How To | GenZ Focus | Raw

Introduction

Do you know a six-year-old kid, Kautilya Katariya, of Indian Origin, who created a Guinness World Record for being the youngest coder? Likewise, many other children started coding at the age of 12. 
If you are a student passionate about coding, here is your guide to learning coding from the basics.

Why to Learn Coding?

Define your goals before diving into the coding concepts. If you have “YES” for any of the questions below, go to Step 2. If “NO,” find out how to find goals here. 

• Want to Build your website or app?
• Preparing for a tech-related career?
• Want to Enhance problem-solving skills?
• Exploring a hobby or passion project?

In order to choose the right programming language and resource, understanding your purpose is your primary goal.

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Choose the Right Programming Language

Each programming language has its own purpose. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:

• Python: Great for beginners. It’s versatile and used in web development, data science, and AI.
• JavaScript: Essential for web development. It’s used to create interactive websites.
• Java: Ideal for Android app development and learning object-oriented programming.
• C++: Good for understanding the basics of programming and competitive coding.
• HTML & CSS: The foundation of building websites.

Start with one language, master its basics, and gradually explore others based on your goals.

Leverage Free Online Resources

You are in the generation with abundant resources to learn coding. Here are some popular platforms:

• Codecademy: Interactive coding lessons for beginners.
• freeCodeCamp: Offers a structured curriculum and projects.
• Khan Academy: Simple explanations of computer programming concepts.
• W3Schools: A beginner-friendly platform for web development.

These platforms provide tutorials, coding challenges, and projects to practice your skills.

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Practice with Real Projects

Theory alone won’t make you a proficient coder. Apply what you learn by building small projects. Some ideas include:

• A personal portfolio website.
• A to-do list app using JavaScript.
• Simple games like Tic-Tac-Toe.
• Data analysis projects using Python.

Building projects help you learn to problem-solve, understand the logic behind coding, and create something tangible.

Participate in Coding Communities

Joining a coding community can accelerate learning by connecting you with like-minded individuals. Some communities to consider are:

• GitHub: Share your projects and collaborate with others.
• Reddit: Subreddits like r/learnprogramming offer advice and resources.
• Stack Overflow: A platform to ask questions and find answers to coding problems.

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• Discord Groups: Many coding-related Discord servers exist for discussions and collaboration.

Communities provide support, feedback, and motivation to keep you on track.

Enroll in Structured Courses

Structured courses offer in-depth learning unlike free resources. As a student, you may have access to discounts or free subscriptions. Consider these platforms:

• Coursera: Offers university-level courses.
• Udemy: Affordable courses on various programming topics.
• edX: Provides certifications from top universities.
• Coding Bootcamps: Intensive programs designed to teach coding in a few months.

Investing in a course can provide clarity and ensure you learn systematically.

Develop a Consistent Practice Routine

Consistency is key to mastering any skill. You can develop the learning skills by allocating a specific time daily or weekly for coding practice. Even an hour a day can lead to significant progress over time.

• Set small, achievable goals for each session.
• Use coding challenges on platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode to sharpen your skills.
• Track your progress and celebrate milestones to stay motivated.

Learn Computational Thinking

Coding isn’t just about writing code; it’s about solving problems logically. Developing computational thinking involves:

• Breaking problems into smaller, manageable parts.
• Identifying patterns and similarities in issues.
• Creating step-by-step solutions.
• Testing and refining your solutions.

Practicing algorithms and data structures can enhance your problem-solving skills and make coding easier.

Explore Open Source Contributions

Open-source projects are a fantastic way to learn by doing. Platforms like GitHub host countless projects you can contribute to. Benefits of open source contributions include:

• Real-world coding experience.
• Exposure to collaborative coding practices.
• Opportunities to learn from experienced developers.

Start with beginner-friendly projects labeled “good first issue” to gain confidence.

Balance Coding with Studies

As a student, academics remain a priority. Manage your time effectively by:

• Using tools like Google Calendar to schedule coding sessions.
• Avoiding burnout by taking breaks and mixing coding with leisure activities.
• Leveraging school or college computer science clubs for additional support.

Balancing coding with studies ensures you maintain academic performance while gaining new skills.

Participate in Hackathons and Competitions

Hackathons and coding competitions provide a platform to test your skills in a collaborative and competitive environment. Popular events include:

• Google’s Code Jam
• Microsoft Imagine Cup
• Local Hack Day by MLH

These events boost confidence, teach teamwork, and provide exposure to industry practices.

(Note: Coding is vital for tech students. Read this blog to see how it aids in pursuing your web development course abroad.)

Stay Updated with Trends

Technology evolves rapidly. Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies by:

• Reading blogs and articles on platforms like Medium and Dev. To.
• Following coding influencers on Twitter or LinkedIn.
• Watching tutorials on YouTube channels like Traversy Media or The Net Ninja.

Staying updated ensures you’re learning relevant skills that are in demand.

Overcome Challenges and Stay Motivated

Learning to code isn’t always easy. You may encounter:

• Debugging errors that seem impossible to solve.
• Concepts that take time to understand.
• Moments of frustration or doubt.

Here’s how to stay motivated:

• Break down tasks into smaller steps.
• Celebrate small wins, like solving a bug or completing a project.
• Remind yourself of your goals and the opportunities coding can unlock.

Remember, every coder faces challenges—perseverance sets successful coders apart.

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Plan for the Future

Once you’ve built a solid foundation, consider leveraging your skills. As a student, you can:

• Apply for internships to gain practical experience.
• Build a portfolio showcasing your projects.
• Contribute to your school or college’s tech initiatives.
• Prepare for certifications like Microsoft’s Azure Fundamentals or Google’s Associate Android Developer.

A forward-looking approach ensures that your coding journey leads to meaningful outcomes.

Have Fun with Coding

Lastly, enjoy the process! Experiment with creative projects, like:

• Automating repetitive tasks.
• Building a chatbot for fun.
• Designing games or animations.

Coding is a creative and rewarding activity. Embrace it with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Conclusion

Learning to code as a student is an empowering journey. You can develop valuable skills that shape your future by setting clear goals, choosing the right resources, and practicing consistently. Remember, coding is not just about syntax; it’s about solving problems and creating something meaningful. Start small, stay curious, and enjoy the process—the possibilities are endless!