How To Start Coding – Starting From Zero
Tags: beginners, webdev, programming, codenewbie
Published: 2023-09-19 16:00:00

In today’s digital age, coding has become an essential skill, not just for tech enthusiasts but for individuals across various professions. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re curious about diving into the world of programming but might be feeling a bit overwhelmed or unsure of where to start. You’re not alone. Many people want to learn how to start coding but are held back by preconceived notions or doubts about their abilities.

Whether you’re an artist, a teacher, a homemaker, or someone looking for a career change, coding can offer you a new way to express yourself, solve problems, and even open doors to new career opportunities. The beauty of coding is that it’s a universal language, applicable in countless fields, from designing websites to analyzing data or even creating digital art.

I’m hopeful that as you read through this, you can see how to start coding without having a seemingly insurmountable barrier in front of you.

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### Demystifying Coding Myths

### “You Need to Be a Math Genius”

One of the most common misconceptions about coding is that it’s all about complex calculations and algorithms, reserved only for math whizzes. While certain areas of programming, like data science or game development, might require a strong mathematical foundation, many coding tasks are more about logic and problem-solving than advanced math. In fact, some of the most successful developers out there claim they’re not great at math at all. So, if math isn’t your strong suit, don’t let it deter you. There’s a coding niche for everyone.

### “Coding is Only for Young People”

Age is just a number, especially when it comes to learning new skills. The tech world is filled with stories of individuals who began their coding journey later in life and found success. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond, it’s never too late to start coding. The key is passion, persistence, and the willingness to learn. Remember, coding is a skill, and like any skill, it can be acquired and honed at any age.

### “You Need a Computer Science Degree”

While formal education can provide a structured [learning path](https://54.190.49.248/2020/03/29/downtime-time-to-build/), it’s not the only way to become a proficient coder. The tech industry is replete with stories of self-taught [developers who have built successful careers](https://54.190.49.248/2021/06/09/faq-starting-your-career-in-software-development-pt1/) without a computer science degree. With a plethora of online resources, courses, and communities available, motivated individuals can [learn to code](https://www.devleader.ca/2023/09/20/how-to-learn-coding-for-beginners-what-you-need-to-know) from the comfort of their homes. Moreover, many tech companies now prioritize skills and portfolios over degrees, making it entirely possible to land a tech job based on your abilities and projects, rather than formal credentials.

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### Understanding the Core Concepts

### What Does ‘Writing Code’ Mean?

At its essence, writing code is akin to teaching. Just as you might instruct someone on how to perform a task, coding is about giving instructions to a computer. Computers, unlike humans, require very specific and structured instructions. When you write code, you’re essentially creating a set of commands for the computer to follow. Think of it as writing down a detailed to-do list that the computer then executes, step by step.

### The Idea Behind Algorithms

The term ‘algorithm’ might sound intimidating, but it’s a fundamental concept in coding. In simple terms, an algorithm is a set of instructions designed to perform a particular task. It’s like a recipe in cooking. Just as a recipe provides step-by-step instructions on how to prepare a dish, an algorithm offers a sequence of steps to solve a specific problem. For instance, a recipe might guide you in making a cake, while an algorithm could direct a computer to sort a list of numbers in ascending order.

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### Picking the Right Tools For Starting Coding

### Choosing a Device

Starting your coding journey doesn’t necessarily mean you need the latest and most expensive device. For beginners, any functional laptop or desktop will suffice. If you’re on a tight budget, consider refurbished devices or even Raspberry Pi, a cost-effective mini-computer that’s perfect for [learning programming](https://54.190.49.248/2023/08/21/balancing-learning-with-practical-application-in-programming-a-deep-dive/).

Personally, I write all of my code on my laptop. I have secondary monitors to help maximize the information I see, so I very much appreciate the extra screen real estate. However, this isn’t feasible for all programmers, and I do recognize that I am fortunate to be in this situation. The key is to have a device that can comfortably run a web browser and a code editor, which are the primary tools you’ll need as you start.

### Setting Up Your Coding Environment

When navigating how to start coding, you’ll need a space to write and test your code. For those who prefer an online, hassle-free setup, platforms like **Replit** or **Glitch** offer browser-based coding environments. These platforms are user-friendly and don’t require any installations.

However, if you’re looking to set up a local coding environment on your device, **Visual Studio Code** (VS Code) is a great place to start. It’s a free, lightweight code editor that supports multiple programming languages. Installing VS Code is straightforward:

1. Visit the official Visual Studio Code website.
    
2. Download the version suitable for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
    
3. Follow the installation prompts.
    
4. Once installed, open VS Code, and you’re ready to start coding!
    

Remember, the tools you choose are just a means to an end. The real journey when figuring out how to start coding lies in learning, experimenting, and creating with code.

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### Dipping Your Toes: First Coding Exercises

If you’re enjoying the article, then head over to my site to [continue reading about your first program, different avenues of coding, building learning habits, and more](https://www.devleader.ca/2023/09/10/how-to-start-coding-starting-from-zero/)! If you’d like to stay up to date with full articles then [subscribe to Dev Leader Weekly](https://devleader.ca/newsletter)! Every week I’ll send you content updates and software engineering topics right to your inbox!