- Which language should I learn?
- Which development tools should I use?
- What are some basic coding concepts I should know?
- Learn Python 3 from Codecademy
- Interactive Python tutorial from LearnPython.org
- Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) from Coursera and the University of Michigan
- Learn JavaScript from Codecademy
- JavaScript First Steps from Mozilla Developer Network
- JavaScript Programming video course from freeCodeCamp
- Learn Ruby from Codecademy
- The Definitive Ruby Tutorial for Complete Beginners from RubyGuides
- Full Stack Ruby on Rails from The Odin Project
- Integers: Whole numbers, such as
-123,42,5000. - Floating-point numbers: Decimals with varying degrees of precision (also known as floats), such as
-0.0001,3.14,99.9 - Strings: Sequences of characters usually denoted through single or double quotation marks, like '
hello world' and '3.14 is an approximate value of pi'. - Booleans: These hold the value of either
trueorfalse. - Arrays: These store an ordered collection of data types, such as a list of integers or strings. For many languages, the collection can be a mix of different data types. Arrays are usually represented by square brackets
[]. For example,['alice', 'bob', 'charlie']is an array with three elements, all strings. - Hashes: Sometimes referred to as associative arrays, these store a collection of pairs—a unique key and the associated value. Hashes are usually represented by curly brackets
{}. For example,{ 'alice': 30, 'bob': 42, 'charlie': 26 }is a hash with three keys, each associated with an integer value. forloops iterate over a sequence of values.whileloops execute repeatedly as long as a certain condition is true.- Focus on the basics. Begin by learning the fundamental concepts of programming. Learn one concept at a time, then add on other concepts as your comfort and confidence grow.
- Practice regularly. Consistency is key when learning a new skill. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to practice coding and work on small projects to apply your knowledge.
- Get your hands dirty. If you take an online coding course, don’t just let it play in the background. Your mastery of coding concepts and skills will come much faster if you write code while going through a course.
- Divide problems into smaller tasks. When faced with a complex problem, divide into more manageable tasks. This will make it easier to understand and solve the problem.
- Learn from others. When you’re stuck (or curious), don't hesitate to seek help from online forums, documentation, or peers. Learning from others is an essential part of the coding journey.
- Embrace mistakes. Making mistakes is a natural part of any learning process, and that includes learning to code. The more you mistakes you make, the more you learn.
-
Twilio - Nathalia Velez Ryan
- Kelley Robinson
- Ayanna Julien
By Twilio 2023-04-26
Learning how to code can be challenging, and getting started may seem overwhelming.
But Twilio is here to help. We’ve put together this guide to get you started on the right foot.
We’ll take you step-by-step from where to begin, through the essential tools for coding, to a few foundational programming concepts. By the end of this article, we hope you feel confident starting your coding journey.
Where do I begin learning how to code?
The key to learning to code is taking the process step-by-step. In this post, we’ll look at:
Before you jump in, however, we recommend thinking through your goals. Do you want to acquire new skills for your current job? Are you looking to start a career in software development? Or are you curious and want to pick up a new hobby? A clear understanding of your purpose and goals for learning to code will help inform the approach as you move through this guide.
There are many resources available to help you learn how to code for free or at an accessible price—online tutorials, coding boot camps, and even textbooks. Online learning platforms are an excellent place to start. Examples include:
These platforms offer interactive courses that guide you through the basics of programming and allow you to practice what you learn in real time.
Let’s start with languages and which one is right for you.
Which coding language should I learn?
With so many options out there, choosing a language can seem daunting. The good news is many of the concepts of coding are the same from language to language. So don’t stress too much over your choice. Let’s walk through some of the modern, popular languages that would all be appropriate starting points, plus the pros and cons of starting with each.
The most accessible type of coding language for a beginner to learn is an interpreted language, sometimes referred to as a scripting language. Scripting languages can be run immediately without the need for additional tools to package them up and make them executable. Interpreted languages like Python, JavaScript, and Ruby are a good start for those new to coding, so let’s take a closer look at them.
Python
Python has a clean syntax that’s straightforward to read and write. It’s also a versatile language used across many domains, including web development, data analysis, AI, and machine learning. Thanks to this versatility, beginners can apply their Python skills in various domains as their interests evolve. Many Python developers also use frameworks like Flask to help them in their development.
Here are a few resources for learning Python:
JavaScript
JavaScript is the primary language for web development, making it an essential skill for aspiring web developers. Starting as a client-side (or browser) scripting language, it evolved to form the basis for Node.js. Node.js is a runtime environment for building full-fledged web applications using frameworks like Express, React, Vue.js, and more.
Here are a few resources for learning JavaScript:
Ruby
Ruby has an elegant and human-readable syntax, and web developers use it widely, particularly with the Ruby on Rails framework. This framework provides a solid foundation for building web applications and helps beginners get up to speed quickly.
Here are a few resources for learning Ruby:
These three programming languages have a reputation for readability and accessibility for beginners and enjoy broad and supportive developer communities. Plus, these languages have rich ecosystems of libraries and tools to help new developers.
Which development tools should I use?
Once you’ve selected a language and are ready to get started, you’ll need some tools to do your job. As you begin coding, you’ll write your code in a text editor and likely test it within a web browser. So you’ll need to install a good text editor (such as VS Code, Sublime Text, or Atom) and have access to a web browser.
Most web browsers have a developer tools feature (like Chrome and Safari) with a JavaScript console and detailed network request activity. These will be helpful once you begin coding and testing.
In addition to a text editor and a web browser, we recommend the following tools.
Terminal window or command line interface
A terminal window or command line interface (CLI) allows you to interact with your computer's operating system using text commands. If you’ve never coded before, you might only be familiar with your desktop interface with its windows and double-clickable icons. Once you enter the world of coding, you’ll find yourself typing in a terminal window instead.
The CLI is an essential tool for running scripts, managing files, and working with your version control system.
Version control system
A version control system (VCS) allows you to track changes in your code, helping you follow the evolution of your code and see where you may have introduced issues (also known as bugs). A VCS helps prevent the loss of work by maintaining a history of changes and lets developers revert to previous versions of their code if needed.
Using a VCS also encourages collaboration, as multiple coders can work on the same project. Coders can save changes to their files and push those changes to a central location to share with the rest of the team. Two coders can even make changes to the same file, and a VCS will sort out and merge any conflicts between the edits. This approach allows beginners to collaborate with others on projects and learn from their peers.
Git is the most widely used VCS. GitHub and GitLab are popular platforms for hosting your Git repositories online.
Integrated development environment
An integrated development environment (IDE) is something many programmers spend their entire day working inside. It's an application that provides a full-fledged environment for writing, editing, testing, and debugging code. As a coding toolbox filled with helpful features, an IDE can help smooth the initial development process for beginners. IDEs offer code completion, syntax highlighting, and error detection, helping new programmers write and understand code.
Some IDEs even include built-in tools for version control and code refactoring. This helps beginners manage their projects and improve their code more efficiently.
Examples of popular IDEs include Visual Studio and PyCharm. Choose an IDE that supports the programming language you’re learning.
Now that we’ve covered some of the essential tools for coding beginners, let’s wrap up our guide with some helpful pointers for aspiring coders.
What are the basic coding concepts I should know?
No matter the language you choose, you’ll encounter several foundational coding concepts. It’s vital to understand these as you’ll run into them daily. Let’s introduce them briefly.
Data types
Data types represent the different kinds of data a programming language can handle. Common data types include:
Variables
Variables are placeholders for data values that coders use to store and manipulate data through the execution of a program. For example, let’s say we have a variable called subtotal, and it represents a number. We might assign it a value of 60.
subtotal = 60Then, we might have another variable called tip, which is 15% of the subtotal.
tip = 0.15 * subtotalFinally, we have a third variable called total, and we assign its value to be the sum of subtotal and tip.
total = subtotal + tipCoders can use variables to manipulate data values and make computations. In our above example, tip and total are always calculated the same way, but the resulting value depends on the value of subtotal. By changing just the value for subtotal (for example, to 100), we would change the computed values of tip and total too.
In some programming languages (such as C++ or Java), you must declare the data type of a variable before using it, and you can’t change that data type afterward. In others (such as JavaScript or Python), you don’t need to declare a variable’s data type at first use, and you can change it whenever you want. The latter approach is more flexible for beginners.
Functions
Functions are reusable blocks of code that perform a specific task. Functions can accept inputs (called parameters or arguments) and typically return a result. For example, the following JavaScript function takes 2 numbers as arguments, then returns the sum:
function sum(a, b) { return (a + b)}If we call this function within a JavaScript console, it looks like this:
-> sum(5, 7)12Functions help make code more modular, maintainable, and readable.
Conditional statements
Conditional statements allow your code to take different paths based on specific conditions, using logical expressions to determine which subsequent block of code to execute.
In many programming languages, you begin conditional statements with an if condition, followed by a block of code to execute if that condition is met. Then, you may use an else if condition, followed by another block of code. This section basically says, “If that first condition wasn’t met, but this one is, then do this instead.” Finally, you may use the keyword else, followed by another block of code. This last section says, “Since none of the above conditions were met, do this as a last resort.”
In JavaScript, an example of a conditional statement (which also uses variables) looks like this:
a = 42;b = 100;If (a > b) { print_message("a is greater than b");} else if (b > a) { print_message("b is greater than a");} else { print_message("a and b are equal");}Loops
Developers use loops to execute a block of code repeatedly until a specific condition is met. Common types of loops include:
An example of a while loop in JavaScript looks like this:
i = 1while (i < 5) do console.log(i) i = i + 1endWhen the above code is executed, the result is:
1234Learn how to code with Twilio
Taken step-by-step, you’ll be coding confidently in no time. Keep the following in mind as you begin your journey:
Ready to begin learning how to code? Twilio Education can kick-start your journey with practical developer training for students, educators, and professionals. Get started today with a free on-demand course or live event.
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FAQs
Learn How to Code: A Beginner's Guide | Twilio? ›
Most coders agree that it takes three to six months to be comfortable with the basics of coding. But you can learn coding faster or slower depending on your preferred pace.
What is the easiest code to learn first? ›- HTML and CSS. HTML, which stands for HyperText Markup Language, is one of the most common programming languages for beginners, as it's often seen as the most straightforward programming language to learn. ...
- JavaScript. ...
- Python. ...
- C, C++, and C# ...
- Java.
Most coders agree that it takes three to six months to be comfortable with the basics of coding. But you can learn coding faster or slower depending on your preferred pace.
Do coders make good money? ›The national average salary for a computer programmer or coder is $73,473 per year . However, once you specialize in a certain area of coding , you have the potential to earn a higher wage. Salary expectations differ based on your job location and years of experience.
Does coding require math? ›While some fields of programming require you to have extensive knowledge of mathematics (such as game development and machine learning), you don't need advanced math skills for most coding jobs.
What is the hardest code to learn? ›Malbolge. This language is so hard that it has to be set aside in its own paragraph. Malbolge is by far the hardest programming language to learn, which can be seen from the fact that it took no less than two years to finish writing the first Malbolge code.
Should I learn Java or Python? ›If you're just beginning to learn how to code, you might want to start by learning Python because many people learn it faster. It's simple and more concise, while Java has more lines of complex code.
Which coding language is most in demand? ›JavaScript and Python, two of the most popular languages in the startup industry, are in high demand. Most startups use Python-based backend frameworks such as Django (Python), Flask (Python), and NodeJS (JavaScript). These languages are also considered to be the best programming languages to learn for beginners.
Is 30 too late to learn coding? ›Coding is a skill that can be learned at any age. Many people who learn to code later in life go on to have successful tech careers.
Can I learn to code with no experience? ›Can I learn to code with no experience? While it's not easy, anyone can learn to code without prior experience. Coding is a lot like solving puzzles—if you enjoy that kind of problem-solving, then you will likely enjoy learning to code. If you're new to computer tech, try taking an online course.
Is it normal to be bad at coding at first? ›
Learning to code can be challenging. Not only do you have to learn syntax, but there are so many new concepts to learn as well, and many of them don't relate to anything else you've studied in the past. Struggling to learn code is completely normal and expected.
What are the 4 types of coding? ›While the names of the coding paradigms sometimes vary, most experts agree on four primary types of code: imperative, functional, logical, and object-oriented. Alternative names and other primary types may include procedural, scripting, and database programming.
Which website is best for learning coding? ›- BitDegree. ...
- Udemy. ...
- Sololearn. ...
- Coursera. ...
- Khan Academy. ...
- edX. ...
- GeeksforGeeks. ...
- MIT OpenCourseWare.
Python is one of the most chosen programming languages to learn first for its wide use and simplicity. Moreover, it is a great stepping stone to learning more complex programming languages and frameworks!
Is it too late to learn coding at 40? ›Let's get this out of the way: no, you are not too old to program. There isn't an age limit on learning to code, and there never was. But all too often, insecurity and uncertainty compel older adults to put a ceiling on their achievement potential.
Do coders usually work from home? ›Another benefit of a career in programming or development is that it offers a good deal of flexibility. Many programmers and developers can work remotely, and often, they can set their hours.
Who is the highest paid coder? ›According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer and information systems managers are the highest-paid coding professionals, recording a median salary of $151,150 in 2020, In addition, this career is projected to see 10 percent employment growth by 2029.
What is the difference between programming and coding? ›Coding is a part of programming that deals with writing codes that a machine can understand. Programming is a process that creates programs that involve the ratification of codes. Coding requires basic knowledge of programming skills without any software tools.
Can you become a coder without a degree? ›Can you get a programming job without a degree? Yes, you can. If you are more interested in beginning a career in tech quickly, then you don't necessarily need a degree in coding. Coding bootcamps can get you the skills you need, in a much more affordable and time efficient way, to start your career in coding.
Can I learn to code on my own? ›When teaching yourself to code, you learn on your own schedule using free or paid online / offline resources. But in order to be successful on this self learning route and jump from beginner developer to junior developer quickly, you will need to incorporate some of the magic of bootcamps into your self taught journey.
What is the hardest code to break? ›
- Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes & the Dancing Men Cipher. ...
- China's Yuan Dynasty Coin Inscriptions. ...
- Australia's Somerton Man. ...
- The MIT Cryptographic 'Time-Lock' Puzzle - LCS35. ...
- Dorabella Cipher. ...
- The Voynich Manuscript.
Malbolge. Malbolge (named after the 8th circle of Hell) was designed to be the most difficult and esoteric programming language. Among other features, code is self-modifying by design and the effect of an instruction depends on its address in memory.
What is the most simple code? ›- Python. Python is a high-level programming language that's more for general purposes. ...
- C. One of the longest-standing programming languages, C is a general-purpose language that's very popular and flexible in its use. ...
- Ruby. ...
- Java. ...
- JavaScript.
2. Python vs Java Developer Salary Comparison. As per the 2021 Stack Overflow Survey, professional Java developers earn $51,888/year globally, whereas dedicated Python developers earn $59,454k/year globally.
How many days required to learn Python? ›In general, it takes around two to six months to learn the fundamentals of Python. But you can learn enough to write your first short program in a matter of minutes. Developing mastery of Python's vast array of libraries can take months or years.
Will learning Python get me a job? ›Yes, getting a job in Python development is a good career move. Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world. According to Statista, in 2021, Python was the third most popular language in the world, behind JavaScript and HTML/CSS.
How long does it take to learn Python to get a job? ›If you're looking for a general answer, here it is: If you just want to learn the Python basics, it may only take a few weeks. However, if you're pursuing a data science career from the beginning, you can expect it to take four to twelve months to learn enough advanced Python to be job-ready.
Which coding language has highest salary? ›- Clojure. Salary: $106,644. Clojure, according to StackOverflow, is the highest-paying programming language. ...
- Erlang. Salary: $103,000. At number two we have Erlang. ...
- F# Salary: $95,526. ...
- LISP. Salary: $95,000. ...
- Ruby. Salary: $93,000. ...
- Elixir. Salary: $92,959. ...
- Scala. Salary: $92,780.
Now coming to the point of “Will you be able to get the job”. For sure yes , if you have the desired skills and knowledge . No one will ever care about the age , there are plenty of jobs available in the field of python . Beside this you can also go for freelancing as an option.
What skills do I need for coding? ›- Proficiency with programming languages. ...
- Learning concepts and applying them to other problems. ...
- Mathematical skills. ...
- Problem-solving capability. ...
- Communication skills. ...
- Writing skills. ...
- Inquisitiveness. ...
- Self-motivation.
Can a non technical person learn coding? ›
Coding has become a must-have skill even for people with non-technical backgrounds — including those in marketing, business development, finance, and sales — whether it's for career advancement, personal growth, or improving digital literacy. Here's all about what coding is and how you can learn it.
What to do if you don't know coding? ›- Designer. ...
- UX and UI Specialists. ...
- Business Analyst. ...
- Project or Program Manager. ...
- Technical Writing. ...
- System Administrator. ...
- Marketing and Sales. ...
- Tech Journalism/Tech Blogging.
Missing semicolons, extra brackets, misspelt instructions, and misplaced capitals are all examples of a syntax coding error. Syntax errors are among the easiest to find and fix. This is because your compiler will often give you the location of the error.
Why do most people fail to code? ›More than anything else, it requires a massive shift in mindset. Many people expect themselves to become expert coders after completing online courses. When they feel stuck, they give up on the problem too quickly, and feel like they just aren't smart or prepared enough to learn programming.
What are the mistakes every beginner programmer makes? ›- Learning Multiple Programming Languages at Once or in a Short Span of Time. ...
- Not Practising Enough Problems. ...
- Using Multiple Resources or Jumping Courses. ...
- Make Friends Who Have Similar Interests and Goals. ...
- Sticking to a Single Goal. ...
- Having Only Long-term Goals.
- sequence is the order in which instructions occur and are processed.
- selection determines which path a program takes when it is running.
- iteration is the repeated execution of a section of code when a program is running.
Python is often used as a support language for software developers, for build control and management, testing, and in many other ways. SCons for build control. Buildbot and Apache Gump for automated continuous compilation and testing. Roundup or Trac for bug tracking and project management.
What is C++ used for? ›C++ is used in developing browsers, operating systems, and applications, as well as in-game programming, software engineering, data structures, etc.
Are there free coding classes online? ›freeCodeCamp is a free, online, self-paced coding bootcamp. There are many paths you can choose: web development, quality assurance, machine learning, information security, and more. If you're unsure where to start, best to begin with the first certification in responsive web design.
Does codecademy get you a job? ›Can Codecademy get you a job? Codecademy's career paths and courses can help you learn how to become a better programmer, but there's no guarantee that you'll easily find a job after completing a course.
What is the easiest coding website? ›
- Codecademy. Codecademy is an educational website with interactive coding tutorials. ...
- Khan Academy. Khan Academy is a non-profit that provides outstanding beginner-friendly coding skills and resources for free. ...
- Coursera. ...
- Udemy. ...
- Code.org. ...
- freeCodeCamp. ...
- The Odin Project. ...
- edX.
Most coders agree that it takes three to six months to be comfortable with the basics of coding. But you can learn coding faster or slower depending on your preferred pace.
What programming language did Bill Gates develop? ›| The title page of the assembly language code that produced Altair BASIC | |
|---|---|
| Original author(s) | Micro-Soft |
| Developer(s) | Bill Gates Paul Allen Monte Davidoff |
| Initial release | 2.0 (4K and 8K editions) July 1, 1975 |
| Stable release | 5.0 / 14 July 1978 |
- Step 1: Understand How a Computer Works. Before you learn any programming language, get familiar with a computer. ...
- Step 2: Learn Your First Programming Language. ...
- Step 3: Follow a Programming Roadmap. ...
- Step 4: Explore Advanced Topics. ...
- Step 5: Practice. ...
- Step 6: Beware of Frustration.
No, coding is not hard to learn; however, it can initially seem intimidating. When learning anything new, the beginning can be challenging. Coding gets easier over time with patience and persistence. If you're considering learning how to code, it can be easy to focus on the difficulty.
Should I learn Java and Python? ›Python is the best choice if you want to break into data science and machine learning. But if you want to be an Android developer, Java is a better choice. What if you are still undecided about your career path? While Java and Python are both general programming languages, Python is a better choice.
What is the difference between coding and programming? ›Coding is a part of programming that deals with writing codes that a machine can understand. Programming is a process that creates programs that involve the ratification of codes. Coding requires basic knowledge of programming skills without any software tools.
Which coding language is in demand? ›JavaScript and Python, two of the most popular languages in the startup industry, are in high demand. Most startups use Python-based backend frameworks such as Django (Python), Flask (Python), and NodeJS (JavaScript). These languages are also considered to be the best programming languages to learn for beginners.
What is the hardest programming language to learn? ›Malbolge. This language is so hard that it has to be set aside in its own paragraph. Malbolge is by far the hardest programming language to learn, which can be seen from the fact that it took no less than two years to finish writing the first Malbolge code.
Can beginner coders make money? ›How can I make money with my coding skills? Coders can mostly make money by working full-time roles, freelancing, or by publishing apps, eBooks and online courses. In general, you can make money by either writing code, or teaching others how to do it.
How do I become a coder with no experience? ›
If you're wondering how to become a coder in three to six months and have no coding, web development or software engineering experience, you'll want to enroll in a coding bootcamp. Coding bootcamps are intensive programs that help students build foundational knowledge in core technologies.
Is coding a stressful job? ›In general, coding is a fairly relaxing job. There is the flexibility of working remotely as a programmer, and in many cases there is the security of routine. However, as with any job, whether coding is stressful depends largely on the company you work with. Cultural pressures and tight deadlines can cause stress.
Why coding is not for everyone? ›In general, it is a specific profession and not meant for everyone. Certainly, it's better to be outstanding in a different career, than to be a mediocre coder. Besides, you don't need to be a software developer of any kind to become a part of the IT world.
Which is better Java or Python or C++? ›Java is much faster than Python in terms of speed of execution but slower than C++. Every bit of code(variables and functions) has to be inside the class itself. Python has a huge set of libraries and modules. Code length is lesser than Java, around 1.5 times less.
Is it easier to get a job with Java or Python? ›Learning Python language is not a daunting task as having simple syntax to learn. As it is an easier language to learn, it means that the interested people will learn it soon and also use it flawlessly. Thus, the employment opportunity is really higher than the Java programming language.