How to Learn Coding: A Comprehensive Guide

TLDRLearn coding step-by-step, starting with basic languages like Python and JavaScript, then progressing to building practical projects like websites. Don't try to program before learning coding fundamentals. Participate in hackathons to enhance your skills. Stay motivated and don't be discouraged by the Dunning-Kruger effect.

Key insights

🔑Start learning coding with languages like Python or JavaScript. Python is beginner-friendly and widely used, while JavaScript is versatile for both back-end and front-end web development.

🧰Build practical projects like websites to apply your coding skills. Start with a basic website and gradually add more complex features using frameworks like Django or Flask for Python, and Express.js and React for JavaScript.

🏆Participate in hackathons to challenge yourself and learn from experienced developers. Hackathons expose you to new concepts and technologies, and help you build complete projects within a short timeframe.

💡Don't try to program before learning the fundamentals of coding. Programming requires applying coding skills to solve real-world problems, while coding focuses on writing code to solve math problems.

🔒Don't get discouraged by the Dunning-Kruger effect, which makes you feel inadequate as you learn more. Stay motivated, keep learning, and remember that everyone goes through this process of self-doubt and growth.

Q&A

Which programming language should I start with?

It is recommended to start with beginner-friendly languages like Python or JavaScript. Python is widely used and has a simpler syntax, while JavaScript is versatile for both back-end and front-end web development.

What kind of projects should I build as a beginner?

As a beginner, start with basic projects like a personal website or a simple web application. Gradually add more complex features and functionalities using frameworks like Django or Flask for Python, and Express.js and React for JavaScript.

How can I enhance my coding skills?

Participating in hackathons is a great way to enhance your coding skills. Hackathons allow you to collaborate with other developers, learn new concepts and technologies, and build complete projects within a short timeframe.

What's the difference between coding and programming?

Coding refers to writing code to solve math problems, while programming involves applying coding skills to solve real-world problems. Coding is the foundation for programming.

Why do I feel inadequate while learning to code?

Feeling inadequate while learning to code is a common experience known as the Dunning-Kruger effect. It's important to stay motivated, keep learning, and remember that everyone goes through this process of self-doubt and growth.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Start learning coding with beginner-friendly languages like Python or JavaScript.

02:30Build practical projects like websites to apply your coding skills.

05:30Participate in hackathons to challenge yourself and learn from experienced developers.

07:30Don't try to program before learning the fundamentals of coding.

08:30Don't get discouraged by the Dunning-Kruger effect, which makes you feel inadequate as you learn more.