How to start programming

How a beginner can start their Programming journey.

Hello everyone in this blog we are going to learn how to start coding from scratch. Getting started with programming can be an exciting journey. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you embark on this path:

1. Define your Goals:In todays generation everyone wanted to be a coder/programmer. Now you need to understand why you want to learn programming .It may for web development ,mobile app(ios/android) development,data science or any other fields,having a clear goal will enhance your learning path.

2.Choose a Programming Language:

->What is Programing Language?

A programming language is a way for programmers (developers) to communicate with computers. Programming languages consist of a set of rules that allows string values to be converted into various ways of generating machine code, or, in the case of visual programming languages, graphical elements.

->What to choose?

Personally i prefer C language because it is a base of any language, without knowing about C LANGUAGE you cannot properly learn the other languages like c++. Many colleges teach C programming language because C is that the mother of all languages and it is simple to use. Even nowadays most of the program are written in the C language. But you can start with a beginner-friendly language. Python is often recommended for its readability and versatility. Other good choices for beginners include JavaScript or Ruby.

3.Set Up Your Development Environment:

First Install the necessary tools and software. whatever language you want to learn just search for it in google or YouTube you will get so many guide video or articles and follow them.Like for c you would need an IDE like vscode,Dev-c++,Online debugger(it runs in your web browser).For Python, you might need an IDE like PyCharm or Jupyter Notebook.For web development, you'll need a text editor (my preference Visual Studio Code) and a web browser.

Talking about programming languages, the most popular ones, Objective C, C++, C, Go, Pascal, java, C#, F#, r, Python,javascript, Ruby, Perl ,none of these requires an ide, you can open any text editor and type in some code, go to cmd line and compile the code or run it. Actually most developers I work with do so, but most of them do not make graphical user interfaces. When you are making graphical user interfaces you almost really need an IDE.

When developing applications for Mac, Windows and iOS you really need to use an IDE, though the languages you use for these platforms can easily use any text editor you want to use.

4.Learn the Basics:

• Familiarize yourself with basic programming concepts such as variables, data types, loops, conditionals, and functions. Many online platforms offer free courses or tutorials for beginners.

->Why is it important to understand the basics of a programming language?

1. It helps you know how to structure your code and write efficient, organized programs.
2. It allows you to read and understand existing code written by others, which is essential when working collaboratively or maintaining legacy code.
3. It provides a foundation for learning more advanced concepts and techniques.
4. It helps you identify and fix errors or bugs in your code more efficiently.
5. It allows you to communicate more effectively with other developers and technical stakeholders.
6. It provides a deeper understanding of how computers and software work, which can help you make better design decisions.

5.Practice Regularly:

• Programming is a skill that improves with practice. Solve small coding challenges on platforms like GeeksforGeeks, HackerRank, or LeetCode to reinforce your learning.

6. Understand Control Flow:

• Learn how to control the flow of your program using conditional statements (if, else) and loops (for, while). This is fundamental for writing functional programs.
• 7. Data Structures and Algorithms:
• The most important part of coding is Data structures and algorithms (DSA) are the essential building blocks of coding. Understanding data structures' importance can help you better grasp how your code operates and how your computer handles the enormous amount of incoming data.Start with Understand the basics of data structures (arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues) and algorithms. Websites like GeeksforGeeks and LeetCode are excellent for practicing and learning more advanced concepts.

8. Build Simple Projects:

• Apply your knowledge by building small projects. It could be a to-do list app, a simple website, or anything that interests you. This hands-on experience is will find so many articles and tutorial video in internet go for it and do make projects.
• 9. Version Control (Git):Learn the basics of version control using Git. Platforms like GitHub or GitLab allow you to collaborate on projects and showcase your work to potential employers.

10. Explore Advanced Topics:

• Once you are comfortable with the basics, delve into more advanced topics like databases, web frameworks, or mobile app development (if that aligns with your goals).

11. Join a Community:

• Connect with other learners and professionals. Online forums like Stack Overflow, Reddit , linkedin and local meetups can provide support and valuable insights.I always follow the rule Learn, Connect and grow.

12. Continuous Learning:

• The tech industry evolves rapidly. Stay updated with new technologies and tools. Follow tech blogs, attend webinars, and consider pursuing more advanced topics or specializations."Remember, learning to program is a gradual process, and it's okay to face challenges along the way. Stay persistent, seek help when needed, and enjoy the journey of discovering the vast and exciting world of programming!"