Step 2: Decide What Field You Want To Go Into

There are a variety of different types of programming. When you are figuring out how to learn programming, you need to think very carefully about what field you are planning on looking for work in. Some of the most popular

 

types of programmers include:

Web developers

Web developers can be further separated into front-end (client-side) and back-end (server-side) developers. Front-end programmers are responsible for writing the code that dictates what a website looks like and how its content is presented.

Back-end programmers are required to write web apps and other complicated programs that provide the framework for the website to run on.

 

 

Software programmers

Software programmers areas you can probably guess - responsible for creating software. They usually take a design or a concept that someone else has come up with and write the code to turn it into a working product.

Data scientists

Data scientists usually work in research or academia, where they use Python almost exclusively to analyze and manipulate scientific data.

 

To become a data scientist it is first most important to know how to become a programmer. These specialists are often researchers in their own right, and they often use code to make their job easier.

 

Database Administrator

Database administrators have several roles. They are mainly responsible for taking large amounts of company data and securing, organizing, and analyzing it. If you love statistics and consumer data analysis, you should take a closer look at what a database administrator does.

 

 

Mobile app development

As the number of smartphone users grows, the demand for exciting new mobile apps also grows. Mobile app development is quickly becoming one of the most lucrative programming fields, especially if you are good at working on your own. Freelance work is very common for mobile programmers.

 

 

Other Roles

Learning how to become a programmer opens many more opportunities. The above are just some of the most common programming jobs. If none of them appeal to you, do some more research and discover what other jobs are out there.

 

 

New job titles and roles are being created all the time as technology evolves, so make sure that you follow the latest industry news and network with your fellow programmers.

 

 

Step 3: Learn a Programming Language (or Three)

Once you have settled on a programming field, you need to learn the languages that are relevant to that field. For example, you will need SQL to become a database administrator, CSS, and JavaScript to become a front-end web developer, and something like Java or Swift if you want to start building mobile apps.

 

Below are some of the most popular programming languages and their uses. Make sure that you do your research to ensure that you are learning the right languages for the field that you are hoping to get into.

 

 

Python

Learning how to become a programmer in Python is crucial for a modern-day coder.

One of the most versatile and widespread programming languages in the world, Python is a great choice for people who want to work in data science, software development, or pretty much any other programming field. Python is also used in some emerging technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Learning Python has never been easier than it is now.

 

If you want to learn about the basics of Python syntax, how to write codes and other useful things just take a course online!

CSS/HTML

 

If you want to get into any sort of front-end web development, then HTML and CSS are an absolute must. Although they are two separate languages, they are almost exclusively used together to create engaging, cleverly designed web pages.

 

 

Learn HTML and CSS together with the HTML and CSS course, or learn them separately from our instructors.

 

 

JavaScript

JavaScript is another versatile programming language that is used for many things. If you want to learn how to become a programmer, JavaScript could be a good place to start. It is used for interactive front-end web design, back-end web app development, game development, and even in robotics!

You can learn JavaScript easily online. All you have to do is sign up for a course! If you already have prior knowledge but want to deepen your understanding of JavaScript, take this intermediate JavaScript course.

 

 

Java

If you want to learn how to become a programmer quickly, learn Java. Java is up there with Python as one of the most versatile languages in the world.

It is quite simple to learn, it reads like English, and it is a favorite among beginners. It is used for everything from Android mobile app development to back-end web app development, and you can learn it via the Learn Java course.

 

 

Swift

Swift was recently released by Apple to make iOS app development simpler and more straightforward. It is much easier to use than

 

 

C# - the language traditionally used by Apple - and allows beginners to build mobile iOS apps without too much trouble.

If you want to learn how to be a program for iOS apps, learn Swift! Learn Swift Programming course is a great choice to get you started.

Solidity

If you're wondering how to become a programmer that works with blockchain technologies, then Solidity is your answer. Solidity is probably the least well-known and the least popular programming language on this list.

 

It is used to develop smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. The rise of cryptocurrencies and blockchain has led to an increase in the demand for Solidity developers, which is why we have included it here. Learn how to be a good programmer with Solidity by taking either of our two offered courses on it.

Ruby

The last language on our list, Ruby, has become popular due to its uses as a full-stack web development language.

Originally designed in Japan for building games, Ruby is another versatile language with several use cases, and it’s worth considering if you want to get into web or game development. Have a look at the Learn Ruby on Rails course if you’re interested.

Step 4: Practice, Practice & Practice Some More

So you want to know how to become a programmer right? Well, here’s a little secret for you:

You have to practice. You have to practice a lot!

That’s right (surprise surprise), the key to becoming a good programmer is practice! Practice writing code from the moment you start learning. Download a code editor in your browser and write your little programs.

Share them and ask other people to critique your code. Try and learn something new every single day, and practice until you are completely fluent in all aspects of your chosen languages.

Step 5: Start Building A Portfolio Of Work

While you are practicing, you need to start building a portfolio. Want to know how to become a computer programmer? Well, one of the keys is having a decent portfolio that you can show to prospective employers.

When you go to apply for a job as an entry-level programmer, remember that there are probably at least a few other people who are applying for the same job. You need to do something that makes you stand out above and ahead of the crowd. A portfolio is a great way to do this.

 

While you are learning how to become a programmer, save all of the little bits of code that you write. Store them somewhere - a website is a great idea, as you can customize or even build it using your coding knowledge - and make them accessible to potential employers when you’re applying for a job.

 

Step 6: Apply For Jobs

By now you’re well on the way to learning how to be a good programmer.

You have picked a programming field, you have started to learn the skills and programming languages that you will need, and you have started practicing writing your code. You have put together a portfolio that showcases all of your work, and you have (hopefully) crafted a new resume.

 

You may have guessed it already, but it’s time to start applying for jobs! Search for entry-level programming jobs that are related to the languages that you have learned and the type of programming that you want to do.

 

Send your resume and any other information that the potential employers want, and cross your fingers while you wait for a reply.

Even if you don’t hear back from any job applications for a while, the simple act of applying is good practice. A big part of how to become a programmer is learning how to present your skills to the employers.

In the same way, don’t expect to land a job from your first interview. If you haven’t interviewed for a serious job before, you will probably be nervous and you might make mistakes.

 

Consider your first few interviews practice. Keep on applying, and you will eventually get offered your first job as a professional programmer!

In the meantime, consider taking freelance jobs to keep honing your skills and to make sure that your programming skills don’t get rusty.

 

Step 7: Never Stop Learning!

As you can imagine, programming is a rapidly developing field. Learning how to become a programmer today won’t necessarily give you the skills that you need to remain a good programmer for the next few decades. You need to keep learning new skills and new languages.

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I find it a good practice to try and learn something new every day. This could be a new piece of syntax, a new tool that you can use with your favorite language, or a new way of writing a program. It doesn’t matter, as long as you continue to learn!