As a content creator at learns.edu.vn and an education specialist, I’ve seen firsthand how programming is becoming an increasingly essential skill. If you’re searching for “how can I learn programming”, you’re likely looking to boost your career prospects or gain valuable skills in the tech world. And trust me, if I can navigate this field, so can you.
The truth is, anyone can learn programming with dedication, the right resources, and consistent effort. If you’re reading this, that absolutely includes you. My own journey into programming, while challenging, has been incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. I’m excited to share my insights and guide you on your path to becoming a programmer.
What is Programming?
Programming is essentially the art of communicating with computers. It’s the process of writing instructions, using programming languages, that tell a computer exactly what to do. These instructions are the backbone of everything digital, from the websites we browse to the apps we use on our phones and the software that powers our businesses.
Programming languages, like Python, Java, and JavaScript, provide the vocabulary and grammar needed to write these instructions in a structured way that computers can understand and execute. Think of it as learning a new language, but instead of speaking to people, you’re speaking to machines.
Why Learn Programming?
Before you jump into your first line of code, it’s crucial to understand why you want to learn programming. In my experience as an educator, having a clear purpose is the strongest motivator.
Understanding your “why” will help you choose the right programming language to start with, guide the types of projects you undertake, and ultimately, shape how you leverage your new skills.
Programming Enhances Career Skills
From my perspective in the education and tech field, programming skills are not just for tech jobs anymore. They open doors across various industries. It’s a skill set that empowers you to be a creator, an innovator, and a problem-solver in today’s rapidly evolving world.
As technology becomes even more deeply integrated into our daily lives, programming skills are increasingly sought after by employers across the board. Indeed.com consistently lists computing skills among the most in-demand job skills.
Whether you’re aiming for a career change into tech or seeking a more technical role in your current field, knowing a relevant programming language is often a prerequisite.
This isn’t limited to traditional developer roles. Web designers benefit immensely from understanding HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Project managers gain valuable insights by grasping the technical aspects of the tools they manage.
Even if you manage a simple website, like one on WordPress, a basic understanding of front-end languages and perhaps some PHP can be incredibly beneficial.
Even if your career path isn’t strictly technical, programming experience is a significant asset. It demonstrates technical aptitude, the ability to grasp complex concepts, and strong problem-solving abilities.
Furthermore, programming knowledge can pave the way for freelance opportunities or a full-time career in the booming tech sector.
Programming Can Increase Your Earning Potential
The financial rewards of programming skills are undeniable. The tech industry is well-known for offering competitive salaries. For someone like me who transitioned into a tech-adjacent role, the potential for increased earnings was a significant draw.
While general entry-level salaries are around $40,000-$50,000 in many regions, entry-level programming positions often start much higher, sometimes even double that amount, depending on location, company and specific skills.
As you deepen your programming knowledge, you can specialize and increase your earning potential further. For example, you might evolve into a software developer. Developers not only write code but also debug software, work with source code, and often specialize in specific programming languages.
Software developers typically command higher salaries than general programmers and experience strong job growth prospects. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a significant growth rate for software developer roles in the coming years.
Programming Empowers You to Create
One of the most exciting aspects of learning how to program is the ability to turn your ideas into reality. Do you have a vision for a website, a mobile app, or a game? Programming gives you the tools to build it exactly as you imagine and share it with the world. I still vividly remember the thrill of completing my first program – it was a simple script, but it felt like unlocking a new superpower.
Whether you aim to monetize your creations, contribute to open-source projects on platforms like GitHub, or simply pursue programming as a hobby, the knowledge and capabilities are now in your hands.
It’s incredibly rewarding to understand and build programs that previously seemed like complex mysteries. Moreover, personal projects are invaluable for solidifying your learning and showcasing your skills to potential employers.
Programming Helps You Understand the Digital World
Even learning the fundamentals of programming provides a deeper understanding of the ever-expanding technological landscape we live in.
You’ll develop a new perspective on the technologies you use every day and gain a greater appreciation for how they function. It’s like gaining a behind-the-scenes pass to the digital world.
Programming Can Be Enjoyable
It might sound cliché, but learning to program can genuinely be a fun and fulfilling experience. Once you grasp the basics and start working on your own projects, the process shifts from feeling like study to feeling more like a creative outlet. Ultimately, if you’re not finding some enjoyment in it, it might be difficult to sustain as a long-term pursuit.
How to Start Programming
- Define your reasons for learning programming.
- Choose your first programming language wisely.
- Utilize online courses and platforms.
- Learn from video tutorials.
- Explore books and ebooks.
- Use tools to simplify the learning process.
- Study code written by others.
- Build your own programming projects.
- Seek mentorship and join a community.
- Consider a coding bootcamp.
Thanks to the internet, learning programming has never been more accessible. However, the sheer volume of available resources can be overwhelming for beginners, sometimes causing them to stall before they even begin.
1. Define Your Reasons for Learning Programming
It’s tempting to dive straight into writing code when you’re starting out. But without a clear end goal in mind, you might become discouraged and give up before you experience the rewarding aspects of programming.
Before you start learning, take some time to reflect on why you want to learn programming. Think about the kinds of projects you want to create, what excites you about this skill, and what resources you have available.
For example, if your goal is to become a web developer to increase your income, consider where you want to work and what types of projects those companies undertake. Are you prepared to commit the time to learn, choose the right programming languages, and build a portfolio of projects that demonstrate your abilities?
While broad goals are important, they can also feel overwhelming initially. I recommend starting with smaller, more specific goals. For instance, you might aim to build a simple mobile app for a friend who is training for a marathon within the next few months.
This kind of specific goal will:
- Help you focus on the skills you need to learn.
- Give you a clearer idea of which programming language to start with.
- Provide a timeline to help you manage your learning process effectively.
2. Choose Your First Programming Language Wisely
If you’re unsure which programming language to begin with, think about your long-term objectives. Are you learning for personal enjoyment or to advance your career? Do you have a flexible learning timeline, or do you need to complete a project quickly?
When I was starting, I opted for languages that didn’t involve complex data structures or algorithms. For me, HTML and CSS were excellent starting points. However, languages like Python and JavaScript are also highly recommended for beginners due to their versatility and wide range of applications.
Learning a programming language can take several months, so investing time in choosing the right one initially will ensure your efforts are well-directed.
3. Utilize Online Courses and Platforms
Formal classroom settings are no longer the only option for learning to program. Today, countless online programming courses are available, covering everything from basic HTML to advanced algorithms and data structures.
Your first course should introduce the fundamental concepts of your chosen language and incorporate interactive exercises and assignments to guide your learning effectively.
In my experience, structured courses provide a crucial framework for learning, especially as computer science concepts build upon each other. A well-organized course keeps the material digestible and ensures you learn in a logical sequence.
Popular free online course providers include:
These platforms are excellent for determining early on if you’re ready to commit the time to learn a specific language. Numerous paid courses are also available, often at a fraction of the cost of traditional in-person classes.
These paid platforms offer a wide array of courses for beginner, intermediate, and advanced computer science topics:
Some paid services offer free introductory courses or trial periods, allowing you to experience their teaching style before committing to a subscription.
4. Learn from Video Tutorials
You’ve likely watched a YouTube tutorial before – why not apply the same approach to learning programming?
While online courses are ideal for hands-on learning, video tutorials can supplement your studies and satisfy your curiosity. My personal favorite video resources include:
Both channels cover a broad spectrum of computing topics, from beginner-friendly introductions to more advanced concepts.
5. Explore Books and Ebooks
If you prefer a more traditional learning method, consider using books to learn your chosen programming language. Books can provide a comprehensive introduction to fundamental concepts and deepen your understanding of programming principles.
Learn HTML & CSS with this Free Ebook
Here are some highly recommended books for beginners in various programming languages.
6. Use Tools to Simplify the Learning Process
While you technically don’t need any specialized tools to write code, certain tools can significantly enhance your learning experience and efficiency.
Code Editors
Text editors with features like syntax highlighting, auto-completion, and dark mode can make coding more efficient and less error-prone.
In my experience, most professional programmers use a code editor. This tool helps you write cleaner code more quickly. Code editors are essentially advanced text editors with extra features designed for code management and editing, such as:
- Syntax highlighting (color-coding code elements)
- Code auto-completion and suggestions
- Integrated terminal environments
Popular code editors for beginners include Notepad++, Sublime Text, and Emacs. VS Code (Visual Studio Code) is also an excellent and widely used option.
Console (Terminal)
It’s also beneficial to become familiar with your computer’s console, also known as the terminal. This is a text-based interface for your operating system.
The console allows you to navigate files and execute commands more rapidly than using a graphical user interface (GUI). Learn basic UNIX commands to perform tasks not easily achievable through the GUI.
Project Management Tools
Many programming projects start simple but become more complex as they evolve. Project management tools help you share files, track timelines, and organize different parts of coding projects. This makes it easier to manage side projects and related files while staying on schedule.
Troubleshooting Tools
As you work on coding projects, you’ll inevitably encounter bugs, obstacles, and other challenges. This can be frustrating, but debugging is a core part of programming. Techniques like “Rubber Duck Debugging,” where you explain your code problem to an inanimate object, can surprisingly help simplify issues and lead to solutions.
7. Study Code Written by Others
If you learn best by example, reviewing code written by other programmers can be a highly effective way to improve your skills. It’s often easier to modify existing code than to start from a blank slate.
Examining other programmers’ code can inspire you and accelerate your programming skills. This approach will help you:
- Gain a deeper understanding of your own code.
- Learn to interpret new code more quickly.
- See tangible examples of high-quality coding practices.
Begin by finding a program or code file that interests you. If you’re unsure where to start, GitHub and searchcode are excellent resources for finding code examples and open-source projects. Ideally, start with peer-reviewed code or reputable open-source projects.
If you understand what the code is supposed to do, choose a small section and analyze it line by line, working backwards. This will help you understand the function of each part of the code. It’s also helpful to read the associated documentation to understand the design principles behind the code.
8. Build Your Own Programming Projects
Programming is a skill best learned by doing – there’s no substitute for hands-on experience. You can study all the theoretical concepts and syntax, but the knowledge truly solidifies when you apply it to real-world problems. This is where coding projects come in.
A project can be any program or website you build using your chosen language. When starting, keep your projects small and manageable.
If you’re taking a programming course, you’ll likely be assigned projects designed to reinforce specific concepts. Many beginner-friendly project ideas are also available for independent practice. Classic beginner projects include:
- A time converter: Converts seconds into hours, minutes, and days.
- A random number generator: Generates a random number within a user-defined range.
- A calculator: Performs basic arithmetic operations based on user input.
- An address book: Allows users to store and search contact information.
- An alphabetizer: Sorts a list of words alphabetically.
- A hangman game: A classic word-guessing game.
A quick online search will reveal many more mini-challenges that require you to apply your programming skills to practical problems.
Benefits of Coding Projects
Beyond practicing concepts, projects offer additional benefits to your learning journey.
Firstly, they keep you motivated. Projects reinforce your “why” for learning programming and provide clear, achievable milestones. Each completed project marks tangible progress and builds confidence. This was a significant motivator for me during my learning process.
Secondly, coding projects, especially more substantial ones, create a portfolio of work to showcase your skills. Listing “Python” on your resume is one thing, but demonstrating a fully functional website or application you built from scratch is far more impactful, especially when applying for entry-level programming jobs.
Staying Motivated During Coding Projects
For longer-term projects, choose ideas that genuinely interest you. Whether it’s a personal website, a mobile app, or a desktop tool, you’ll inevitably encounter challenges. Choosing a project you’re passionate about will help you persevere through these obstacles.
Another great way to stay engaged with coding projects is through freelancing. You don’t need to be an expert programmer to build useful tools for others. Offer your developing skills to friends, family, or local businesses in need of a simple website or tool – it’s a win-win situation that provides real-world experience and motivation.
9. Seek Mentorship and Join a Community
Having a mentor or being part of a programming community can be invaluable to your learning journey.
Firstly, I highly recommend finding a mentor. As you progress, you’ll likely encounter problems that seem impossible to solve on your own. This is where a mentor can be incredibly helpful.
A mentor doesn’t need to be a formal teacher; they can be anyone with more experience in your chosen programming language. They should be able to clarify complex concepts, guide you toward solutions, and offer advice on best practices not always covered in tutorials. An experienced mentor can also provide valuable career advice for navigating the tech industry.
Joining a community is also highly beneficial. Look for local programming groups, networking events, meetups, and hackathons where you can connect with other programmers in person.
Online developer communities are also rich resources for beginners.
Consider exploring these online communities:
10. Consider Enrolling in a Coding Bootcamp
A coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term training program that compresses a comprehensive programming curriculum into a few months. These programs are fast-paced, immersive, and designed to quickly prepare individuals for a career in software development.
Coding bootcamps are demanding and can be expensive, so they’re not typically recommended for absolute beginners without any prior coding exposure.
These programs are best suited for individuals serious about pursuing a development career and ready to commit significant time, energy, and financial resources to acquire the necessary skills rapidly.
While bootcamp graduates often find employment in the tech industry, understand that job placement isn’t guaranteed. Bootcamps require a substantial commitment, but the immersive learning environment, surrounded by motivated peers and instructors, can be highly effective for accelerated learning.
Coding vs. Programming
The terms “coding” and “programming” are often used interchangeably, but they have subtle differences. Both involve writing instructions for computers, but “programming” often encompasses a broader scope, including aspects like algorithm design and data structures. Generally, “programming” is used to describe more complex and comprehensive projects.
While basic coding can be done with just a computer and time, advanced programming might require specialized software tools and a deeper knowledge base. Programming projects are typically larger in scale and complexity, often requiring project management and a more robust understanding of software development principles.
Programming Languages
Coding requires proficiency in at least one programming language. Each language has its own syntax and rules that computers can understand. Hundreds of programming languages exist, each with unique purposes and capabilities.
When I first ventured into programming, the sheer number of languages felt overwhelming. I started with HTML and CSS, which was a transformative experience. HTML revealed the fundamental structure of web pages, while CSS unlocked the styling and design aspects. These languages were the perfect entry point for me, offering a hands-on introduction to web development.
Programming languages provide a structured way to write instructions. These languages use syntax, which is like the grammar and vocabulary of the programming world.
Low-level languages, such as Assembly or Machine code, are easier for machines to interpret but challenging for humans to learn. In contrast, a middle-level language like C++ is valuable for developing:
- Operating systems
- Database systems
- Image and video processing software
High-level languages are generally more beginner-friendly. Some prioritize structure and readability, while others are more interactive and capable of handling complex functions.
Below are some of the best programming languages for beginners. Focus on mastering one language that aligns with your goals initially, and then explore others as needed.
Don’t worry too much about choosing the “wrong” language to start with. Many programming languages share underlying concepts, so skills learned in one language are often transferable to others.
HTML (HyperText Markup Language)
HTML, or HyperText Markup Language, is the foundational language of the internet. It’s used to define the content and structure of web pages. When you visit a website, your browser renders an HTML document to display the page.
If you’re unsure if programming is for you, HTML is an excellent and easy language to sample.
Technically, HTML is not a programming language in the strictest sense. It’s a markup language; it doesn’t execute scripts or build functional programs. However, HTML is ubiquitous online, making it essential for understanding the internet and web development.
Best for: Beginners interested in web development and understanding the basic structure of websites.
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
CSS, or Cascading Style Sheets, is closely related to HTML. While HTML defines what content appears on a webpage, CSS controls how that content looks.
CSS handles the visual styling of HTML elements, including colors, fonts, sizes, layout, and responsiveness across different devices. Like HTML, CSS is not a programming language but a style sheet language.
HTML and CSS are almost always used together in web development, so learning both is highly recommended. Without CSS, webpages would be very basic and unstyled.
HTML and CSS are excellent starting points for absolute beginners.
HTML and CSS are relatively easy to learn because they don’t require complex computational logic like many programming languages.
Learning HTML and CSS can also feel less abstract because you can see the visual results of your code immediately. Simply create an .html file, open it in your browser, and see your webpage come to life. You can also use your browser’s “inspect” tool on existing websites to examine their underlying HTML and CSS code.
However, to make webpages interactive and dynamic, you’ll need…
JavaScript
JavaScript is a programming language that adds interactivity and dynamic behavior to static HTML webpages. It enables elements to move, respond to user actions (like clicks), and handle operations beyond simply displaying content.
If you’re interested in web development and already have a grasp of HTML and CSS, JavaScript is the logical next step.
Together, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript form the core technologies of most modern web content. JavaScript code can be easily tested directly in web browsers, making it convenient for learning and experimentation.
Pro Tip: Focus on mastering DOM (Document Object Model) manipulation and asynchronous programming in JavaScript to create truly interactive and dynamic web experiences.
Python
Python is a widely recommended programming language for beginners due to its clear, readable syntax and versatility.
Much of Python code reads like plain English, making it easier for beginners to grasp fundamental programming concepts like functions and variables.
Python also boasts a vast collection of pre-built code libraries. These libraries provide ready-made functions that you can use in your code, saving you from writing everything from scratch. Python is suitable for a wide range of applications, from web development and data analysis to machine learning and scripting. Many introductory programming courses use Python as their primary language.
What I like: Python’s extensive libraries and strong community support make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced programmers alike.
C/C++
C is another popular language for introductory programming courses. It’s more verbose than Python and often requires beginners to write more code to achieve the same results. While this can be more work initially, it’s valuable for understanding fundamental programming concepts at a deeper level. Learning C provides a solid foundation that can be applied to other, more concise languages.
C++ is a successor to C and builds upon its syntax with the addition of object-oriented programming features, which facilitate the development of complex applications.
I recommend starting with C if you’re interested in this family of languages, as it has fewer initial concepts to learn, and those concepts directly translate to C++. C also teaches fundamental principles of function-oriented programming.
Best for: Individuals interested in system-level programming, game development, or applications where performance and efficiency are critical.
C
C#, often pronounced “C sharp,” is a versatile language popular for developing video games (especially with the Unity engine), mobile and desktop applications, and enterprise software. C# shares a common ancestry with C++, but while C++ and C have significant overlaps, C# is more closely related to Java in its design principles.
C# is considered relatively easy to learn, and it has a wide range of applications. If you plan to learn both C++ and C#, consider starting with C++, as understanding C++ concepts can make learning C# easier and faster.
Java
