I'm 14 and really eager to dive into backend development. I'm considering whether I should enroll in a formal course or try to teach myself. My plan is to focus on Python, databases, and understanding how backend systems function. I would really appreciate any guidance or advice on the best approach to start learning!
4 Answers
Go for it! Dive into backend development and make sure to grasp the fundamentals first. Once you have that down, check out YouTube for tutorials on building clones of popular apps like Instagram or WhatsApp. This practical experience will help you become a well-rounded full-stack developer. Just remember to take your time and enjoy learning!
Honestly, at your age, I’d recommend focusing on foundational Computer Science concepts rather than jumping straight into backend. Learning languages like C or C++ can give you a good basis for understanding programming in general. Once you're comfortable with those concepts, diving into Python will be much easier! It’s crucial to know how things like LISTs and STRINGs work under the hood, and understanding these helps when you start working with any language or SDK. Plus, getting familiar with the command line, especially on Linux or Mac OS, is vital for anyone interested in server work.
Consider learning languages like Kotlin, Go, or Python. If you pick Python, try Flask or FastAPI to get started. And hey, if you decide to go with Python, you're welcome to contribute to my open-source project! Check it out here: github.com/EReaso/cookbook.
I suggest starting with a tutorial for Flask or Express.js. It's a great way to get up and running quickly, and you’ll gain experience with modern frameworks. Also, using a tool like curl will help you interact with your backend. For learning database basics, I’d recommend SQLite; it’s easier to handle than Postgres or MySQL, which can be complex for beginners.
Thanks for the suggestion! Right now, I feel like I'm not quite ready to contribute yet.