How to start learning programming full roadmap:

MRayanasim
10 min readJul 2, 2023

What is programming?

Programming is the process of creating software, applications, and systems using programming languages and computer code. It involves writing instructions that a computer can understand and execute to perform a specific task or solve a problem. Programming languages are used to create everything from websites to mobile apps to video games.

Learning programming has many benefits, including developing problem-solving skills, opening up career opportunities, and enabling automation and efficiency. When starting to learn programming, it’s important to decide on your goals and interests and choose a programming language that aligns with them.

To start learning programming, there are many online courses, books, and resources available. It’s also important to practice regularly and seek feedback and guidance from others. Popular programming languages for beginners include Python, Java, and JavaScript, and there are many resources available to learn these languages.

Remember, learning programming takes time and patience, but with consistent practice and a willingness to learn, anyone can become a skilled programmer.

Why learn programing?

  1. Problem-solving skills: Programming involves breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts. By learning programming, you develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that can be applied to various domains. This skill is highly sought after in many industries and can help you tackle challenges more effectively.
  2. Career opportunities: Programming skills are in high demand across industries. Whether you’re interested in software development, data analysis, web development, artificial intelligence, or even game design, programming skills can open up a wide range of career opportunities. With the increasing reliance on technology, the demand for skilled programmers is expected to continue growing.
  3. Automation and efficiency: Programming enables you to automate repetitive tasks and streamline processes. By writing code, you can create scripts, programs, or applications that can perform tasks more quickly and efficiently, saving time and effort. This can be beneficial both in professional settings and in personal life, allowing you to automate routine tasks and focus on more important or creative endeavors.

Decide your goals:

Decide on your goals: Are you interested in web development, data analysis, or machine learning? Depending on your interests and career aspirations, you may want to focus on learning specific programming languages. It can also be helpful to set specific, achievable goals for your learning journey, such as building a personal website or creating a simple program.

Which programming language is best to start with here are the top 10:

  1. Python: Python is a high-level, versatile language that is easy to learn and use. It is widely used in data analysis, machine learning, and web development. Python has a large and active community, making it easy to find support and resources.
  2. Java: Java is a popular language for enterprise applications and Android app development. It is a versatile language that can be used for web development, desktop applications, and more. Java has a large and active community, making it easy to find support and resources.
  3. JavaScript: JavaScript is a popular language for web development. It is used to create dynamic, interactive web pages and can be used on both the client and server side. JavaScript is also used in game development and mobile app development.
  4. C#: C# (pronounced “C sharp”) is a popular language for Windows desktop and game development. It is a versatile language that can be used for web development, mobile app development, and more. C# has a large and active community, making it easy to find support and resources.
  5. Ruby: Ruby is a high-level, dynamic language that is often used in web development. It is easy to learn and use, and has a large and active community.
  6. Swift: Swift is a language developed by Apple for iOS and macOS app development. It is a powerful language that is easy to learn and use. Swift has a growing community, making it easy to find support and resources.
  7. Kotlin: Kotlin is a language developed by JetBrains for Android app development. It is easy to learn and use and is quickly becoming the preferred language for Android development. Kotlin has a growing community, making it easy to find support and resources.
  8. PHP: PHP is a popular language for web development. It is used to create dynamic, interactive web pages and can be used on both the client and server side. PHP has a large and active community, making it easy to find support and resources.
  9. SQL: SQL (Structured Query Language) is a language used to manage and manipulate databases. It is an essential skill for data analysts and data scientists.
  10. C++: C++ is a powerful language that is often used for system programming, such as operating systems and device drivers. It is also used in game development and other performance-critical applications.

Benefits of Learning Programming

  1. Job Opportunities: Programming skills are in high demand across industries. Whether you’re interested in software development, data analysis, web development, or even game design, programming skills can open up a wide range of career opportunities.
  2. Problem-Solving Skills: Programming involves breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts. By learning programming, you develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that can be applied to various domains. This skill is highly sought after in many industries and can help you tackle challenges more effectively.
  3. Automation and Efficiency: Programming enables you to automate repetitive tasks and streamline processes. By writing code, you can create scripts, programs, or applications that can perform tasks more quickly and efficiently, saving time and effort. This can be beneficial both in professional settings and in personal life, allowing you to automate routine tasks and focus on more important or creative endeavors.

What You Can Do After Learning Programming ?

  1. Web Development: With programming skills, you can build websites and web applications for businesses or personal projects.
  2. Mobile App Development: You can use programming skills to develop mobile apps for iOS or Android devices.
  3. Data Analysis: Programming skills are essential for data analysis and data science. You can use programming languages like Python or SQL to manipulate and analyze data.
  4. Game Development: Programming skills are also valuable in game development. You can use languages like C++ or C# to build games for desktop or mobile platforms.

Remember, the programming language you choose to learn should align with your goals and interests. If you’re interested in developing mobile apps, for example, you may want to focus on learning Swift for iOS development or Kotlin for Android development. If you’re interested in web development, you may want to focus on learning JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.

Where to start learning programming ?

  1. Online courses: There are many online courses and tutorials available that can help you learn programming at your own pace. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and Codecademy offer a variety of courses on different programming languages and topics.
  2. Books: Books are a great way to learn programming because they offer a comprehensive and structured approach to learning. You can find a variety of books on different programming languages and topics on websites like Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
  3. Practice: Practice is essential to learning programming. Start by writing simple programs or scripts, and gradually work your way up to more complex projects. You can also participate in coding challenges or work on open-source projects to gain experience and build your portfolio.

Websites you need to visit:

  • Stack Overflow: This is a popular question and answer site for programmers. You can search for answers to your specific programming questions or ask for help from the community.
  • GitHub: GitHub is a platform for hosting and collaborating on code. You can find open-source projects to contribute to, or use it to host your own projects and build your portfolio.
  • HackerRank: This website offers coding challenges and competitions that can help you improve your skills and challenge yourself.

Remember to practice coding regularly, even if it’s just for a short amount of time each day.

Apps you will need:

  • A code editor: A code editor is a software application that allows you to write, edit, and manage code. Some popular code editors include Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, and Atom.
  • An integrated development environment (IDE): An IDE is a software application that provides comprehensive tools for software development. Some popular IDEs for programming include Eclipse, NetBeans, and IntelliJ IDEA.
  • A version control system: A version control system (VCS) is a software tool that helps you manage changes to your code over time. Git is a popular VCS used by many developers.

Pc or laptop specs:

When starting programming, you don’t necessarily need high-end specifications for your computer. Here are the recommended specifications for a PC or laptop for starting programming:

1 -Processor: A modern processor, such as an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, will provide sufficient performance for most programming tasks.

2 -Memory (RAM): Aim for at least 8GB of RAM. This will allow you to run multiple programs and development environments simultaneously without significant slowdowns.

3- Storage: An SSD (Solid State Drive) is recommended for faster boot times and program loading. A capacity of 256GB or higher will provide ample space for your development tools and projects.

4 -Operating System: Choose an operating system that best suits your needs and preferences. Popular options for programming include Windows, macOS, and Linux.

5 -Display: A 13 to 15-inch display with a resolution of 1920x1080 (Full HD) is generally sufficient for programming tasks. Consider a higher resolution or an external monitor if you need more screen real estate.

6 -Graphics: A dedicated graphics card is not essential for most programming tasks unless you plan to work on graphics-intensive applications or game development.

7- Connectivity: Ensure your PC or laptop has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities for seamless connectivity.

8 -Keyboard and Mouse: A comfortable keyboard and mouse are essential for long programming sessions. Consider an ergonomic keyboard and a mouse that suits your preferences.

What are your goals:

If you’re interested in software development, web development, artificial intelligence, or game design, there are different programming languages that can be useful to learn. Here are some examples:

Artificial Intelligence

  • Python is a popular language for AI development. It has a large number of libraries and frameworks that can be used for machine learning, natural language processing, and other AI applications.
  • Java is also a popular language for AI development, particularly when it comes to building enterprise applications.

Software Development

  • Java is a popular language for software development, particularly when it comes to building enterprise applications.
  • C++ is another popular language for software development. It’s often used for building system software, such as operating systems or device drivers.

Game Development

  • C++ is a popular language for game development. It’s often used for building game engines and other performance-critical components.
  • C# is another popular language for game development, particularly when it comes to building games for the Unity engine.

Remember, the programming languages you choose to learn should align with your goals and interests. If you’re interested in developing mobile apps, for example, you may want to focus on learning Swift for iOS development or Kotlin for Android development. If you’re interested in web development, you may want to focus on learning JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.

Here are some resources that can help you learn more about programming languages:

  • Python: “Python Crash Course” by Eric Matthes, “Learn Python the Hard Way” by Zed Shaw
  • Java: “Head First Java” by Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates, “Java: A Beginner’s Guide” by Herbert Schildt
  • JavaScript: “Eloquent JavaScript” by Marijn Haverbeke, “JavaScript: The Good Parts” by Douglas Crockford
  • C++: “C++ Primer” by Stanley B. Lippman, Josée Lajoie, and Barbara E. Moo, “Effective C++” by Scott Meyers
  • Swift: “Swift Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide” by Matthew Mathias and John Gallagher, “Swift Apprentice” by raywenderlich.com Team
  • Kotlin: “Kotlin Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide” by Josh Skeen and David Greenhalgh, “Kotlin Apprentice” by raywenderlich.com Team
  • C#: “C# 7.0 in a Nutshell” by Joseph Albahari and Ben Albahari, “Head First C#” by Andrew Stellman and Jennifer Greene

Extra Resource you should check out:

Here are some extra resources you can check out:

  • Websites:
  • freeCodeCamp — Offers a variety of free online coding courses and projects
  • Codecademy — Offers interactive coding lessons and projects
  • Udacity — Offers online courses and nanodegrees in various programming topics
  • edX — Offers online courses from top universities on various programming topics
  • Books:
  • “Code Complete” by Steve McConnell — Offers practical advice on writing high-quality software
  • “The Pragmatic Programmer” by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas — Offers advice and best practices for professional software development
  • “Clean Code” by Robert C. Martin — Offers advice on writing clean, maintainable, and efficient code
  • YouTube channels:
  • Traversy Media — Offers tutorials on various web development topics
  • The Coding Train — Offers tutorials on creative coding, game development, and more
  • Programming with Mosh — Offers tutorials on various programming topics, including web development, data structures, and algorithms

Conclusion:

Programming is the process of creating software using programming languages. It involves writing instructions for computers to perform tasks. Learning programming has benefits like problem-solving skills, career opportunities, and automation. The top 10 languages for beginners are Python, Java, JavaScript, C#, Ruby, Swift, Kotlin, PHP, SQL, and C++. Resources like online courses and books can help you start learning. Practice regularly and seek guidance from the programming community. Tools you’ll need include a code editor, an IDE, and a VCS. Choose a language based on your goals and interests. Happy coding!

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