2023: Learn to code in 3 steps — FREE
Hi there, welcome. This is Jeremy, and I’m the Team Lead here at Forward School.
As you may know, we have a premium TechDegree program that cost just $75 for anyone that wants to learn to code.
But we understand that some of you may not have the money right now to obtain a TechDegree. So we decided to create this Self Learning path for you to learn to program for free.
Self Learning
Self Learning means you will be learning on your own and at your own paste without being accountable or gradable by anyone. You learn by finding a (or “your”) way.
There are many programmers out there who taught themselves how to code and are really good at what they do today. You can do the same, you just need to be committed to learning and spend more hours figuring out things yourself.
Anyone can do it
Now, before you get started following this self-learning path I document here, let me clear some doubts or myths you may have believed.
1. Programming is not equal to Computer Science. Computer science is a wide field, not just programming, learning how to code doesn’t make you a computer scientist.
What does that mean?
2. That means, you can learn how to code — even better without having a computer science degree. I myself don’t have a computer science degree. So don’t ever think programming is not for you. If you can add and multiply numbers, you can code.
Let’s get to it.
Step 0 — it all starts here
In computer programming, everything starts from zero.
Before you begin writing any lines of computer code, first understand what programming is all about by going through this article and video:
- A Gentler Introduction to Programming — Matt Adesanya (link)
- Intro to Programming — Steven & Shaw (link)
Estimated time ~ 2 hours.
Step 1 — Test your feet and decide
The best way to learn how to code is to write lots of code. Programming is the process of writing programs, so spent a lot of time writing programs.
After completing Step 0 and learning what programming is all about, The next step is to get your hand into writing some codes.
Watch the following videos:
Estimated time ~ 3 hours.
You may be asking, what programming Language do I Learn? Before you worry about what programming language to learn, first learn HTML. Then learn either Python or JavaScript.
Why Python or JavaScript?
Well, there are thousands of programming languages from A — Z, but you only need to master one. And you should be able to use that language you master to solve your problem, get a new job, start a company, or improve your life.
So ask yourself what you want. For most of you, it is getting a well-paying job or advancing your learning to new tech fields like Bitcoin/Web3 development.
Python and Javascript are the top most popular and in-demand programming languages from employers, and it makes sense to learn any of them in 2023. You can use either of them to get what you want.
If you can’t decide btw Python and JavaScript, watch both videos above and decide which is easier for you.
Still can’t decide? Just go with JavaScript, you will see it everywhere. And with it, you can build any kind of application in this world and even do Bitcoin and AI.
Step 2 — Full dive
Once you figure out the language that is best to learn, just go deep in and everything will take care of itself.
You now know what programming language to focus on (Python or JS), and it is time to fully dive into the Oceans of codes.
Watch either of the following videos for FREE:
Estimated time ~ 7 hours
Do not be tempted to watch both videos simultaneously, you may end up wasting your time. You only need to watch the language you have decided to learn (Python or JavaScript).
Step 3 — Building Things
The best way to learn to code is to write a lot of code. And you can only do that by building things.
Watch the following videos depending on the language you choose to learn (Python or JS).
JavaScript:
- JavaScript 30 — Build 30 Projects in JavaScript by Wes Bos (link)
- Learn JavaScript by Building 7 Games — by Ania Kubow (link)
Estimated time ~ 8 hours
Python:
- 12 Beginners Python Projects — Kylie Young (link)
- Learn Python by Building 5 Games — Christian Thompson (link)
Estimated time ~ 7 hours
The best way to learn is to build things. And this is what we do at Forward School — we teach and learn by building things. All our curricula are centred around building things.
Going Forward
If you follow everything written here, you should by now know how to code. The recommended tutorials will give you the foundational knowledge you need to become a coder.
We will keep updating this content from time to time.
In the tech world, as software expires or new software comes in, existing knowledge may become less relevant, so ensure you keep on learning and stay current with new knowledge.
I did a Twitter trend last year sharing advice on coding, you may find them helpful.
Are you still stuck learning to code and need expert instructors? I recommend you apply for the Forward School Tech Degree programming and become a Fullstack Software Developer.
Together we go Forward.
