How to Start Coding From Zero Level

Embarking on the journey of learning to code from scratch can be both exciting and rewarding. Whether you dream of creating websites, mobile apps, or diving into data science, starting from the very beginning requires dedication, patience, and the right tools. Below is a simple guide on how to kickstart your coding adventure and some handy tools for beginners:

Getting Started:

1. Choose a Programming Language:

   • Python: Known for being easy to understand, Python is a great choice for beginners. It's used in many areas like making websites, analyzing data, and even creating artificial intelligence.
   • JavaScript: Important for making websites, JavaScript lets you make interactive and moving parts on web pages.
   • Java: Used a lot in big business programs and making Android phone apps.
   • Swift or Kotlin: If you want to make apps for phones, Swift is for iPhones, and Kotlin is for Androids.

2. Online Learning:

   • Codecademy: Offers fun lessons and projects for learning different programming languages.
   • Coursera and Udemy: Have classes with videos and quizzes taught by professionals.
   • freeCodeCamp: A free website that focuses on making websites, with challenges and projects to help you learn.

3. Practice Regularly:

   • Coding Challenges: Websites like LeetCode, HackerRank, and CodeSignal give you problems to solve to get better at coding.
   • Build Projects: Try making simple things like a personal website or a calculator app to practice what you've learned.

Tools for Beginners:

1. Code Editors/IDEs:

   • Visual Studio Code (VSCode): A simple and flexible program for writing code with extra features you can add.
   • PyCharm (Python), IntelliJ IDEA (Java), or Eclipse: Special programs made for writing code in specific languages.

2. Version Control:

   • Git: A tool to keep track of changes you make to your code. GitHub and GitLab are websites where you can put your code and work with others.

3. Online Practice Platforms:

   • GitHub: A place where you can find projects to work on and other people to work with.
   • CodePen: Good for making websites, letting you see what your code looks like right away.
   • Repl.it: A website where you can write code in lots of different languages without needing to set anything up.

4. Learning Resources:

   • MDN Web Docs (Mozilla Developer Network): Easy-to-understand guides for making websites.
   • Stack Overflow: A website where you can ask questions and get help with coding problems.

5. Community and Forums:

   • Reddit: Places like r/learnprogramming and r/programming are good for asking questions and talking to other people learning to code.
   • Discord and Slack Channels: Join online groups where you can chat with others and get advice.

Tips for Success:

• Start Small: Don’t try to do too much at once. Begin with simple projects and work your way up.
• Practice Regularly: Set aside time each day or week to work on coding.
• Problem-solving Skills: Focus on understanding how to solve problems logically rather than memorizing lots of details.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes when they’re learning. Learn from them and keep going!

Starting your coding journey from scratch may seem overwhelming, but with persistence and the right resources, you can build a strong foundation in programming. Remember, the most important thing is to keep practicing and stay curious. Good luck on your coding adventure!