Learn how to code: The beginner's guide to coding and syntax
Computer programming is one of the most sought after careers today. In fact, software engineering is one of the most in demand careers across multiple industries.
Learning programming may seem like a huge task. There’s a lot to cover if you’re starting from zero, and some learners get overwhelmed because they don’t know where to start. That’s why today, we want to discuss step-by-step, term-by-term, how you can learn to code from scratch and have fun doing it!
Learn to code today.#
Try one of our courses on programming fundamentals:
Programming 101#
What is programming?#
Before we can introduce you to some key concepts, we need to make sure we understand what programming really is.
A computer is a hardware machine that can store and process information. The language of a computer is Binary, a complex set of ones and zeroes. Programming is essentially the larger-scale process of developing a complex machine program that acts according to our wishes.
Programming is the basic communication between human input and machine output. It is the way that a computer knows how and when to process data.
So, what is coding, then?#
Think of coding as a translator between English (or a different human language) and the computer’s binary. Coding involves the actual syntax and structure by which we write commands. A computer can then take those commands, translate it into binary, and do what is written. Coding involves writing commands in a language that a computer can understand.
What is hardware? What is software?#
In order for a computer to work, it requires both hardware and software. Software is a collection of instructions and programs that are downloaded to a computer. The apps on an iPad or Microsoft Word are examples of software. Hardware, on the other hand, is the physical device that stores, delivers, and executes that software. The physical iPad or monitor would be an example of hardware.
A hardware engineer is responsible for manufacturing and designing devices that interact with software. They will usually have a background in Electrical and Computer Engineering. A software engineer, on the other hand, develops and codes software programs for those devices. They will usually have a background in Software Engineering or Computer Science.
What is front-end? What is back-end?#
Within the world of software development, there are two common camps that programmers fall into that utilize different tools, skills, and end-goals: front-end and back-end development.
Front-end development focuses on what the user will actually see on their screen. This involves the design, application debugging, and coding for user experience. This job is all about the feel, look, and design of a program or website.
Back-end development focuses on everything that makes the front-end possible. This job is all about how a site or application works, how quickly it functions, and how it communicates with databases (where data is stored). Many programmers are more generalists on both sides. They are called full-stack developers.**
In the following sections, we will discuss the need-to-know concepts to become a programmer:
- Programming languages
- Coding syntax, vocabulary, and lingo
- Data structures and algorithms
What is a programming language?#
Now that you have your bearings on the world of programming, let’s discuss what you will actually need to learn to become a programmer. We will start with the fundamentals of programming on the whole: programming languages.
Just as we use different human languages to communicate, we also use programming languages to communicate with a computer.
A programming language is a formal set of notations and rules. They generate instructions and implement algorithms based on the predetermined rules of that language. A computer can then produce an output from that text.
There are tons of programming languages, and they each serve different purposes, styles, and specializations. Let’s get familiar with the ten most popular programming languages out there.
-
Java: this is one of the older, more established programming languages. It is used in universities and large-scale businesses.
-
Python: this is a very user-friendly language preferred by many beginners. The syntax is simple and clear, so many newbies get started on Python.
-
Ruby: similar to Python, this language is known for being beginner-friendly. It’s easy to read, and it was built on the notion that programming should be fun.
-
JavaScript: this is a text-based language for web development. JavaScript is foundational to all websites.
-
C: this is one of the original programming languages, so it’s like the parent language. C is known for being hard to learn, but it works great for high-performance applications.
-
C++: this language is based on C and adds new features to the old language. It’s also an older one and is known for having a bit of a learning curve. Many universities still teach C++.
-
C#: this language, created by Microsoft, is based on C and C++ to make really robust things, like large websites.
-
PHP: this is a scripting language that uses HTML to make websites, but it’s taken off for a lot of other uses.
-
Swift: this language, developed by Apple, is great for iOS and Mac OS apps. It’s designed similarly to Python and Ruby; it is simple and easy to learn. There is a general push to get more Swift programmers in the field.
-
Objective-C: this is an older language that is being slowly replaced by Swift, but it is an important language for the history of software development. It is especially useful for creating applications on Mac OS X and iPhone iOS.
Imperative vs. Declarative Paradigms#
As we mentioned, programming languages have different styles. In fact, every programming language operates according to a paradigm. A paradigm is basically the way that a computer will logically approach a problem. It is the style of that language.
There are many different paradigms out there, and they all fall under two branches: imperative and declarative.
For imperative programming, you tell the compiler what you want to happen to your code. You give it all the steps, and it “listens” to your imperative commands. You give the instructions, not the desired outcome.
For declarative programming, you will write code that describes what you want to happen, but you don’t explain how to get that result. You give the outcome you want, not the instructions to get there.
As a beginner, there are really only two paradigms that you need to know about: Object-Oriented and Functional.
-
Object-Oriented programming is an imperative paradigm that largely dominates the field. In this paradigm, everything is treated like an object, a thing you can interact with or alter.
-
Functional programming is a declarative paradigm that thinks about data through sets of tasks, which we call functions.
Compiled vs. Interpreted Languages#
A programming language isn’t the only tool necessary for communicating with a computer. After all, the computer “thinks” in binary. Compilers and interpreters take human-readable code and translate it to computer-readable code.
A compiled language means that the machine directly translates the program that you input.
These tend to be faster and more efficient but require an extra “build” step. An interpreted language, however, requires another program to read and execute the code, sort of like a middle-man.
What is syntax?#
Let’s take a deeper look at how you write in a programming language. We will go over the key concepts and vocab terms to get you familiar with coding syntax.
Simply put, the syntax of a computer language is the set of rules that defines the structure of the language. Semantics, on the other hands, refers to logic. Semantics deals with the meaning assigned to the symbols, characters and words.
So, syntax is structure and form. Semantics is logical meaning.
Note: for these examples, we will be using Python for its readability, so keep in mind that other languages will look different!
Hello World#
When you learn a new programming language, it is a long-standing tradition to write a program that outputs the phrase Hello World!. This is called a string.
In Python, there is a function that allows us to output a string. A function is like a task or command. Take a look at a few different languages below! Test it out yourself in Python using the “Practice” tab.
print "Hello World"
Keywords#
Just like any human language, a programming language has words with reserved meaning. That’s how any language conveys meaning! Keywords are reserved words that have pre-determined meanings and uses. Each programming language has its own set of keywords, though there is a lot of cross-over.
Note: Python 3.7 has 33 keywords.
The keyword def, for example, defines a function (a task), and the keyword return runs that function and returns the result. Take a look below and try it out yourself once you understand how it works.
Note: In many languages, you can use the
#to make notes. The compiler will ignore anything after the number sign.
def my_function(): # defining our functionreturn 2+3 # asking to return the operation 2 + 3print (my_function()) # asking to print the answer
Identifiers#
Identifiers are similar to keywords, but these are the names that the programmer would create to label different entities in their program. We use these to differentiate one entity from another. To create an identifier, you must follow the syntactic rules as outlined by the programming language of your choice. For example, in Python, identifiers must follow these rules:
- Identifiers can be a combination of lowercase letters, uppercase letters, digits (0-9), or an underscore
- Keywords cannot be used as identifiers
- Identifiers cannot include any special characters like !, @, &, $, %, etc.
- They cannot begin with a digit
Note: Python is a case-sensitive language. This means that capitals matter.
Variablehas a different meaning thanvariable. This is not the case for all languages
Variables#
Variables allow you to store information that can be accessed over and over again. These are similar to variables in algebra. But in programming, we name our variables according to the syntax of that language. Naming a variable is called declaring a variable.
These are useful for any data or value that you want to use more than once. Take a look below and test it out for yourself.
name = "Amanda" # declaring the nameage = 23 # declaring the ageprint (name) # asking to print name and ageprint (age)
Data Types#
As we have learned, programming is all about data processing, and each language has different kinds of data. Data types are like classifications that tell the compiler or interpreter how to use a piece of information. Let’s take a look at four commonly used data types to get a better sense of how they work.
- Integers are numbers without decimals, just like in algebra. In fact, they can be used to do algebra in your programs. Integers can be stored in variables so we can use them over and over again.
number_of_bagels = 10 - 2print(number_of_bagels)
- Lists allow us to store multiple variables in one group. This way, we can perform actions and functions to an entire list of data.
favorite_authors = ["Austen","Gladwell","Wilde","James"]
- Boolean is basically a yes or no response. They will
returneitherTrueorFalse. These can serve tons of different purposes, like comparing the equality of two numbers or variables.
print(10 > 20) # Falseprint (10 > 5) # True
- Strings are commonly pieces of text in programming languages, such as our
Hello World!statement They are written with quotation marks.
print ("Let's learn programming!")
Learn to code today.#
Try one of our courses on programming fundamentals:
Operators#
Operators are symbols that perform mathematical functions to your data. There are different categories of operators. The most important operators for you at this stage are the following:
Arithmetic (for simple arithmetic)
Assignment (to assign value)
Relational (for comparison, returning boolean values)
Logical (to return boolean from a boolean input)
a + b = 30
c = a + b
40 > 30
abc == abc
(2 < 3) and (2 < 5)
Conditionals#
Conditionals allow us to perform certain actions depending on a condition. We use booleans to determine if data meets certain requirements, and then define what the program should do if that requirement is or is not met. In other words, we want to tell the computer, “if this thing is true, do this other thing”. Take a look.
animal = "dog"if animal == "dog":print ("Woof")
Functions#
Functions are like actions or commands. These blocks of code only run when they are called, and you can set parameters into a function to return specific data. Functions must be defined using a keyword def.
Once you define your function, you can use it to implement actions. The following function takes two numbers and repeats them a requested number of times.
def rep_cat(x, y):return str(x) * 8 + str(y) * 5# asking to return a string with 8 x's and 5 y'sprint (rep_cat(7, 2)) # defining x as 7 and y as 2
Loops#
With a loop, you can run the same block of code over and over again, for example, with a list to check the values. In Python, the most common loop is the for loop. The for loop basically states “for every item in the list, do this thing”. The loop will end once it completes its predetermined length if one is specified.
python_students = ["Ben", "Patel", "Asma", "Kendra", "Sidra", "Fernando"]for students in python_students:print("Hi" + students + "!")
Now that you have a sense of some foundational coding vocabulary and syntax, let’s go one step deeper to learn about another important aspect of programming.
Data structures and algorithms#
Data structures and algorithms are a key part of programming. Let’s briefly introduce these concepts and explain why they’re important to your programming journey.
At this stage in your journey, it’s far more important that you devote your time and energy to your programming language, but we want to familiarize you with these concepts as you learn, as they are foundational.
Data Structures#
As we know, computers store and process large amounts of data, so the way we organize that data makes it easier to use and access information. Data structures are the way that we arrange data in a computer’s memory.
Data structures use logic to organize information according to two concerns: firstly, how should we store data, and secondly, what actions will we perform on that data?
Broadly speaking, data structures fall into two categories: linear and hierarchical structures.
- Linear structures organize data in a linked fashion, where each element is attached to the one before and after it.
- Hierarchical structures organize data like a multi-level pyramid or tree. As you can imagine, these data structures have very different uses.
Algorithms#
Think of algorithms as a step-by-step process to solve a problem. They are sets of rules that are followed by your program to complete certain operations or calculations. Think of this as a recipe.
An algorithm outlines a set of rules (the recipe) to get an expected output (the dish). Inputs are fed into the algorithm, and it implements various functions (tasks) to obtain that expected output. You can either use pre-existing algorithms or write your own.
Algorithms and data structures work together to serve different purposes for your programs. For example, since algorithms can be used to search or sort data, the way you organize your data will impact how quickly your algorithm can work.
Coding Lingo#
Let’s move away from the nitty-gritty of programming and think a bit more broadly about the lingo you need to know to be a successful programmer. Here are the top 10 coding terms you’ll encounter in the field.
Bug#
A bug generally describes an unexpected error or mistake in your software or hardware. These can be malfunctions, defects, glitches, and the like. Bugs can cause an entire computer system to crash if they aren’t addressed properly. A lot of programming involves testing for and solving bugs. That process is called debugging.
Text editor#
Text editors are where you write your code. They are like notepads on your computer where you can type a program and create files. There are many different types of text editors, as some are better for certain languages.
IDE#
An IDE (integrated development environment) is a more robust text editor that includes many other features on top of a text editor “notepad”. These applications include a compiler, runtime environment, and debugger, so they are far larger than a text editor.
Source code#
Source code is your program’s code. It is the human-readable instructions that you write as a programmer. This is the data that is then compiled and turned into binary machine code.
Open-source#
The world of programming is filled with open-source content. This is basically software with a license stating that the source code can be used, modified, or changed by any coder. Open-source content and code are freely available and can be freely distributed.
Refactoring#
Refactoring is the process of changing a software system in a way that doesn’t change the actual behavior or output of the code. This is done to improve or optimize internal structure, for example, by simplifying certain blocks of code or adding a feature.
Runtime#
Runtime, as the name implies, is the amount of time it takes a program to run on a computer. It is when the computer is executing the machine code. If something occurs “at runtime” (a phrase you will likely hear), it occurs as soon as the program begins. This is often where bugs will be discovered or abnormalities will become apparent.
Libraries#
Libraries are open-source collections of prewritten code that a programmer can add to their program for certain functionalities. Different languages have different libraries, and these are sometimes huge factors for choosing certain languages for a project.
Frameworks#
If a library is something you add to your code, a framework is something you put your code into. Think of this as a preset way to organize code. It is a reusable architecture that defines how certain entities will interact. Some programmers use these terms differently.
Tech stack#
Programming includes a lot of different tools, from text editors to languages, to frameworks, and on. A tech stack is the specific combination of tools used to create web and mobile applications. Various companies use different tech stacks depending on their needs and goals. A common tech stack is called LAMP, which stands for:
A step-by-step guide to learning programming#
Now you have all the basics down, and you are familiar with the need-to-know terms. So, how does one actually learn programming? Let’s break it down step-by-step.
1. Pick a career goal#
Your learning experience will be much easier if you have a clear goal in mind. This way, you get started with the right technologies. Try looking into different careers for software developers and seeing what strikes you. Once you have a sense of the kind of work you want to do, you can choose the right tech.
2. Choose a programming language#
Beginners generally start with the languages Java, C, C++, Python, or Ruby, because they are so well documented or user-friendly. Some programmers claim Python is the perfect language for beginners because it is easiest to make projects right away.
It’s all quite subjective, at the end of the day. Consider your priorities as you choose a language. Consider what factors matter to you most.
3. Choose the best learning platform for you#
You can learn programming in a lot of different ways. The most common are at a university, through a Bootcamp, or through online courses. There are obvious pros and cons to each learning experience.
A fancy university degree is by no means necessary to become a top-notch programmer. Educative, for example, offers hundreds of industry-standard courses on topics of all experience levels, created by real developers.
On top of that, all of their “Learn a Programming Language from Scratch” courses are completely free.
4. Get the right text editor#
You will need a text editor to get started practicing. This is where you actually write your code. There is no one tool to rule them all when it comes to text editors.
You should absolutely do your own research on which editor is best for you, but to get you started, let’s outline a few of the most popular ones for beginners.
-
Brackets: this text editor is focused mostly on web development, so you can use it to code in JavaScript, CSS, and HTML (the languages of web dev)
-
Notepad++: this is one of the fastest, most lightweight text editors, known for being very basic and, therefore, excellent for absolute beginners. It supports multiple languages so you can try a few out.
-
ATOM: this open-source text editor is designed for JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, so it’s a great choice if you want to learn web development.
-
Visual Studio Code: this editor was developed by Microsoft and comes with a lot of useful features. It can be used to code in Java, JavaScript, and C++. There are also extensions for other languages, like Python.
-
Sublime Text: this editor is much more stripped back to make learning easy. There are fewer fancy features to streamline the learning curve. Similarly, there are extensions for most programming languages.
5. Master your programming language#
Now you can get started mastering the skills. The key at this stage is to get lots of hands-on practice and ask questions.
As you learn, try different platforms to figure things out. Take an online course to get lots of hands-on practice. If you can train yourself to think computationally, it will be much easier to master your language quickly.
6. Start making something#
Once you get familiar with your programming language, it’s a good idea to jump right into a project:
- It solidifies your knowledge.
- It will give you confidence.
- You’ll build your portfolio.
- You’ll track your progress.
7. Engage with the online community#
One of the best things about learning programming is the amount of free support. Developers have only been able to learn because they have shared their knowledge, ideas, and experiences freely.
Find the community for your programming language and dive deeply into it. This can be through reading blogs, writing blogs, going to meetups, and so much more.
8. Keep exploring#
Programming is a lifelong journey, and there is always more to learn, even after you master Java. There will never be a moment where you know everything, and that’s exactly how it should be!
Where to Start Now?#
That was a lot of information, so let’s sum it all up and give you a direction to start learning to code. You’re beginning your journey at just the right time. Educative offers a “Learn to Code Starter Pack” for all beginners. This starter pack provides the perfect skill path for those who want to step into the coding world but lack a sense of direction. Now, you can skip the long process and jump straight in with content created by experts.
Educative courses for absolute beginners are the ideal place to start. Available in six languages, these courses will help you understand the logic of programming and start writing code. Begin your journey today!
Continue reading about programming#
Free Resources
