Embarking on a career in programming can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it’s absolutely achievable for beginners. Many aspiring programmers wonder where to start, especially with so many languages and paths available. This guide will provide a clear roadmap to begin your programming journey, focusing on practical steps and the most beginner-friendly approach.
A common question for newcomers is which language to learn first. While Python is often mentioned as beginner-friendly, JavaScript offers a more accessible entry point, particularly for those interested in web development. JavaScript is not only beginner-friendly but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to create a wide range of applications more easily than with Python initially. For beginners, starting with front-end web development using JavaScript is highly recommended. Python is indeed powerful, especially in fields like data science and system administration, but for getting your hands dirty and seeing quick results, JavaScript shines.
To kickstart your learning, begin by building a foundational understanding of computer science and programming concepts. Watching introductory videos on platforms like YouTube can be incredibly helpful. Search for topics like “What is computer science?”, “Top languages for beginners”, “What is a programming language?”, “What is full stack web development?”, “How to start as a front end developer?”, “Front end developer roadmap”, and “What is back end developer?”. These videos will give you a broad overview of the field and help you understand the different areas within programming.
Once you have a basic understanding, dive into practical learning with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. A highly recommended path is to start with web development. Begin with HTML and CSS to grasp the structure and styling of web pages. Consider taking the Udemy course “Build Responsive Real World Websites with HTML5 and CSS3” by Jonas Schmedtmann to gain hands-on experience. Complement this with the Responsive Web Design Certification on freeCodeCamp, completing their five projects to solidify your skills.
Next, move on to JavaScript. Take “The Complete JavaScript Course 2020: Build Real Projects!” also by Jonas Schmedtmann on Udemy. Alongside this course, work through the JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures Certification on freeCodeCamp. This combination will provide a strong foundation in JavaScript fundamentals.
After mastering the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, it’s time to focus on more advanced JavaScript concepts. Explore ES6+ features, object-oriented programming (OOP) principles in JavaScript, and advanced DOM manipulation techniques. The most crucial step at this stage is to build real projects. Apply your JavaScript knowledge along with HTML and CSS to create tangible projects. This practical application is key to truly learning and solidifying your skills.
This is just the beginning of your programming journey. With a solid grasp of JavaScript, you can then choose to specialize in Front-end, Back-end, or Full-stack development. Becoming a full-stack web developer, proficient in both front-end and back-end, is a highly sought-after and well-compensated career path.
For front-end specialization, consider taking the “Advanced CSS and Sass” course by Jonas Schmedtmann and delve into modern front-end frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js.
If back-end development interests you, “The Complete Node.js Developer Course” by Jonas Schmedtmann is an excellent resource. Complement this with back-end certifications on freeCodeCamp and build back-end projects. Consider projects like a Netflix clone, a content management system (CMS), single-page or multi-site websites, a Twitter clone, or even a poker game to challenge yourself. Advance your skills in Node.js and Express.js, and learn database management systems such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB, as databases are essential for most applications.
To further enhance your programming skills, take an algorithms and data structures course using JavaScript on Udemy or explore relevant books. Understanding algorithms and data structures is crucial for writing efficient and effective code.
If you independently build some substantial projects, you can confidently consider yourself a programmer. The journey of learning to program is continuous. Keep learning every day, and after mastering web development, you can explore other exciting fields like C++, Java, Python, data science, game development, or any area that sparks your interest. This initial path in web development provides a strong and versatile foundation for any programming career.
