Learning to code

[TerrorSperg99]

I want to learn how to code for web development to hopefully be able to work freelance. I’m a complete noob when it comes to coding. So I was wondering what is the most effective way build your knowledge to the point u able to work. I was considering attending a coding boot camp online. But I’ve heard negative things about them. Plus the one I was considering attending is quite pricey. Is there more efficient ways to learn. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Bittah Pupil]

Coding involves more than just learning a programming language, but it is definitely self-teachable, web dev is the easiest path into the industry in my opinion. You could start here and/or read this, which is a general introduction to programming using JavaScript. There’s no need to pay a lot for a boot camp, the only real benefit there is the external motivation of passing the classes and the networking the program has to offer (like with companies and the such). At most you should pay like $10-$20 for a course on udemy, but if you can pick this stuff up and learn a popular framework like React then you will be able to land a job somewhere but it won’t be easy.

 

[G O D]

It might be best to go to school dood. I didnt know anything about programming, but I learned (basic) python in a semester.

 

[JULAY]

Khan Academy

Computer programming | Computing | Khan Academy

Learn how to program drawings, animations, and games using JavaScript & ProcessingJS, or learn how to create webpages with HTML & CSS. You can share whatever you create, explore what others have created and learn from each other!

www.khanacademy.org

https://www.youtube.com/user/khanacademy/search?query=python

This will get you started... But do be aware that you'll need to have a portfolio of work that makes you an attractive prospect, otherwise you'll get beat out by pajeets who work for nothing (and also write shit code) every time.

 

[libRT]

Use progressive goals to dictate what you learn, put them to use
First, something like start with a single static page, learn basics of html to do it.
Then multiple nicer looking pages, learning more html, CSS and/or a web framework.
then start looking into backend programming, having a basic login page or some basic dynamic content.*
then start looking into database programming, making a basic forum, or webchat program.*

Problem with burning through online tutorials is that if you don't put them to use, the things you learn from them can be easily forgotten. Though they can be a nice addition to the above steps, as you'll have your own site that you can put what you learn into practice.

* For these steps, use a free web host or something, because this is the part that if you fuck up and write shit code, some random eastern european will drop ecoin miners all over your home network. If you're unsure, just don't host from home.

Edit: Also, I wouldn't pay money for online tutorials, at least not for web programming. There are far too many good learning resources that are free.

 

[Termina]

It also depends on how you learn. Some people like the structure of courses to teach them, but some people are good at self-teaching. Using online courses gives you easy access to people who could help you if you're stuck, while self-teaching is cheaper. It's up to you for what you think is best.

 

[Elaine Miller]

Try Hack Me is a brilliant website to learn a bit of programming. I recommend installing an easy Operating System & fucking around with it. Kali Linux is great because it comes with a lot of pre-installed tools most of which literally spoon feed you what to do. GitHub is a good place to find scripts if you don’t yet know how to build one. Personally, I feel as if I only learnt things when they came up. Started as a harmless doxer at age 10 or something, intrigued by things, and then wondered about phishing & how it works, moved onto malware, DDOSing, bruteforcing. (Of course only with permission from the target) The first script I ever ran was a bruteforce.
I was always strong at OSINT & fell into programming when I realised I needed to be able to do more than just use & sift through publicly sourced data. Programming is one of those things where it’s really helpful to have an existing internety skill, like OSINT.
Learn to Google Dork, it seems very useful, also a skill I never fucking learnt for some reason.

 

[General Tug Boat]

Best way to learn is find a project and start working on something. Programming has a large scope and there are different types of programmers. Web Development is fun and probably is the most user friendly. For a starting language learn C. If you can master that language you can learn any language. Plus it is the most fundamental in modern computing.

 

[Ronnie McNutt]

programming languages is for trannies write pure machine code instead

 

[69ing Ur Mom]

I would suggest Python or JavaScript as they are easier to learn than other languages. Both Python and JavaScript have many web frameworks to choose from. You're also going to have to learn some JavaScript for web development. Though Python is popular for other uses, such as AI and machine learning.

For enterprise applications Java is a good choice. I hate the syntax and think it's an ugly language. That being said, you'll always be able to find work.

As others have recommended, learn based on trying to complete a project that you are interested in. This will keep you interested and is better for learning applicable skills to what you want to do.

Books are the only thing you should potentially pay for. Courses or boot camps are going to be a complete waste of money. Free written or video tutorials and courses are going to be far superior in terms of quality.

For a starting language learn C.

That's terrible advice. C is a systems programming language that is wildly unsuitable for web development. It is also one of the most difficult programming languages to learn.

 

[Grub]

The best way to learn to program is to just do it. Pick something you want to make, stick to small and simple at first, like really simple, pick a suitable language, learn the basics of programming, up to at least that you're comfortable with things like variables, operators and functions and a basic understanding of what they are and how to use them, keep building on this knowledge while learning the specifics of the actual thing you want to build.

A good first project or something for web development would be something like, create a blank page that takes user input then outputs and displays HTML with that input.

Just keep building your knowledge and practicing making bigger projects each time. Also, finish your projects and debug them. Make sure they're complete and working properly before you move on.

As far as skills you can learn goes, programming has one of the lowest bars of entry. All you need is a computer. You don't need expensive tools or equipment like a lot of skills require to learn. You just need time, patience, effort and a willingness to learn and push yourself.

 

[GratsTheat783]

I tried FreeCodeCamp which teaches web-based languages. Seemed alright, though I want to hear if others have opinions on it. I'll look into some of the stuff already suggested here.

 

[stares at error messages]

Start with Python because it's the simplest. Then move on to C++.

 

[Just A Fat Round Bird]

Start with Python because it's the simplest.

Python and simple? Sure, its syntax is the cleanest and least ass of all the languages I have seen, but I wouldn't call it simple. Simple implies it can do very little or has very little in terms of syntax (Esoteric languages would be your go-to if you want that though).
Id say if you know nothing you should learn about types and proper typing, thus use a strictly typed language (which Python certainly is not). Go try Haskell, it'll be fun and nothing can go wrong there.
Trust me