started.
Find a free course
Once you have chosen your language, it is time to find a course. You can find plenty of courses online, or you can attend a class in your area. There are many courses available for free, but be sure to check the instructor’s credentials before signing up.
Next, make a sequential list of topics/technologies you’ll need to master for your specialization and locate structured learning resources in those areas. Finally, identify the tools you need and learn to order.
There are tons of free courses online, such as those offered at Code Academy or Python For Beginners where you can learn things like Python loops, strings, and comments among others.
Freecodecamp.org is another excellent resource that offers free courses and helps budding developers find jobs. Use it to sharpen your skills, seek help from experienced coders when stuck, and even find entry-level work once you have some sellable skills.
Alternatively, you can try to find an instructor in your area for more personalized guidance and support during the learning process.
Look for free tutorials
Once you have chosen a language, the next step is to find some tutorials. There are plenty of free online tutorials available on YouTube and Facebook groups. Besides, most languages offer tutorials and documentation on their official websites.
While learning, be consistent and persistent. Besides, be sure to set goals and track them at each stage to see if you are making any progress or not. Finally, stay focused and be patient. Remember, as with anything worthwhile, it takes some time to learn how to code, but the result is totally worth it.
Start coding
Once you have gained some skills and gathered confidence, it’s time to start coding. Remember, the best way to learn is by doing, so start coding and see what you can come up with. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck.
There are plenty of online communities where you can find answers to your questions. Finally, never stop learning because there is always more to learn to advance in the field.
There are many free online resources where you can find help if you’re unsure of anything. A good place to start is Stack Overflow, Quora, Reddit communities, and Facebook groups. If you have a question, chances are someone else has had that same question before and asked it on one of those sites already. So be sure to check them out before giving up.
Network
Once you have some experience, it’s time to network. You will still need help and support while learning and working through your projects. Networking is a great way to find collaborators and mentors who can assist and guide you at different stages of your learning process.
Remember that networking doesn’t just mean meeting with other developers. You can also network with people in other fields, such as business or marketing. By building relationships with professionals in other fields, you can better understand how to apply your skills in the real world.
There are many ways to get involved in the programming community. One way is to attend meetups and conferences to meet other developers and exchange ideas. You can also find online communities on platforms like Stack Overflow or Reddit, where you can ask questions and get help from other developers.
Ready to become a coder?
As with anything, learning to code can seem daunting at first. But with the right tools and resources, it can be an enriching experience. By following these simple steps, you will be on your way to becoming a software developer in no time. Good luck!