So, you want to start coding? If you’re like me, you probably have no idea where to start, and you need a lot of hand-holding to get yourself through the process. Well, this guide will help you get your feet wet in the world of coding as fast as possible so that you can start making cool apps right away! If you’ve never coded before but want to learn how, then this article has all the information you need to get started.

What is programming

There are many definitions of programming—or coding—but most of them have something in common: it’s all about instructing a computer on how to solve problems. So at its simplest level, coding is writing instructions for a computer. This can be as simple as telling your phone what you want your text message to say or as complex as building an entire website. It’s up to you! If you’re thinking about learning how to code, there are lots of different types of programming languages out there, but they fall into two main categories: high-level and low-level. High-level languages allow you to write code that resembles natural language more closely and generally use fewer lines of code than low-level languages do.

What skills you need

The good news is that anyone can learn how to code — and even those who didn’t major in computer science in college can still build a career as a developer. On top of having some time on your hands and an interest in coding, you’ll need three skills: creativity (so you can think of new ideas), discipline (so you can focus on one idea for days at a time), and persistence (so nothing stops you from getting your work done). If you don’t have these qualities naturally, it doesn’t mean they aren’t learnable; if anything, working through challenges will help develop them.

3 ways to learn

If you’re a complete beginner, take a course or two (or three). If you want to learn at your own pace and without structure, there are tons of great resources online. Or if you’re feeling like a total newbie and don’t know where to start because of it, there are tons of fantastic introductions into coding for beginners available for free online. Any way you learn is just fine! The important thing is that you do it. And then keep doing it. And eventually you’ll get good at it. There’s no shortcut—and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying to you. So stop looking for one. Instead, buckle down and get started with whatever method feels right to you.

What tools you will need

To get started with coding, you will need a computer and an Internet connection. Most of all, you will need motivation. Staying interested in coding as a discipline is difficult because it’s easy to get bogged down by complicated concepts and abstract ideas. To avoid getting discouraged early on in your journey toward becoming a programmer, find an approach that excites you and provides constant feedback. The best way to do that is through a project or activity that relates directly to what you want to accomplish. For example, if you want to build websites for people, then build some simple websites for yourself or friends using HTML and CSS (the basic building blocks of most web pages). The important thing is not just doing something but doing something related directly to what you ultimately want out of programming.

How much time and money it takes

For one thing, you’ll want to make sure you have a computer that can run code. If you’re a PC user, that means it should be at least four years old. There are some things you can do if your computer is older than that (like running Linux on your machine), but if you really want to get into coding with any sort of thoroughness and regularity then your best bet is to either upgrade or save up for a new computer.

As far as time goes, if you’re just dabbling in coding and not looking to become an expert coder, then you could probably learn enough to start making simple programs in a few weeks. But learning how to code is like learning anything else—the more time you put into it, the better results you’ll see. So don’t expect to become an expert coder overnight; even those who’ve been doing it for decades still spend most of their days improving their skillset.

Is it worth your time and money

Becoming a software developer is no easy task. Before taking on that challenge and spending thousands of dollars in tuition fees, you may be wondering if it’s worth your time and money. If so, you are not alone. Many students from highly successful universities enrol in coding boot camps only to drop out because they can’t keep up with all of their classes or don’t feel challenged enough by them. Many even quit just a few days after starting. So what gives? Are coding boot camps really worth it? And how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s take a look at why these schools have become so popular in recent years, who should attend one, and how much they cost. We will also look at some factors to consider when choosing a school. Let’s get started!