Although it may appear difficult, anyone with the required desire and determination can learn to code.
According to the International Society for Technology in Education, elementary school is an excellent time to begin learning to code. The fundamental concepts are understandable to six or seven-year-olds, which means they are understandable to you.
If you have a voice in your head telling you that you can’t learn to code because you don’t have time or because you’re not strong at science, technology, or math… stop.
Instead, consider the following:
- Do I want to learn to code or pursue a job in technology?
- Do I put out effort to complete projects?
- Do I enjoy fixing problems?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, a coding bootcamp may be a good fit for you. What you want to do determines how long it takes!
Coding Languages
HTML
HTML is the fundamental coding that web developers use to generate webpages. HTML is used by every page on the internet to tell the web browser how to display its content. HTML is used to produce headings, paragraph breaks, links to other websites, and other features.
JavaScript
JavaScript is a programming language that is used to make websites interactive. This language extends basic HTML to include features like sliders and images that change size as you hover your mouse over them. JavaScript can be used in both front-end and back-end web development.
Ruby
Ruby is an open-source programming language that emphasizes productivity and ease of use. It strikes a balance between imperative and functional programming. Ruby’s intuitive syntax makes learning to code relatively simple. Despite its appearance, Ruby is capable of handling difficult tasks.
Python
Python is a popular computer language for data science and machine learning. It is an object-oriented, high-level, interpreted programming language that is simple to learn. Python’s quick edit-test-debug cycle is notable for increasing productivity.
Methods for Learning to Code
There are three primary methods for learning to code. You can learn to code on your own, go to college for a standard bachelor’s degree, or enroll in a coding bootcamp offered by a university or another bootcamp provider.
Self-Taught: If you want to learn how to code on your own, there are numerous online courses, tutorials, and YouTube videos available. Many of these resources allow you to learn to code for free. The disadvantage is that you may become sidetracked if you take a variety of courses rather than sticking to a single organized program. It usually takes 6-12 months to master three or four programming languages.
Regular Degree: A bachelor’s degree in computer programming or computer science takes around four years to accomplish in a regular college or university setting. Your first year or two will most likely be spent fulfilling general education requirements, with the last two years devoted to programming in various languages.
Coding Bootcamp: Coding bootcamps normally last three to four months, while some last six months or longer. Bootcamps offer structured programs designed to prepare students for entry-level coding positions. Students at many coding bootcamps are required to complete projects for their portfolios.
How Can I Learn How to Code?
Begin by deciding which programming languages you want to study. Then, look for courses that teach beginners how to code in those languages.
Rather than moving from one course to the next, try to complete a single course from start to finish. After you’ve completed the first course, choose another that compliments it. In addition to completing the assignments, try building your own projects for additional experience.
What Exactly Is a Coding Bootcamp?
A coding bootcamp teaches coding skills in a condensed period of time through intensive instruction. However, one bootcamp cannot teach every coding language in a few months.
Bootcamp courses are frequently designed around the language and skills required for a certain area, such as front-end programming, user interface (UI), or cybersecurity.
Full-time bootcamps normally run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and include instruction and group work. After class, there is usually more independent work and study.
Part-time bootcamps may meet in the evenings or on weekends, or they may be self-paced. They often take twice as long as full-time bootcamps to cover the same subject.
Structured Curriculum: Coding bootcamps provide structured curricula that take you from being an utter novice to being ready for your first coding job. As long as you attend all of your classes and do not fall behind, you will be prepared to begin applying for jobs as soon as you graduate.
Instructor Feedback: Another advantage of coding bootcamps is that instructors teach bootcamp courses. Being able to ask your teacher for assistance when you get stuck is an important part of the bootcamp experience. Some bootcamps also offer mentorship programs, which provide additional assistance through your program mentor.
Cost: In 2020, the average cost of a bootcamp was $13,579. Although this is more than many self-directed online courses, it is also less than a typical four-year college degree. Tuition and fees for a four-year college or university cost $16,618 a year in the 2020-2021 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Time: Coding bootcamps offer a fast-paced learning environment that allows students to learn to code in a matter of months. In most circumstances, this is the quickest approach to learn how to code. A typical coding bootcamp teaches HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, preparing students to work in front-end or full-stack web development.