How anyone can become a programmer

For many, programming may seem like a legendary skill reserved for a select few. When the word programmer is mentioned, most people picture an introvert hunched over a laptop or computer with a cup of coffee, typing lightning-fast for hours. More often than not, many people think that all programmers are hackers and that all they do is try to take down a government agency. Anyway, far from all that, today we are going to look at how to become a programmer.

Step 1: Get an Easy Programming Language

Most of the time, beginners make the mistake of wanting to take the most complex language and begin programming. Now, in your head, this may sound like a good idea, but needless to say, this will mess up your programming journey. Programming has several concepts that take time to master. Therefore, the best way to do this is to use a simple programming language such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python to get acquainted with the concepts. Your first programming language depends on your objectives. If you would like to be an ethical hacker, stop right here. If you desire to make websites, you should start with HTML and CSS, and if you are more interested in making programs and automation, Python is the best place to start. Also, you may notice that I mentioned HTML and CSS together; this is because they are used together, and as you advance, you will add JavaScript (JS) to this mix.

Example of HTML and CSS syntax

Step 2: Choose a learning method

In the modern-day world, there are different learning methods. You can try out the following:

1. Bootcamps - If you have a hard time planning out your studies, then this is the way for you. You can join boot camps such as freeCodeCamp.org and start learning through their curriculum. Such boot camps give you projects to do as you learn and keep you updated with current trends.
2. YouTube Videos - If you are capable of understanding exactly what you need to learn, you could use YouTube videos. Several YouTube videos on programming exist, and thus, you can take a crash course on the programming skill you desire to get in your own time.
3. Going through programming documentation - At the release of every programming language, an accompanying documentation is posted, giving insight into functions and syntax. So if you like reading through a lot of information, this will suit you best.
4. Getting an instructor - If all the above do not work for you, you can get a personal instructor to slowly take you through programming, ensuring you are up to date with modern-day trends, and you learn at your own pace.

Step 3: Doing projects

After learning for some time, you should start doing a lot of projects. These will cement your knowledge of the programming language and discipline you are learning and make you conversant with different programming algorithms that will make your work easier. This will also allow you to learn more built-in functions in the programming language you use and help you understand its capabilities and best use cases.

Step 4: Collaborating with other programmers

Once you are at an intermediate level, the next step is to collaborate on projects with others. This is possible through git platforms such as GitHub, which allow you to commit and review several open-source projects(projects which are not copyrighted). This will also give you connections if your main objective for learning programming is to get better employment opportunities. You can also join several programming groups on social media platforms you frequent to share your projects and get feedback on how to improve them.

Step 5: Never Stop Learning

The tech world is very vast. To stay updated, you need to keep learning new trends, and that means always being on the lookout for new courses and programming algorithms. This may seem very tedious, but learning these new trends actually improves your efficiency, making your work easier and fun.

In Summary, programming is for everyone. It is very easy to learn if you are consistent, and it is a very useful skill for anyone searching for one. So start today and "Happy Coding!"