Hey everyone! I'm about to start 11th grade with a focus on Techpro-Computer Programming, and I want to gather some advice on how to effectively learn programming as a total beginner. I've heard recommendations for sites like FreeCodeCamp, W3Schools, and Codecademy, but I'm a bit lost on what to dive into first. I also want to find out which programming languages I should start with, what basic concepts to focus on, and what tools or software would be best for someone with zero experience. School is starting soon, so I'd love to get a head start! Thanks!
4 Answers
Get comfortable with online resources and documentation. They’re invaluable for solving problems. If you have access to an iPad or Mac, Swift Playground offers a fun and interactive way to learn programming through puzzles. Just dive in, mess around, and don’t fear errors. Every bug is a learning opportunity! The key is to enjoy the journey of learning!
Definitely try organizing your learning around small projects. Whether it’s a simple game or an app, it keeps things fun and applies what you learn practically. I’d also suggest resources like 'Core Dumped' for understanding computer architecture and 'NAND to Tetris' if you're feeling adventurous. They’re excellent for grasping how everything works under the hood.
Don’t stress too much about the details early on. Focus on grasping fundamental concepts like structured and object-oriented programming. The 'Pragmatic Programmer' book is great but can be tough, so approach it as a challenge if you feel up for it! Remember, you’ll encounter plenty of roadblocks, and that’s totally normal. Embrace those moments and keep pushing through!
Starting with FreeCodeCamp is a great idea! It's super beginner-friendly and covers the basics well. If you know what language you'll be taught in school, that’s a good starting point too. If you're unsure, Python is a solid choice for beginners—it’s easy to learn and widely used. Stick with one language for now, and don’t rush through tutorials; build small projects instead, like a simple to-do list or a budget tracker.
Yes! I totally agree. Hands-on projects keep you engaged and it's more rewarding. Plus, if you hit a snag, just googling the issues you face can lead to a valuable learning experience.
Thanks for the recommendations! I'll check them out. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, but breaking it down to practical projects sounds way more manageable.