When I was just starting out, my guitar teacher gave me a piece of advice that stuck with me: “Learn to sing, because relying on someone else to do it means you’re always dependent.” His point was clear – self-reliance is key. Whether it’s songwriting or app development, having fundamental skills empowers you to bring your ideas to life.
In the entrepreneurial world, a common refrain is, “I have a great app idea, but I’m not technical. I need a programmer.” While there’s advice out there on how to hire a programmer, finding skilled and available developers can be challenging and costly.
Consider this: would you say, “I have a song idea, but I’m not musical. I need someone to write, perform, and record it for me?” Probably not. You’d likely be advised to pick up a guitar or piano and learn enough to play your song yourself.
Learning to program is similar to learning to drive or cook a basic meal. You don’t need to become an expert chef or a professional driver, but acquiring enough skill to be self-sufficient is incredibly valuable.
So, should you Learn Programming? Absolutely. Starting with basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is more than enough to get you going.
I highly recommend starting with Head First HTML and CSS followed by Head First HTML5 Programming. These books are engaging and visually rich, making learning fun and accessible. For these, the physical books or PDFs are ideal to appreciate the detailed illustrations.
For a more structured approach with a supportive community, Free Code Camp is an excellent resource. Ideally, combining these books with the Free Code Camp curriculum can significantly reinforce your learning.
Dedicate a few weeks to these resources, and you’ll likely gain more knowledge than many who identify as web developers today.
The feeling of understanding how websites work and knowing you can build them yourself is truly remarkable. The mystery disappears, and you see the digital world with new eyes. This empowerment is incredibly rewarding – it’s been one of the most valuable skills I’ve ever acquired.
Take inspiration from Jennifer Dewalt, who learned to code by building an impressive 180 websites in 180 days with no prior experience. Her journey shows what’s possible with dedication and the right resources.
Ready to take the next step? Explore my advice on learning JavaScript and continue your programming journey.
