Beginner’s Guide To Coding
Our world today is engulfed with technology. Everything that man imagined 25 years back has come to a reality. It is not magic, but the hard work and innovation of computer scientists around the globe. It is because of them that this age is truly digital and technologically advanced.
We see technology everywhere be it your mobile phones or be it your car or camera or anything. It has crept up into our lives and is now everywhere. Data Science helps in doing predictions and comes up with solutions quickly.
In such a fast-paced environment, it becomes absolutely necessary for the coming generation to be in sync with the latest developments. Most of the activities performed in today’s time will be taken over by computers.
That is exactly why every individual need to know the basics of at least one programming language. It can be C++ or Java or Python. In the coming years, programming, problem-solving, and coding are going to become life skills. Any profession be it medical or engineering or tourism or anything, the knowledge of a programming language will certainly give you an edge over others.
If you are in your late teens, it is a good time to start learning a programming language.
The first question that has probably popped up in your head is, what is a programming language? And where is it used?
A programming language is just like any other language, having its own set of grammar, rules, syntax, and versatility. It gives instructions to the computer, which executes to provide a specific output. You may now, get a basic understanding of what a programming language is and it’s usage. It is the basic framework of communication between humans and computers.
Similar to the various spoken languages like English, Hindi, or French, we have different programming languages such as Java, C#, C, C++, or Python.
The programming languages are grouped into 3 broad categories:
- Machine Languages: Imagine them to be a language closest to the computer hardware language. It is coded in binary and is executed directly.
- Assembly Languages: They provide little difference or variation concerning the task being performed. They are also known as low-level languages.
- High-Level Languages: They are closest to human languages, and are the preferred languages to code in. They are converted to machine languages for the task to be performed. This is done by either a compiler or an interpreter. Compilers translate the entire source code program before execution. (Eg: C++,JAVA). Interpreters translate code programs one line at a time. (Eg: Python) .Interpreters are more interactive than compilers.
The next question that you should be thinking, which language to choose?
I would suggest C++, Java, or Python, these languages are the latest trends. Learning them will provide a good base, on which more knowledge can be built upon. They are used to develop most of the software in today’s time. They are great for beginners, novices as well as experts.
You can begin learning from popular sites like GeekForGeeks (https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/ ), Javatpoint ( https://www.javatpoint.com/), and YouTube channels.
To practice coding, I would recommend GeekForGeeks, HackerRank ( https://www.hackerrank.com/), or Leetcode ( https://leetcode.com/).
How does learning programming language help you?
- It opens up several interesting job opportunities.
- Develops strategic and structured thinking.
- The more you learn, the easier it will become to learn and familiarise yourself with other technologies.
- It provides career flexibility.
- Multidimensional perspective and the ability to come up with optimized solutions to real-life problems.
- Improves creative thinking.
- You can earn while you learn. Opens doors to many internship opportunities.
Hope I motivated you to go and learn!
Happy Coding!
Originally published at https://tapoj.com on July 3, 2020.
