Every app on your phone, every website you visit, every game you play - it all started as code. Programmers are the architects of the digital world. They design and build these things using programming languages as their tools.
Programming is like having superpowers. You can create anything you can imagine. You can solve problems, build businesses, and even change the world. It's a creative outlet, a problem-solving challenge, and a ticket to some pretty cool jobs.
So, What Does a Programmer Actually Do?
A programmer is like a detective, a storyteller, and a puzzle solver all rolled into one. They:
Solve Problems: Figure out how to make things work better.
Create: Build new things, from websites to apps to games.
Debug: Fix things that don't work.
Learn Continuously: Technology is always changing, so programmers are always learning.
Think Programming is Too Hard? Here's an Analogy...
Programming is like teaching a super smart, but really dumb, alien how to do stuff. You're giving it precise instructions, one step at a time, in a language it understands. Instead of English, we use programming languages like Python, JavaScript, or Java.
Think of a computer as a super powerful calculator that can do millions of calculations in a blink. Programming is how we tell this calculator what to do. We break down big problems into tiny steps that the computer can understand and execute.
Getting Started as a Programmer
Don't worry! Anyone can learn to code. It might be challenging at first, but with practice and patience, you'll be building your own projects in no time.
1. Choose a Programming Language & Area of focus
There are tons of programming languages out there. On a personal note, choosing a programming language should be based on your personal interest because code can be written for different platforms and use case: web, mobile, desktop, games, and data analysis. In addition you need to consider other factors such as available resources (both learning and technical). When starting out, I was passionate about getting into game development, but my PC specifications wouldn't allow it.
Here are programming suggestions for some well known areas
Web Development:
Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript (including frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js)
Backend: JavaScript (Node.js), Python (Django, Flask), Ruby (Ruby on Rails), PHP (Laravel), Java (Spring), Go
Mobile Development:
iOS: Swift, Objective-C
Android: Java, Kotlin
Cross-platform: Dart (Flutter), JavaScript/TypeScript (React Native), C# (Xamarin)
Desktop Development:
Cross-platform: Dart (Flutter), Javascript/Typescript (Electron)
Windows: C#, C++
macOS: Swift, Objective-C
Game Development:
- C# (Unity), C++ (Unreal Engine)
Data Analysis:
- Languages: Python (with libraries like Pandas, NumPy, SciPy), R, Julia, SQL (for database queries)
Selecting the right programming language can significantly influence your learning curve and efficiency in a given domain. Explore different languages and platforms to find the best fit for your interests and goals.
2. Learn the Basics
Learning the basics can not be overstated. Focus on understanding basic concepts such as:
Variables and Data Types
Control Structures (if-else, loops)
Functions
Class and objects
e.t.c
3. Work on Small Projects
Apply what you learn by building small projects. This could be anything from a to-do list app, a simple game, or a calculator. There's a whole lot of ideas you can work to foster advance knowledge of your chosen area of focus. #100DaysOfCode on X and LinkedIN is a good place to start from, it'll help you to keep going.
4. Join a Community
Engage with other learners and experienced developers. This can provide support, feedback, and inspiration. In addition, these connections will serve a reference point to keep you going and expose you to opportunities.
You can read my previous article about community here ....
5. Keep Practicing and Learning
Programming is a skill that improves with practice. Continuously challenge yourself with new problems and projects. As you progress, explore more complex topics like object-oriented programming, web development, or data science.
By following these steps and consistently practicing, you'll find yourself becoming more confident and skilled in programming. Remember, every expert was once a beginner.