About learning to code...

Many people in the technology wilderness don't realise that very many coders actually didn't start out their careers as computer fundi's. I started out as a visual and 3D artist.I became frustrated when as part of my course I was expected to create a website to showcase my work using a basic piece of wysiwyg (What you see is what you get) piece of software that actually didn't come near to satisfying my vision for the work I was trying to do. So I took the next step and googled how to change the html. 

 Within days I was hooked. I took a course on HTML. That led to eventually doing a course on graphic design and then to CSS, which led to javascript. I landed up buying Webmags and developing code from tutorials, I gleaned from the mags. Then I realised I could use Youtube to explore further develop ideas and opportunities and eventually all the best free online coding tutorials featured at the top of my browser bookmarks. This however happened over several years while I was still busy doing other things. 

 I must however stress one vital fact. I already understood the fundamentals of programming. The core the foundation. I knew what a string, and array and a variable was. I understood how different elements need to correspond and connect to enable any application to work properly, and the fundamental principles of any programming had not left me behind despite the fact that i learnt them as an add on course to maths in my 1980's high school years. So here are some rules to learning code for the beginner.

1. Learn the fundamentals.

You need to understand what it is that makes a programme in any language work, basically understanding the anatomy of any coding language. An analogy would be that humans, reptiles, mammalian animals all have similarities. They have circulation systems, respiratory systems, nervous systems. The concept is the same, but core body temperature is different, respiratory rate is different and brain function is different. They all need air, water and food to survive. So coding languages have a similar blueprint to enable the programme to exist, but they all function differently and they also evolve  as developers try to improve programming to their advantage. Spending the extra time at the beginning to build a strong foundation will payoff big time when you're tackling something new. Don't try a shortcut at this stage. Try out one of these kindle edition books to start you off

2. Pick something that interests you

If youre into web design HTML and CSS is the way to go. There is so much on Youtube and W3 that you'll be developing in no time, but be sure to be specific about what youre looking for. have a look at our free tutorial page on our website to get an idea of what you should look for. If you fancy developing phone apps have explore learning java. You may realise also that skills and knowledge overlap for example it is possible to develop Blackberry© products using Webworks™ and a knowledge of HTML 5.

3. Dont try to run before you can walk.

When learning online don't feel silly about doing tutorials that look they are designed for kids, or perhaps you feel you're learning something infantile. You can never learn too much and often you'll use these skills to make money building apps for the kids those courses targeted. Also you will often find that having learned one particular language another is quite similar it comes easy. the more you learn, the faster you learn more.

4. Keep learning

As you develop your skills, you will realise how quickly things change and move on in the tech world, so once you have a skill, keeping up with changes is far easier than having to relearn skills. Also remember that you can a lot online and completely free. Try resources such as greenfoot, openculture and code.org to start and update your new knowledge base.

5. Create a library.

We all forget things we learn. So keep notes and code that you have developed and written. Build a library of resources and info and remember that even sometimes you may have to return to the basics to review an issue you may have, several years down the line. In time you will have books, (If they're digital keep backups - its not illegal to copy for backup purposes) videos and record of your own projects.

6. Build a portfolio

If you eventually want to make a living from coding, keep record of your work and build a portfolio. This enables future clients to explore your styles and methods and you will find that you attract interest and custom.

7. Get to know other developers.

While in the corporate world projects in development are obviously confidential, coders like to share their knowledge as well as their problems in overcoming certain issues. Its amazing how when ruminating over a particular problem for hours one cant see the forest for the trees and along comes a fellow coder who looks at it from the outside and spots the problem in a second. This doesn't make you less competent, in fact it increases your knowledge base. So use groups such as meetup to grow your professional connections. Coders are human too and love to help people who share their love for what they do. So as long as you're not asking for spoon feeding but rather a resource or help that you cant find elsewhere, those more experienced are usually happy to help. Find a group like coffee and coding at meetup.com