Hey everyone! I'm reaching out for some advice on getting started with coding, as I'm looking to move in a new direction. I work a solid blue-collar job that I enjoy, but I'd like to have a backup plan in case things change. I've always found coding intriguing, but I don't have any experience yet. I'm particularly interested in fields like cybersecurity and software engineering, and I've recently become curious about AI and how to train models. While I'm open to exploring various options, I'm looking for guidance on what might suit me best and how to start learning. I have some free time through my job to teach myself and want to dip my toes into freelancing to gain some practical experience as I learn. I'm young and financially stable, but I aim to choose a path that won't compromise my future income. I'm considering online courses or hybrid learning down the line but want to explore my interests first before committing. What suggestions do you have for which path I should take and where I could start looking? I want to avoid wasting time learning a language that might not suit my goals, so any direction would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
I think the best approach is to try a few introductory courses in each area that interests you—cybersecurity, software engineering, and AI. This way, you can get a feel for each field and see what you enjoy the most. Many online platforms offer free or low-cost courses, so you can explore without a huge commitment.
Understanding the difference between each area will help you find your niche. If something catches your eye, dive deeper into that field. It’s all about finding what gets you excited! Keep your options open and take it step by step!
It sounds like you're in a great position to dive into coding! My advice is not to stress too much about picking the 'perfect' language to start with. Basic programming concepts like loops and conditionals are fundamental no matter which language you choose. I’d suggest starting with either Python or JavaScript. Both are pretty beginner-friendly and incredibly versatile.
From what you mentioned, if you’re interested in AI, Python is particularly useful, especially if you want to work on training models. You can also explore web development, which can give you a solid foundation in coding an interactive front end and backend systems. Once you get comfortable, you can branch out into more specialized areas like cybersecurity or game development based on your interests.
Learning full-stack web development could be a great start. Once you understand how everything connects, you can easily pivot towards different specializations without feeling lost. And remember: the more coding languages you know, the easier it gets to pick up new ones! Good luck!
Thanks for the tips! I definitely want to start with something that gives me a broad understanding before I hone in on a specific field. Your advice about web development makes total sense—I’ll check out some resources for that!
That makes a lot of sense! I’ll definitely check out some introductory courses. I appreciate you taking the time to help me figure this out.