What techniques and approaches do you use for learning a new programming language?

Learning a new programming language can offer a mix of fun and encountering many challenges. Learning a new programming language requires more than just memorising syntax; it's about understanding concepts, adopting best practices, and integrating the language into one's problem-solving toolkit.

Each week we ask our community a question on a specific topic related to web development. This week, we asked our community "What techniques and approaches do you use for learning a new programming language?"

Here's a summary of what they had to say ??

Online courses

Members of our community have found success with platforms like Udemy , highlighting the importance of choosing current and comprehensive courses. Following a course from start to finish helps lay strong foundational knowledge of a language. Just be sure not to fall into tutorial hell !

Building projects

Nothing reinforces knowledge like hands-on experience. Taking on your own challenge, outside of a course or online tutorial, emphasises the importance of tackling challenges, failing, and finding solutions. Using challenges as a way to implement your new learnings can be a great way to ensure that the knowledge sticks. Building something, no matter how small, remains a top recommendation. As one member put it succinctly, "Practice; everything else is procrastination."

Small projects and basics

Starting with fundamental tasks, such as file operations, offers quick wins and solidifies understanding. From there, you can expand to projects that capitalise on a language's strengths. Once you have a grasp on the fundamentals of a language, start on smaller projects, such as one of our newbie challenges on Frontend Mentor. As you gain knowledge and confidence, you can work your way up to a guru challenge thereafter. Websites like Leetcode and Codewars are excellent for practicing syntax and exploring how others approach the same challenges.

Comparative learning

For those already familiar with one language, drawing parallels with a new one can speed up the learning process. Seeking out resources like "C# for Javascript developers" can be a valuable approach.

Avoiding the perfect resource trap

A valuable insight shared is not to get paralysed searching for the "perfect" resource. What's essential is to commit and stick with one good learning path. Finish an online course, and finish the chapter of the textbook you're reading. Don't hop from tutorial to tutorial to find the 'best tutorial' on the web.

Combining multiple resources

Mixing platforms like freeCodeCamp for theory, with challenge platforms like Codewars for practice, followed by personal or collaborative projects seems to be a helpful approach.