How to start learning programming if you are a complete zero. Why and how to effectively learn the C programming language: a comprehensive selection of resources for mastering
Where to start learning programming from scratch?
In this article, I tried to analyze in detail whether it is possible to become a programmer from scratch on your own and what options are available to master programming yourself and start making money from it.
UPD: Those who are looking for where to start learning programming from scratch in 2018 (or are just getting ready to start in 2019 :)) are very lucky thanks to the book “Introduction to Software Development” by Yakov Kramarenko. I wholeheartedly recommend checking it out - it's worth the update with the #1 Google rating and reader reviews for those learning to code on their own.
I tried to give the best - in my opinion - way. I warn you - it is not easy! Further reading may cost you many hours of interesting activities :)
I’ll say right away - if you decide to study programming only on your own, without investing money, you will have to spend more time. Expect to master a new specialty in at least a year if you are studying in parallel with another job.
If you find something to add to this article to make it more useful for people, write in the comments.
This article contains the best practices based on my experience if you want to learn programming on your own. All this is still relevant with a couple of additions.
A book on web programming for beginners
The 2016 version is translated: https://courses.prometheus.org.ua/courses/Prometheus/CS50/2016_T1/about.
It is better to take the course in English. You will improve your language and the information will be fresher. Although the course did not change much - only in 2017 Python began to be used instead of PHP.
Completing the course will take time, but will provide a fairly complete understanding that is otherwise difficult to obtain on your own.
Initially, you need to decide which area of programming interests you. If we are talking about learning development from scratch and you want to start making money from it soon, then in my opinion there are two options: development for mobile devices or web development.
The best choice in such a situation, in my opinion, is to start learning web development. Here the entry threshold for beginners is lower and there is an opportunity to start fulfilling simple orders earlier.
How to become a programmer yourself from scratch
If I were starting from scratch to learn web development on my own (realizing that without investing money this is a longer path), then I would recommend this path to myself:
1. Understand HTML and CSS
A good course for basic development of HTML and CSS: https://learn.shayhowe.com/html-css/ (English) or https://webref.ru/layout/learn-html-css (translation).
After that, it’s worth looking at the capabilities of Bootstrap, which has become the de facto standard for accelerated development of web applications: http://getbootstrap.com/
This will be enough for the next steps.
You might want to stop at this point and study CSS in more detail. This will give you the opportunity to work as a layout designer - a person who turns a design into a static HTML page, after which the programmer animates it, implementing the logic of the project.
You can also make money from this - both as a freelancer and by working in an IT company that specializes in web development.
But since we decided to become a programmer, we move on!
2. Get to know jQuery
If you liked it, you can continue to understand the frontend and start learning Javascript.
If https://angularjs.org/ or http://backbonejs.org/ follows, then this is the path to front-end development. A good specialty, especially since such knowledge will be useful to any programmer who has chosen web development.
My advice is to stick with jQuery for now and move on.
3. Master a server programming language
There is a lot of choice here. The most promising programming languages are Ruby, Java, Python, Node.JS (Javascript for the server).
The easiest programming language for a beginner is Python. If you learn Python and then the Django web development framework, you'll have everything you need to tackle some pretty complex projects on your own.
A good option is the programming language Python and Django
Plus - Python and Django will teach you the “correct” programming. Python is consistently among the TOP 5-10 most popular languages, and good Python specialists are among the highest paid programmers. Python is both a simple and understandable programming language for novice programmers, and at the same time it is used in many large companies and on large projects.
To get started on your own, read "Python for Kids" by Jason Briggs or watch:
Among other materials, I recommend Learn Python The Hard Way. book “Simple Python. Modern programming style." And, of course, The Python 2 Tutorial and The Python 3 Tutorial.
Django is arguably the best framework for web development
The best tool for all occasions is very difficult to find. Django has the potential to become such a tool for web development.
Where to start to learn Django:
Start with the official documentation, there is a very good tutorial there: https://docs.djangoproject.com/en/2.1/intro/
Tango with Django is a good opportunity to improve your English and at the same time gain an understanding of how web projects are structured and how everything works.
Option #2 - PHP and WordPress
Another way is to start with PHP and work with popular CMS. If you are learning programming yourself and want to get started quickly, start with PHP.
Many people consider PHP to be a “not quite real” programming language, and for good reason. PHP is rarely used in large web applications and is designed only for the web - it cannot be used in other areas.
On the other hand, PHP leads in the number of websites launched in the world. The most popular CMS (content management systems) are based on it.
After that, figure out how to create themes for WordPress - this is probably the most popular CMS in the world, judging by the number of sites running.
Once you understand this well, you can already find a job. There are a lot of sites running PHP and WordPress, so there is enough work for everyone.
How to start making money as a programmer
Many people imagine the work of a freelance programmer like this:
In reality it looks something like this:
If you are ready to work as a programmer and are looking for a way to earn money, welcome to freelancing! Freelance exchanges will allow you to find simple orders (possibly almost free at first) - to get practice. Generally, working for an IT company can be more lucrative if you are just looking for a programming job.
After point 2 - having mastered HTML, CSS and jQuery - you can go to freelance exchanges and take simple orders, building up your profile.
Do you know English? https://www.upwork.com/
Not at all, even with a dictionary? http://freelance.ru/
By the time you can make websites yourself, it will be easier for you to find clients - there will be reviews and experience.
Fast path to web development
Based on my experience, learning programming from scratch will take 6 to 12 months at best, with 6 months being if you have someone helping you.
To speed up the process of entering IT, look for the opportunity to go to training (you may need more than one) or find a person who will train with you. In reality, without a person who will pass on their knowledge to you, it is very difficult; you can sit for a year reading books and never start. And with a knowledgeable person who can simply talk about complex things, it’s much easier.
At one time, I chose the entry path through training. Given that I knew a lot about development, this allowed me to master in 2 months what could have taken six months. Find your way.
I have people who have seriously decided to start a programming career and want to speed up the process. There are many other courses. If you find yourself a mentor - a person who will lead you by the hand - this will significantly shorten your path to becoming a developer.
As soon as you feel confident that you can create something, look for a company where you can develop further or clients.
HTML, CSS, Python and Javascript are just the basic knowledge, the first stage. Next, practice, studying algorithms and development tools is very important.
If you have questions, ask in the comments! I hope this article will help you take the first step. Good luck!
Learning programming is becoming more and more accessible thanks to the continuous growth in the number of online resources that help everyone with it. The advantage of such resources is the unlimited amount of knowledge they can provide and the highly qualified teachers. The downside is that no one forces you to study and the quality of the knowledge you gain depends only on how much effort you put in.
An interactive online platform for teaching 12 programming languages: Python, PHP, JavaScript, Ruby, Java, etc., as well as working with the jQuery library and markup and web page design languages HTML and CSS.
If you need to quickly get acquainted with the basics of a new technology, then these courses are very useful and will help you quickly understand the new language. But the resulting knowledge will be shallow and after these courses it is necessary to continue studying.
The educational streaming service LiveEdu.tv offers you unique tutorials for learning programming. What's so special about LiveEdu.tv? The lessons are interactive, you see the project being written in real time and can communicate with the teacher via chat, recordings of streams are also available.
Livedu.tv contains a huge library of recorded broadcasts on all kinds of programming languages and frameworks. Most of the content is available for free, you just need to register, there are paid projects, they are more structured and educational, a monthly subscription will cost 500 rubles.
The site recently launched a Russian-language premium section, where you can find various training projects, for example: “Server implementation of the messenger”, “How to write a link shortener in Node.js”. Thanks to a huge database of training videos and projects, the site is suitable for both beginners and experienced professionals. And any specialist who meets the requirements can become a teacher and create their own educational project here.
A service for learning programming, namely Full-stack development in JavaScript. The training is based on the principle of self-education from simple to complex. First, the basics are given, and then they are given a task that goes beyond what has been studied and you need to solve it yourself.
It all starts with HTML, CSS, Bootstrap and continues with tasks on basic JS functions, algorithm tasks, and front-end projects. A section about React is planned to be launched. For communication there is a chat on Gitter.
This site provides programming exercises specifically in: C#, C++, Haskell, JavaScript, Lua, Objective-C, Perl 5, Python, Ruby and Scala.
The idea is simple:
- You download an exercise in the language of your choice (mentioned above) with the exercism.io client application
- Add the solution to the site.
- Programmers from all over the world will comment on what you have done.
- You improve your code.
Pluralsight is one of the leaders in developing interactive training courses for professional developers. Pluralsight offers subscriptions for individuals and businesses starting at $29 per month. The following categories are available on the site: IT Ops, Software Development, Data Professional, Architecture and Construction, Manufacturing and Design, Business Professional, Information and Cyber Security.
Video lectures in English with subtitles, combined with embedded tests and follow-up homework, based on the learn-by-doing model. Each lecture includes a built-in quiz to help students understand the concepts and ideas presented.
Nanodegree Plus programs are also available. The bottom line is that Udacity guarantees employment for 6 months after graduation or gives you your money back. Tuition costs $299/month. The big advantage is code reviews, and very detailed ones. The program also includes: assistance in preparing a resume, GitHub and LinkedIn accounts, test interviews (with real people).
Code School uses screencasts and video lessons for teaching about HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Ruby, Python, .NET, iOS, Git and other languages, presenting the material through interesting stories. Most of the content is aimed at advanced programmers, but there are free courses available for beginners on the basics of programming.
To access free courses, you must register; access to Code School's paid courses is only possible on a subscription basis, which starts at $29 per month.
Udemy is a learning platform where you can be both a student and a teacher. Udemy offers a large number of courses in such applied areas as design, programming, and web development. Among the teachers you can meet Mark Zuckerberg and other giants of the IT industry. The price of courses on Udemy ranges from $10 to $200, there are also free ones.
Lynda.com is a veteran of the online education industry. Lynda.com is a paid online training service mainly in the field of IT and design. The service was founded in 1995 and was acquired by Linkedin in 2015.
Lynda works on a subscription basis. Although some courses are available for free, the majority are available only with a subscription starting at $19/month. After payment, the user receives unlimited access to any courses in the Lynda database. To get acquainted with the functionality of Lynda, a 10-day trial version is offered, with full access to the entire library.
This is an interactive collection of programming problems, by solving which you will develop your skills in a particular language.
A variety of tasks, achievements, tests, viewing the best solutions, discussions, rankings — all this makes the service very convenient and valuable for those who want to solve problems in a particular language. The service currently supports the following languages: Clojure, C++, C#, Elixir, F#, Go, Haskell, Java, JavaScript, PHP, Python, Ruby, Rust, Shell, SQL, Swift, TypeScript.
Coursera is an educational platform that provides the opportunity to undergo online training at leading educational institutions in the world. The project cooperates with universities that publish and teach courses in various fields of knowledge in the system.
Students take courses, communicate with fellow students, and take tests and exams directly on the Coursera website. The project presents courses in physics, engineering, humanities and arts, medicine, biology, mathematics, computer science, economics and business.
Courses are approximately six to ten weeks in length with 1-2 hours of video lectures per week, and contain assignments, weekly exercises, and sometimes a final project or exam. For $40 you can receive a certificate from the university where you took the course. Coursera has approximately 700 courses in various fields.
Code Avengers provides the opportunity to learn the basics of HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript directly in the browser in an interactive and playful way. During the training, you will be able to learn the basics of programming and layout step by step, completing small tasks.
With a free account you can study the first 5 lessons of each course. Some courses are available in Russian (currently translated HTML/CSS/JavaScript/Game Dev/Intro to Coding)
The site was created by StackOverflow developer. The resource is a tour of the best guides on the Internet, including interactive activities, videos and reading materials. Bento is free and presents the material in a completely logical sequence.
Bloc helps you master the professions of UI/UX designer and developer in order to create “modern responsive websites and mobile applications.” The service has an unusual payment system: for a fixed amount of $3,999, you can choose one of three workload options - 3 months of 40 hours per week, 4.5 months of 25–30 hours, and 9 months of 12–15 hours. This way, training can be combined with studying elsewhere or even working.
CheckIO is a resource for learning and practicing the Python programming language. Training is presented in the form of a game in which each user needs to use their knowledge to one degree or another. For example, the first stage of learning “Learning” is a chain of tasks from easy to complex. Moreover, the description of the problem itself contains all the reference data for solving it.
Codingame.com is a service for learning various programming languages in a playful way. In each case, the player is required to solve a specific problem or fix someone else's code.
The highlight of our Codebabes.com list. All video lessons on this online resource are taught by young girls. The specificity of such lessons is that as the material becomes more complex, the girls... undress. Each section contains several videos for training. In the video, the girl who teaches the course explains to the user one of the topics of a block for several minutes.
A great place for people who want to learn how to create with code. This free platform uses video lessons from experts covering many different topics from math and physics to history and art history. Apps are available for Android and iOS, giving you the ability to take the platform's courses anywhere.
MIT OpenCourseWare is a special resource from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which contains many training courses, lectures and seminars. OpenCourseWare contains content from more than 2,000 courses. The site has audio and video courses, search by catalog, by course number, by discipline name, all subjects and degree of difficulty are divided into separate sections.
With this resource, you can watch interactive presentations that explain how to write programs from scratch. Not only do you see the code being written, but you can also understand what changes each line of code makes to the final product.
The project is an online collection of documents from various sources that are dedicated to web development and are suitable for people of all skill levels: from experts to students and beginners. MDN is a wiki, which means anyone can make edits to it and correct inaccuracies.
HTML5Rocks is a collection of free lessons to help you solve various problems. The videos are often accompanied by various written instructions, diagrams, and useful explanations can be found in the comments.
Learn CSS in detail with the help of a large CSS almanac. Now the blog covers many topics besides CSS - for example, Sass, JavaScript, PHP and more. You can check out a huge number of resources and even code snippets.
A useful English-language educational portal with an audience of about 5 million users. A large number of free training programs in various areas of programming, as well as paid courses. More than 600 video courses and e-books.
Code4startup.com - training in different programming languages and frameworks using examples of successful startups. For example, Code4Startup suggests learning AngularJS and FireBase by creating a clone of TaskRabbit, and HTML 5, CSS and jQuery by copying Airbnb (then you can create a hybrid mobile application for the service).
Russian-language sites for learning programming:
These are interactive online courses on HTML and CSS that will help you go from solving simple practical problems to creating full-fledged websites. Much attention is paid to practice here; each new material is supported by examples and test tasks that you will have to solve to move on to the next lesson.
Hexlet is an open web platform for learning to code, offering short courses lasting a few hours for software developers, from beginners to professionals. All training programs consist of two parts: theoretical and practical.
LendWings – this platform offers video lectures from the best teachers from around the world in Russian, but not all courses are free. LendWings allows users to connect to training courses from independent instructors (“instructors”) who provide training through recorded video lectures, text documents, slides, presentations and other materials.
This is an online school for teaching programming, system administration, design and Internet marketing. Each GeekBrains course has a detailed syllabus and reviews. Classes cover almost all areas of development and prepare for specific work in a particular area of IT. Internship and certification programs are also available for students.
JavaRush teaches Java programming in the form of an online game. The game is based on the Futurama universe. The goal of the game is to upgrade your character (the Amigo robot) from level 1 to level 80. In the game you complete tasks and earn black matter, which you spend on opening new levels. The JavaRush course contains 1200 practice problems of increasing difficulty.
The purpose of the site is to provide the most competent and, if possible, up-to-date information about javascript and related technologies. There is a textbook, tools and a large number of correct articles for general development. An offline version of the directory is available for download. There are several quite complex tests.
A resource for online programming training, offering not only video lessons for independent viewing, but also free services that allow you to develop practical coding skills. Each user has the opportunity to develop practical skills using the Simulator, communicate with other students on the forum, read interesting blog posts, and listen to free IT webinars. The video courses themselves are included in larger educational modules - “IT Specialties”
- Technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Git, Node.js, React.js and others.
- English language.
The freeCodeCamp program consistently teaches the user all the basic aspects of web programming from basic concepts to complex development techniques. At the beginning of each lesson, you read the theory, then apply it in practice: write code in a special editor, and the system tests you. If difficulties arise, you can discuss them with other students on the forum.
At the end of the theoretical modules, you are shown projects from which you must create your own web applications. The development results must be published on the resource, after which they can be evaluated by other users.
In addition, freeCodeCamp helps students form teams and work together on real-life non-profit projects. This is a good chance to gain valuable development experience and a portfolio needed for employment.
2. Codecademy
- Technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Angular.js, React.js, Python, Ruby and others.
- Cost: free or from $20 per month for additional content.
- English language.
- Difficulty level: easy-medium levels.
Like the previous resource, Codecademy focuses on teaching web programming. You read the theory, and then complete tasks in the interactive code editor. The user has separate courses dedicated to different technologies. The bulk of each of them is available for free, but verification tests and project development tasks are unlocked after you subscribe.
Codecademy also has comprehensive paid programs that organize and combine materials from different courses. For example, Build Websites from Scratch teaches you step-by-step how to develop a simple website from scratch using a variety of technologies.
3. Coursera
- Technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Angular.js, Java, Python, Ruby, Swift and others.
- Cost: free or from $49 per month for additional content.
- Language: English, Russian and others.
- Difficulty level: all levels.
On Coursera you will find many courses on different programming languages from the world's leading universities. Here you can learn not only web development, but also the creation of mobile and desktop programs. Some courses are self-contained, but most are combined into specializations - sets of related courses.
You can view theoretical material presented in texts and videos for free. But most test and practical tasks that require checking by a teacher or other users are available only with a paid subscription.
4.edX
- Technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Java, Python, Ruby and others.
- Cost: free or from $49 per month for a certificate.
- Language: English and others.
- Difficulty level: all levels.
On edX you can access courses from renowned companies and universities. Among them there is, for example, the famous introductory course for beginning programmers, Introduction to Computer Science, from Harvard University. Educational content is represented mainly by video lectures and texts. Some courses contain tests and other interactive activities.
The platform does not ask for money for completing most materials. But you can only get a certificate confirming the successful completion of a particular course for money.
5. INTUIT
- Technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, algorithms and databases, C#, Java, Python, Ruby, and others.
- Cost: free or from 500 rubles per month for tutor services.
- Russian language.
- Difficulty level: all levels.
The catalog of the INTUIT educational platform contains text and video courses from Russian educational institutions and international IT companies. The site's content covers all major areas of programming from website development to the creation of desktop programs. Self-study is free, but there is a paid service in which the user is assisted by a personal tutor.
6. Stepic
- Technologies: JavaScript, C#, neural networks, C++ and others.
- Cost: completely free.
- Language: Russian, English.
- Difficulty level: easy-medium.
Another non-profit platform, courses for which are created by Russian companies and universities. Although Stepic doesn't have a lot of material about specific programming languages, it does provide fundamental knowledge of mathematics and algorithm theory that will be useful to every developer.
7. Modern Javascript Tutorial
- Technologies: JavaScript and others.
- Cost: free or from 6,500 rubles for an additional course.
- Russian language.
- Difficulty level: all levels.
This resource is dedicated to the JavaScript language and related web technologies. Here you will find a very detailed, well-structured and easy-to-understand text course on JS. Assignments after each topic will help you consolidate your knowledge. At the same time, the material is purely theoretical and does not teach how to create projects in practice.
You can study the textbook on your own for free, or pay for advanced courses that include learning JavaScript itself or related technologies with a teacher.
A selection for those who are used to perceiving information in visual form: the best video and online courses in C++ for developers of different levels from the Programmer's Library.
Video courses
Learning C++ from scratch
Video course on the basics of the language, its basic principles and structures. Data types, dynamic memory management, working with files, references and pointers, patterns and OOP basics.
Programming in C and C++
A fundamental course on the C language and its intricacies: structures, functions, working with memory, I/O streams, compilation and assembly of the project. The last three lectures are devoted to OOP in C++.
Algorithms, data structures and programming in C++
A selection of ten short lectures that provide an understanding of the basics of algorithmization and structuring of problems, as well as the effective implementation of practical techniques for solving them.
Practical problem solving in C++
The course is devoted to the analysis of real mathematical, algorithmic, logical and optimization problems. This series is aimed at people with some experience and a deep understanding of algorithms, so it may be a little challenging for beginners.
Creating simple games in C++
Who among us did not dream of making games as a child? This course consists of 16 one-/two-minute videos, each of which, accompanied by light music, demonstrates writing code for classic games like Snake, Arkanoid and Doodle Jump.
Programming simple games in C++ in 10 minutes
In general, the selection is similar to the previous one, except, perhaps, that the demonstrated code contains more comments and is generally more intuitive. Each ten-minute video will teach you how to write a simple game: checkers, minesweeper, Tetris, etc.
Advanced C++
A series for confident C++ experts, which will deepen and expand their knowledge of techniques, methods and features of the language. In this course, you'll learn the differences between logical and physical constancy, virtual functions, compiler-generated functions, and much more.
Online courses
CPA: Programming Essentials in C++
This English-language course will help you acquire basic skills in writing programs in C++, master the principles of object-oriented programming, as well as universal concepts of software development. The course is suitable for preparing for the CPA certification exam from the C++ Institute.
Programming in C++
This core course, part of the online Programming Fundamentals and Data Analytics program, provides an introduction to the core features of the C++ language. Particular attention is paid to discussing the basic principles of program operation, as well as the process of compiling them.
(Code-Live)
This tutorial was created for those who want to master basics of programming in C++. The lessons are designed primarily for beginners, but will also be useful for those who already have some experience in programming.
Introduction to programming (C++) (Yandex)
The course is designed for schoolchildren interested in programming. To master it, knowledge of the 8th grade program is enough. Students will begin to learn C++ from scratch, write many small programs and become familiar with the basic constructs of the language. The knowledge gained will be an excellent basis for continuing to study programming at university.
And website creation is becoming increasingly popular and attracting the attention of a huge number of people. Even a person without special education can start developing programs; the main thing is the desire and desire to learn new material and constant practice.
Study Options
Where to start learning programming from scratch? There are several ways to master new material in this area. Private teachers will show you how to start learning programming from scratch and teach you important aspects of building code. However, this method is quite expensive, so the following teaching methods are mainly used:
- Specialized courses. Their cost is much less than lessons from a personal tutor. It is worth noting that many employers respond positively to the availability of a variety of certificates of completion of training in computer academies. Pay attention to the courses of the world-famous companies Microsoft and Cisco.
- Remote free courses. There are a very large number of services on the Internet with which you can view lecture courses from Oxford, Harvard and other famous educational institutions in the world. There are also special platforms for training practical programming skills. Read more about remote learning and useful Internet services further in the article.
- Self-learning. Where to start learning programming from scratch if you don't plan to enroll in courses and spend money? In this case, the easiest way is to educate yourself. You should start studying by reading the basics, do not delve into theory, immediately start practicing, because only in the process of creating a program will you acquire the necessary skills.
After choosing the training option that suits you, you should decide on the subject area, because programming has a fairly wide range of different branches.
How to choose the right direction?
Directly depends on the type of software you will create in the future:
If salary is the most important factor for you, turn your attention to the job market. Nowadays, the most in demand are developers who specialize in the languages Java, C#, ASP.NET, C++.
Low and high level languages. Difference and Applications
It is believed that all programming languages are divided into high-level and low-level. Low level code is easier for a computer to process, but it takes a long time to write and requires more domain knowledge. Such languages (for example, assembly) are used to write software for digital chips and microcontrollers. They are not very convenient for learning programming from scratch. The useful services and literature from world-famous authors given later in the article will tell you where to start writing your first programs.
High-level languages are much easier to use because they use built-in libraries to simplify and visualize code. Most modern software is written using high-level languages.
Programming from scratch: where to start applications?
The process of creating mobile programs allows programmers to work with the latest tools and, as a result, earn a decent amount of money through monetization. First you need to choose the site where you will work:
- Google Play. Application store for users of the Android operating system. This OS has the largest share of users on the market. Java and C/C++ languages are used to develop applications and games. The most popular are messenger applications, social network clients, cloud storage, and games.
- Windows Mobile Store. This store is rapidly gaining popularity along with smartphones from Microsoft. In the CIS countries, most users prefer tablets based on the Windows Phone platform. Programming applications for such a store helps you earn more money from monetization, because, unlike Android, almost all programs in the Windows store are distributed on a paid basis.
- App Store. Another profitable platform for development (language - Objective-C). The process of creating programs for Apple devices requires a pre-installed development environment called Xcode. The next step is to learn Objective-C programming from scratch. David Mark's book “Learning C for Mac” will tell you where to start writing code. Second edition."
Java language
Most professional developers recommend starting your programming knowledge with the Java language. It is easy to learn and at the same time in demand in the market. Use the tips below if you decide to learn programming from scratch. Where to start with Java development?
Java is a high-level object-oriented programming language that is needed to develop most modern web applications and games. The process of compiling (turning written code into a language that a device can understand) turns the code into a sequence of bytes, so the program can be easily tested on any Java virtual machine.
Programming from scratch. Where to start with Java and Web coding?
The Java language is widely used in web development. Before you begin the full-fledged programming process, you should learn Java, PHP, MySQL, HTML, CSS. A more detailed explanation of these concepts is given below:
- Java - used in writing utilities for websites and writing the logic of web page functionality.
- PHP is a language for creating personal website pages. It has a script structure. The leading language in creating dynamic websites that are popular today. PHP is needed to understand scripting and programming from scratch. Where to begin? From reading Josh Lockhat's book "PHP: The Right Way".
- MySQL is a system for managing the basics of data. Widely used in creating websites that require storing large amounts of grouped data.
- HTML is not a programming language. This is a markup language used to write the base of a web page (building blocks, distributing text and paragraphs, and so on).
- CSS - Cascading Style Sheet. Used only in conjunction with HTML to give the markup language style and appearance.
Only by learning the basic concepts of the milestones of these technologies can you begin to create professional dynamic websites that are in great demand today.
Web programming. Relevance and features
The topic of Web programming is especially relevant today. As stated above, to start developing web elements you need to have a fairly large amount of knowledge about markup languages, creating scripts, logic and styles.
Nowadays you won’t surprise anyone with sites that are created only using HTML and CSS, so web developers who are able to make a site visually beautiful, as well as fill it with all the functionality necessary for users, have become in demand.
This type of development requires the creation of two types of the same program: server and client parts. The programmer must understand the principle of operation of so-called sockets - data packets that allow the necessary flows of information to be transmitted over the network between the server and the client.
Creating applications for the Windows operating system
To develop such programs, you will need knowledge of the C# language. A free service from Microsoft called Virtual Academy will allow you to learn all the features of this language and practice writing simple applications.
According to Microsoft's new policy, all applications are uploaded to the software store, so you can gain access to monetize your project.
The C family of languages (C, C++, C#). Peculiarities
Programming from scratch - where to start choosing a language? The answer to this question can be obtained by delving into more detail into the types of application creation technologies. The relevance of a particular language should also be taken into account.
The languages C, C++, C# have one thing in common - the presence of OOP (object-oriented programming) functions. This technology allows you to significantly simplify the process of writing program code. Each software object is described in a specific class and has its own parameters, methods and properties. Thus, the programmer does not have to write huge pieces of code each time if the same object needs to be used several times.
Useful Internet services for learning the basic principles of programming and the code structure of any application
At the first stage of training, almost any web service will offer you to try its capabilities using Pascal, the simplest of the high-level languages. It is used for educational purposes and is taught in schools and technical colleges so that students can understand programming from scratch. Where to start with Pascal coding? First of all, you need to download the development environment to your PC. This is a small executable file in which the program code will be written. Use TurboPascal, because it is the most popular environment for learning this programming language.
HourOfCode is a web service from Microsoft. It is intended to clearly show students what a cycle, variable, class, and conditions are. The learning process is like a game.
CodeAcademy is a powerful resource for learning almost any coding technology. By devoting just an hour a day, you won’t even notice how you will learn to program and create your own projects.
Udacity is a service that provides its users with free access to lectures by famous professors and developers.
Gaining initial experience. Freelancing
After learning the basic principles of your chosen language, you can safely begin your first projects. Start freelancing, because this is how you will fill out your portfolio and gain experience communicating with customers. Such skills will be useful in the future if you want to get a job in a company as an official software developer.
Bottom line
Programming from scratch: where to start? For dummies, professors from world-famous universities advise practicing with the basic structures that form the basis of any programming language. Enroll in specialized courses or self-study by listening to lectures online.
