How to Learn Coding in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

As technology touches every aspect of our lives, coding has become an important skill for the future. But, in 2024, learning to code is not just for software developers. Whether you want to start creating software or understand the technology around you, this guide will help you learn coding for free.

Why Learn Coding in 2024: The 3 Top Reasons to Learn to Code

Technology is changing faster than ever, and developments in artificial intelligence (AI) change how we use technology. As these applications become more integrated into everyday life, the value of coding skills only continues to increase. In addition, learning to code is great for your personal development, professional opportunities, and societal impact.

The Need for Coding Beyond Tech Companies

Technology companies continue to have a high demand for programmers, as reaffirmed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the “coding need” goes far beyond the tech industry. Sectors like finance, healthcare, and entertainment increasingly rely on software to innovate and streamline operations. As an example, here’s how computer programming meets these fields:

• Finance: Automated trading is becoming the standard. Programmers create software that analyzes financial trends and makes trades.
• Healthcare: Coding helps improve medical diagnoses with AI and keeps large health record databases secure.
• Entertainment: Programmers make interactive games, streaming services, and virtual reality more engaging and real.

Learn Coding for Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

Learning to code is more than learning the commands of a programming language. Coding skills are invaluable in a world with more and more complex issues. For instance, coding also teaches:

• Logical Thinking: Breaking down large problems into smaller parts.
• Innovation: Finding new ways to approach and solve problems, using creative solutions instead of traditional methods.
• Flexibility: Adjusting and learning all the time is a crucial skill in today’s fast-changing world.

Use Code to Create Software for the Future

Coding skills allow you to create software and solutions that address personal needs or broader issues. Using AI, you can achieve what only large corporations could in the past. Here are some examples of how you can be part of the change:

• Develop Custom Applications: Whether it’s automating tasks, organizing personal information, or creating platforms that connect people in meaningful ways.
• Contribute to Open Source Projects: Many AI developments need open-source contributions. In such environments, independent programmers can influence the direction and development of important projects.
• Start Tech-Driven Initiatives: With coding skills, you can launch a startup or nonprofit to solve difficult problems. Coders can build platforms to improve education, protect the environment, and more.

Choosing Your Career Path: What Do You Want to Code?

Within coding, you can choose between several career paths. Understanding the ins and outs of each path can help you make a decision that matches your interests and goals. We’ll look at four major coding disciplines: Front-End Development, Full-Stack Development, Software Development, and Data Science.

Front-End Development

Front-end developers focus on the visual components of websites. They create the layout, design, and interactive features using languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Therefore, this career path is a good choice if you have an eye for design and want to help create the web of the future. Also, front-end development allows you to see and interact with your work like no other coding discipline.

To become a front-end developer, you need the following skills:

• Skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Knowledge of popular frameworks like React
• Understanding of collaboration and version control using Git

To learn more about front-end development, check out our article about how to become a front-end developer. In addition, you can find out how Mimo learner Zuzana became a front-end developer. Lastly, we offer a dedicated career path for aspiring front-end engineers on Mimo.

Full-Stack Development

Full-stack developers work on both the front-end and back-end of websites and web applications. So, this career path is ideal if your goal is to handle client and server software at the same time.

To become a full-stack developer, you need the following skills:

• Skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Knowledge of server-side languages like Python, Ruby, or Node.js
• Experience with SQL or NoSQL databases
• Understanding of collaboration and version control using Git

In addition, check out our article about how to become a full-stack developer. On Mimo, we offer a career path to support aspiring full-stack engineers.

Software Development

We need software developers to create software that runs on various types of computers, devices, and operating systems. Software development includes creating applications, systems software, or software for specific devices (like medical equipment). Consider this career path if you’re looking to create software across different industries, from healthcare to entertainment.

To become a software developer, you need the following skills:

• Skills in languages like Python, Java, C#, or C++
• Ability to create and understand complex algorithms
• Understanding of collaboration and version control using Git
• Knowledge of software architecture, design, and operating systems

For more information on software development, check out our article about how to become a software developer. Within Mimo, we recommend completing the Python development career path.

Data Science

As the name suggests, data scientists work with large amounts of data to find patterns, make predictions, and inform decisions. Data science combines AI, statistics, and the ability to handle large datasets with code and software. Therefore, this career path requires a logical mind, an interest in statistics, and an eagerness to work with data.

To become a data scientist, you need the following skills:

• Data analysis, data modeling, math, and statistics know-how
• Skills in languages like Python or R
• Experience with SQL or NoSQL databases
• Understanding of collaboration and version control using Git

Coding for Beginners: How to Start Learning to Code

Step 1: Choose Your Coding Language

Choosing the right programming language to start with can be important for your learning experience and career prospects. Let’s take a closer look at three major options:

HTML and CSS: The Foundation of the Web

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) are the building blocks of the web. While HTML describes the basic structure of webpages, CSS describes their style. In combination, they make up the foundation of web development. Here are potential reasons for picking HTML and CSS:

• Every front-end and full-stack developer needs to learn coding in HTML and CSS
• From corporate websites to personal blogs, HTML and CSS make up virtually all web pages
• While HTML structures content, CSS allows you to control the layout and presentation, offering high creative potential

JavaScript: The Gateway to Web Development

JavaScript and its frameworks are crucial for creating dynamic and interactive elements within web browsers. Because JavaScript also supports backend development through Node.js, it’s ideal for full-stack development. So, here’s why you might choose JavaScript:

• JavaScript is ideal for front-end and full-stack development
• Even as AI advances, JavaScript developers are in high demand
• With one of the largest development communities, JavaScript offers lots of resources for beginners
• From websites to desktop and mobile apps, JavaScript is as versatile as few other coding languages

Python: The Universal Power Tool

Python’s easy-to-read code makes it ideal for beginners and experienced programmers alike. Since Python is flexible and ideal for automation and data science, it’s a favorite across industries and sectors. Here’s why you might want to learn Python:

• Python is a key programming language for software development and data science
• Also, Python’s syntax is clear and intuitive, making the learning curve smoother for beginners
• For instance, libraries like NumPy and Pandas make Python a great choice for data science and machine learning
• Beyond data science, Python is popular for web development (with frameworks like Django and Flask) and scripting

Step 2: Learn Coding Fundamentals With Free Resources

The internet offers a wealth of free learning resources, making it hard to tell which options suit your needs. In this section, we’ll navigate through some popular resources.

freeCodeCamp

freeCodeCamp is an open-source community that helps you learn coding by doing. It offers thousands of coding lessons along with practical projects to enhance your coding skills.

Benefits:

• Extensive Library: Covers a wide range of topics from basic HTML to machine learning
• Project-Based Learning: builds and improves your understanding using projects
• Community Support: Offers peer-to-peer feedback and support through its community

Drawbacks:

• Lack of Feedback: Relies on automated processes to check the correctness of your code, which can lead to frustration
• Self-Motivation Need: Requires a high level of self-motivation and discipline from you to stay committed
• User Experience: Can be cumbersome to use, especially if you’re a beginner

YouTube

YouTube features countless courses and tutorials where experienced creators share their knowledge and tips on how to learn coding.

Benefits:

• Diverse Content: Hosts courses and tutorials on almost any programming topic
• Flexible Learning: Allows you to explore content that fits your learning style at your own pace and at any time
• Visual Learning: Can make some subjects more engaging if you’re a visual learner

Drawbacks:

• Ads and Distractions: Includes ads and other distractions that can interrupt your learning
• Variable Quality: Varies in quality and can contain outdated or even incorrect information
• Lack of Structure: Lacks a structured curriculum, making it challenging for you to follow a learning path

Mimo

Mimo offers various learning paths, step-by-step lessons, and guided projects within a beginner-friendly coding environment.

Benefits:

• Bootcamp-Like Experience: Uses AI and guided projects to recreate a coding bootcamp experience
• Coding Environment: Provides an interactive learning and coding experience, engaging and teaching you more than traditional methods
• Flexible Learning: Offers a web platform and mobile apps to allow you to learn at your own pace and at any time

Drawbacks:

• Limited Coverage: Only offers career paths for front-end development, full-stack development, and Python development
• Subscription: Comes with free access to much of its content but needs a subscription for features like removing ads

Step 3: Build Real-World Projects

On your coding journey, understanding the theory of programming languages is a good start. However, advanced coding skills come from applying what you’ve learned in real-world projects. Here are some simple tips for successful projects:

1. Start Small: Begin with simple projects that reinforce fundamental skills. Then, gradually take on more complex tasks as your confidence grows, one line of code at a time.
2. Seek Feedback: Regularly share your projects with peers, mentors, or online communities. Constructive feedback is crucial for improvement and learning.
3. Iterate on Your Work: Use the feedback to make small changes to your projects. This process not only improves the project but also deepens your understanding and skill set.
4. Take Notes: Keep a log of your journey, the challenges you faced, and how you resolved them. You can rely on your documentation when checking back on your progress or explaining your projects to potential employers.

Next, let’s explore some popular platforms for building projects.

GitHub

GitHub is a popular collaboration and version control platform. Using GitHub, you can create projects, collaborate with other developers, and find open-source projects to contribute to.

• Fork Repos: By forking a repo, you’re creating a copy of someone else’s project. Within your forked project, you can experiment and make changes without affecting the original.
• Contribute to Open Source: Look for “good first issue” tags in projects that welcome contributions from beginners. This is a great way to start contributing to larger projects.
• Start Your Own Project: As soon as you’re comfortable, you can start your own project. Write a simple script to solve a daily problem or go for a larger software application.

Replit

Replit is an online coding platform that provides an IDE to write code and collaborate on projects using your browser. It supports various programming languages and is useful for quick prototypes and real-time collaborations.

• Instant Coding: You can code in Replit’s browser-based environment without having to set up a development environment.
• Live Collaboration: Use Replit’s live collaboration feature to code with others.
• Host and Share: Replit allows you to host applications and share your projects with the community or potential employers.

Mimo

Mimo offers a beginner-friendly development environment and guided projects for front-end, full-stack, and Python development. Simulating real-world applications and development, projects on Mimo range from beginner to advanced levels.

• Follow Structured Paths: Choose a learning path on Mimo that suits your interests. Each path includes projects that help you apply the concepts you learn.
• Instant Coding: Mimo’s development environment allows you to write and test code in your browser and on your phone.
• Showcase Your Work: Build a portfolio of projects to showcase to potential employers and get visibility for your work.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Coding?

A particularly common question of beginners looking to learn coding is: “How long does learning to code take?” The answer: the time it takes to learn to code depends on a set of factors. In this section, we’ll explore these factors and sketch out a realistic timeline for your personal journey.

Factors Influencing Your Learning Timeline

Technical Background

Firstly, if you have experience in math, science, or engineering, you’ll find it easier to grasp programming concepts. Without a technical background, you might need a bit more time to feel at home with logical and structured thinking.

Time Commitment

Secondly, the amount of time you can set aside for learning plays a key role in how fast you can make progress. Studies show that consistency is key: the more you practice, the better you get. Taking a few hours per week is vital for steady progress. But, if you can, try to code for an hour or two per day rather than a full day on the weekend.

Choice of Programming Language

Also, some coding languages are easier to learn than others. For example, Python is famous for its easy-to-read code, making it a great choice for beginners. Languages like C++ require a good grasp of concepts like memory management and usually take more time to learn.

Learning Resources and Environment

Finally, the quality and type of learning resources you use can affect how quickly you learn. Platforms like Mimo make learning more engaging and efficient compared to self-directed and traditional methods. Also, having access to a community or mentor can help you overcome challenges more quickly.

A Realistic Timeline to Learn Coding

Some coding bootcamps claim to turn you into a developer in just a few weeks. Still, the reality is often more complex and time-consuming. Here’s a realistic timeline for learning to code, broken down into phases.

3 to 6 Weeks: Understanding the Basics

Initially, focus on basic syntax and simple concepts such as variables, data types, and control structures. This foundation is crucial for building more complex programs later.

3 to 6 Months: Building Real Skills

With regular practice, you can expect to understand the fundamentals of a programming language within three to six months. Most importantly, you should be comfortable writing simple programs and understanding basic algorithms.

6+ Months: Taking Your Skills to the Next Level

With a solid foundation, you can move on to more difficult topics like data structures, algorithms, and frameworks. In particular, this phase is about deepening your understanding and becoming familiar with problem-solving and project development.

Continuous Learning: Staying Up to Date

However, even with the essentials down, it’s important to keep learning and practicing. Engaging with new projects, contributing to open-source, or learning additional technologies can help you stay relevant.

Tips to Learn Coding as Fast as Possible

Finally, here are 4 important tips to make sure you learn coding as effectively and efficiently as possible:

1. Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve with your coding skills. This will help you stay focused and motivated.
2. Stick With It: Coding is a skill that improves with practice. Try to code either daily or at least several times per week.
3. Learn by Doing: Engage in small projects or coding challenges. They are great for applying what you’ve learned and improving your problem-solving skills.
4. Seek Help: Ask for help from more experienced developers. Join forums, attend workshops, and participate in coding communities.

Conclusion

To conclude, coding boosts your career prospects and problem-solving skills, helping you stay relevant in an AI-powered future. With many free online resources, learning to code has become more accessible than ever. By choosing suitable platforms, building projects, and setting realistic expectations, you achieve your personal and professional coding goals.