Getting Started with Programming: Where Should I Begin?

Definitely give Harvard's CS50 a shot on edX—it's highly recommended for newcomers to coding! You'll learn a lot from it. Also, if you learn better visually, check out platforms like Coursera and Udemy for video courses. I suggest focusing on learning one backend language really well rather than trying to juggle several at once. Check local job listings to see which languages are in demand right now. Good luck!

Welcome aboard! You're definitely not late to this journey. Programming is really about building skills, not about age or educational background. Start by getting comfortable with basic computer operations like managing files and writing text. It's okay if you feel confused—it's a natural part of learning. Remember to take it slow, practice regularly, and don’t compare your progress to others. The most important part is problem-solving, so keep asking questions and don’t give up!

When starting out, choose a popular programming language like Python, PHP, JavaScript, or C++. A site like Codecademy or Learn X in Y Minutes can help you grasp the syntax quickly. While edX might lean more towards the theoretical side, it's crucial to apply what you learn by working on small projects. Prepare to invest years into feeling comfortable with coding. Just keep reading and practicing, and don’t rush the process!

Harvard's CS50 on edX is a fantastic introduction to computer science for beginners. It's very well-structured and perfect for starting from scratch. To get the most out of your learning, download Visual Studio Code to have a good coding environment. It's a user-friendly text editor. Also, create a GitHub account to manage your projects and learn about version control. If you're using Windows, WSL can be super helpful for running a Linux environment. Good luck on your programming journey!