How to Start Coding? Learn Programming in 2024 for Beginners

Introduction

After reading this article, you will understand how to start coding in 2024. With my 10-12 years of experience, I will explain in 5-7 minutes. At the end of this article, I will also tell you how you can earn with coding. It's a short article, so read it all.

What is Coding?

First, let's understand what coding is Coding is a way to communicate with computers. When we talk to humans, we use languages like Hindi, English, Spanish, etc. Similarly, we use specific programming languages to communicate with computers. These languages have different syntaxes. For example, in Python, writing a "Hello World" program looks like this:

Python: print("Hello, World!")

In JavaScript, it looks like this:

Javascript: console.log("Hello, World!");

And in Kotlin, it looks like this:

Kotlin: fun main() {

    println("Hello, World!")

}

Programming languages are created by different creators for different purposes. They provide instructions to the computer to execute tasks.

How to Start Coding?

If you want to start coding in 2024, here are five paths you can choose from:

1. Web Development: You can create websites.

2. Data Science and AI/ML: The scope is vast, and using AI is becoming easier.

3. Cyber Security Engineer: With increasing cyber attacks, protecting data and organizations is crucial.

4. App Development: You can develop mobile apps for Android, Flutter, Swift, etc.

5. Game Development: The gaming industry is growing rapidly in the world.

Benefits of Coding?

Work-life balance is important, but high career span is also crucial. A coder can work efficiently until the age of 70-75, with increasing experience leading to higher value.

Do You Need a Degree?

Degrees don't matter much in the current market and industry. Skills and attitude are more important. Many successful people started from scratch. For beginners, starting with Python is recommended because of its simplicity and versatility.

Which Programming Language to Learn First?

In school or college, learning languages like C, C++, or Java is beneficial, as they build a strong foundation, especially for Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA). C and C++ are preferred for DSA, but Java is also good, especially for college students.

Keep learning and evolving. Starting from zero is okay; success comes from continuous effort. There's no elevator to success; you have to take the stairs. Overall, Python is recommended for beginners, while C, C++, or Java are good for building a strong foundation, especially for college students.

If you guys want to focus solely on web development, you have a pretty good choice of languages and tools. You can build both front-end and back-end using JavaScript, and for even data-based applications, I would recommend MongoDB. Java Script's syntax is quite memorable for you.

Then there are some other options too, like C++, which you guys can learn for game development. You can learn Dotnet for Windows GUI development using Python with Kinter. You can use Java with Swing for desktop apps. There's a pretty good stack for building desktop apps.

Now, let me teach you a bit about development. Many people want to build mobile apps, and that's what they desire. I would say definitely check out Flutter because with Flutter, you can build Android apps and iOS apps. If you want to build native Android apps, Kotlin is there for you. If you have the time, look at Kotlin before going for Flutter because Kotlin can be a bit easier to learn if you already know Java. But Flutter gives you a different concept. However, you can create apps for both platforms with it.

How to Earn Money From Coding?

If you guys are interested in developing desktop apps and approaching an agency saying, "Hey, I can build apps too. Let me work with your agency," or if you guys want to approach a business, then definitely you need skills first. The five Ws, which I personally follow, approach college professors and see if they have any projects. Save their time because professors usually have very little time. And if you're providing them with a solution because they have less time, it should be worth it for them, whether it's for marks evaluation or for their personal project.

They are going to pay you for that. You can also do internships; as a college student, you'll get paid, especially if you have good skills. Many companies have entered the market nowadays, which get work done from you for free, only on a trial basis. I've seen many companies like that, which say, "We need this for a trial. You build it for us," from 50 people, and then they don't use it, and then they don't want you to work for free. Have confidence in your skills. Say, "Bro, I'm not going to work for free. At least I'll charge this much." And justify your work, the amount you're charging. And that will only happen when you guys build up your skills.

Impact of Ai?

Divide any work you're doing into pieces. If you break down a problem into ten pieces, you guys should at least solve two pieces with AI because you guys will find time-consuming tasks, like creating JSON or creating a task repeatedly one by one, creating a card one by one. You guys can absorb those things with AI for free and cost. You need to learn AI to use it. Whenever a problem arises, AI should come to your mind first. Can AI solve it? There's hard work that you guys will do, solving a problem in maybe 10-15 hours, and if AI does it in 10-15 minutes, then the person using AI is better than you. You guys are working hard, but they are working smartly. So, solve problems with AI. Learn from AI. Focus on doing more with less in near future.

Keep your focus on creativity. AI won't replace you in the near future at all. Bring creativity into your work because creativity will make you a good developer. With that said, I wish you all the best.