I'm just starting out in college and haven't taken my first programming class yet. I noticed some classmates seem to have a good grasp of programming languages, and I want to catch up. I have a laptop running GNU/Linux (Canaima), and I'm looking for advice on how to begin learning programming basics. What should I focus on learning first, and do you have any tips or resources that could help me get started? Thanks in advance!
5 Answers
Don't let the experience of others intimidate you! You might not know which languages your college is focusing on yet, so give yourself time. Classes are designed to help build your knowledge gradually. Once you get some basics down, you'll know better how to find additional resources that suit your needs.
Ultimately, what you do outside of class often matters more. Look for a coding club at your school or even try to set up a home lab. It's an excellent way to apply what you learn and will look impressive on your resume by the time you graduate!
I haven't heard of a coding club, mainly because I haven't had a class on the subject yet. Teachers haven't been available during this selection semester.
A good way to kick off your programming journey is to grab a cheap laptop or use a Raspberry Pi to set up Linux if you haven't done that already. Once you're ready, dive into YouTube – there are plenty of channels that can guide you through the basics of programming languages. Just remember, don't lean on AI tools; they can sometimes lead you astray, and the real learning comes from doing things yourself! Also, consider learning about networking and the OSI model as it can really aid your overall understanding in IT.
I already have a budget laptop with Linux, and I've seen tons of videos on different coding languages but I'm not sure which one to start with.
I had no issues using AI for setup — it jump-started my learning! But yes, the true understanding comes from research and practice.
Hey, turning off system filters to play flash games is a classic move. Just make sure you're looking at the bigger picture on what you want to learn. If you can manage your current setup, you're off to a decent start; just keep exploring!
Consider starting with the Linux course from Boot.dev as a launchpad for your learning journey. It’s well-structured and beginner-friendly!
Thanks for the encouragement! I guess I'll just have to wait until the semester properly starts to see what our curriculum will be like. Any suggestions on videos I could watch in the meantime?