I'm in high school and recently got my first laptop. I've been interested in becoming a software engineer for a long time, but I have no coding experience and my school doesn't offer programming classes. I'm passionate about technology and would like to start learning before university. What language, courses, and projects would be good for a complete beginner?
5 Answers
A free introductory computer science course like CS50 can be a great starting point. It covers programming fundamentals while also teaching you how to approach problems like a programmer, rather than only showing you language syntax.
Python or JavaScript would both be reasonable choices. Focus on tiny, achievable projects and improve them over time. A command-line game, calculator, to-do list, or simple webpage can teach you a lot when you build it yourself. Documentation, videos, and programming Q&A sites are useful when you run into problems.
Consistency matters more than trying to learn everything at once. Set aside regular time to practice, keep track of the projects you complete, and gradually learn topics like variables, conditions, loops, functions, data structures, and debugging. Your curiosity is already a strong advantage.
Learning for the enjoyment of it is a great reason to begin. Just keep in mind that entry-level software jobs can be competitive, so focus on developing solid fundamentals and a portfolio of projects over time rather than rushing to learn every technology.
Pick one beginner-friendly language and stick with it for a while. Python is a popular choice because the syntax is relatively easy to read. Try building small projects instead of only watching tutorials—start with something like a number-guessing game, then gradually make more ambitious programs. A structured course such as The Odin Project can also help if you prefer guided lessons.
The most important part is actually writing code. It’s normal for concepts to feel confusing at first, so keep practicing a little each day and look things up when you get stuck.