New to the world of programming? Many people are looking to learn programming right now due to the career prospects this type of work can offer, but it is also not the easiest skill to learn or career path to enter (particularly as it is becoming increasingly competitive). This is why it is helpful to be aware of a few tips for new programmers that should help you to master the skill as well as find work opportunities. It can become much easier once you have found some initial work, so keep reading for advice that should help you along the way.
Refreshen Your Math Skills
A good starting point is to refresh your math skills, which will help you to develop a strong foundation for programming. A huge amount of programming is built on algebra 1 math, so this is an area that you should brush up on before diving into coding; otherwise, you will be making work a lot more difficult for yourself than it need be.
Pick A Programming Language
When you are new to programming, it is best to choose just one language to start with and get to grips with the basics. Once you have mastered one, you could then look into learning new languages, but it can be overwhelming at first to try to learn more than one. Ideally, this will be a versatile and flexible programming like Ruby. You can learn Ruby with courses and tutorials online, which will help to develop your abilities and give you the knowledge needed to start programming to a high level.
Build Projects You Enjoy
At this early stage as a new programmer, it is important that you are enjoying the work that you are doing. This is why it is helpful to start off building projects that you are enjoying and are linked to your hobbies and interests in life. Make sure that you are finishing these projects and then adding them to an online portfolio – this is a great way to build some experience and have work examples you can show when trying to get your foot in the door.
Join Online Communities
One of the great things about coding is that there is a brilliant community to be a part of. This can make the learning process much easier as you can ask questions and get advice online, plus it could be helpful for finding work and growing a professional network. Networking online is smart and worthwhile, but you should also look to network in person where possible as this is how you make the best connections and feel a part of the community.
Hopefully, these tips will come in handy for anyone getting started with programming. This is a skill that many are turning to right now, with many seeing it as a sensible second career option, which is certainly true, but you may find it hard to get to grips with and to get your foot in the door to find work initially.