How Can I Start Programming Again After a Long Break?
Asked by
CuriousCoder99
I've been out of the programming loop for a while now and want to get back into it with some small projects I have in mind. I learned to code back in university, specifically in 2009, using Java and tools like BlueJ, which made things easier by handling a lot of setup for you. Since then, I haven't really had the chance to apply my skills in any meaningful way. Now, as I try to start fresh, I feel completely lost amid all the new resources available. I'm considering learning Ruby (just Ruby, no frameworks), Dart/Flutter, or revisiting Java and diving into Kotlin. I'm hoping to create standalone applications rather than web-based ones, as I'm feeling frustrated with how everything seems to be moving towards web integration these days. Any advice on how to ease back into programming?
Answers
I think it helps to go back to the very basics to catch any gaps in your knowledge. Try starting with a "Hello World" program in Java. Don’t stress too much about running it right away; if you don’t remember how, it’s a perfect opportunity to research. You’ll find you need to compile Java before running it—having to look that up will fill in some of those gaps.
Reply to this answer
It's totally normal to feel rusty after being away for a while! I’d recommend picking one language and using a simple REPL to practice your basics. Start with something small, like making a program that just prints a message, and run it through your terminal. Then slowly add one tiny feature each day. That way, you'll gradually get back into the groove without overwhelming yourself.
Reply to this answer
Don't rush it! Starting with the smallest program that takes inputs and produces outputs can really help you get comfortable again. Break it down: define your inputs and outputs, create a couple of examples, and implement them step by step. If you keep practicing a little bit every day, that fear of the 'blank page' will start to fade.
Reply to this answer
With tools like AI assisting in learning, getting back into coding can be much smoother. If you're stuck, you can copy and paste code snippets to ask for help—or simply type out what you want your code to do, and you'll usually get examples. Just try to avoid depending too much on auto-complete in your IDE because you want to learn the syntax yourself.
Reply to this answer
Add your answer
Answers are reviewed before publication.
Related Discussions