“I want to learn programming but I don’t know where to start.” Computer programming is a priceless skill for anyone who would like to build computer programs, software or apps. Nowadays it’s available and not uncommon to learn how to program online from the comfort of your home. Many websites offer courses, beneficial for newcomers looking for new challenges.
But before you take a step, here are some tips and resources to get you off on the right foot from the start:
- Khan Academy – nonprofit website with the mission to provide free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere
- Codecademy – a place for you to learn, teach and create the online learning experience of the future, free coding classes in 12 different programming languages
- Pluralsight – the technology skills platform, online education company that offers video training courses for software developers, IT administrators, and creative professionals
- Code Avengers – based in New Zealand, and in addition to English, offers programming courses in Russian, Dutch, Spanish, Turkish, Italian, and Portuguese. The site focuses on teaching common coding languages like Python, JavaScript, and HTML and offers a free trial period, during which you can take classes free of charge
- CodeProject – don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re confused by the programming coursework at home. If you are stuck on a coding problem or unclear about any aspect of the course, reach out to the instructor or one of your peers
- The Odin Project – project provides a free open source coding curriculum that can be taken entirely online. Since it’s inception, it has helped many students get hired as developers
- EDUCBA – is an online training provider, teaches you real world skill on everything from investment banking to programming, project management, design and many more.
Which programming language should I learn to get a remote job?
Many believe that giving employees more control over their workspace can boost productivity and it allows them to be more creative than when they are limited in an office. If the type of work you require from your employees can be done from home, you can give it a try and possibly notice their performance rise.
Look at these programming languages, which are the most popular when it comes to remote work:
- JavaScript – came as a king of the technologies which allows working remotely. The best solution is to learn React.js or Node.js as they are the most popular skills among the Javascript remote job offers
- Python – with significant growth of Machine Learning, Python popularity grew a lot and now, it is the second most popular programming language allowing us to get a remote job
- Java – is a very popular backend language commonly used with Spring or Hibernate frameworks and with a lot of remote opportunities for backend developers knowing Java or Kotlin.
- Swift – another technology that is popular among remote job offers and it´s relatively a new programming language released in 2014 and ready to program devices with the iOS system
- Ruby – the popularity of Ruby programming language in remote job offers comes mostly from Ruby on Rails web application framework and coding is very readable and self-documenting
Coding for kids – how to get kids into coding?
Kid-focused coding apps can be useful also for adults who are learning to code online at home. The apps and websites break coding down into the simplest components and present information in a way that’s heavy on graphics and easy to process.
- CodeCombat – play an online coding game to immerse yourself in coding. If you like the idea of learning coding through fun, playful instruction, check out a coding game. These games can supplement the knowledge that you’re gaining in your programming class. If you’d rather build games than play them, several online coding tutorials walk you through the process of creating your own game
- Scratch – is a free programming language, supplemented by getting-started tutorials, curriculum instructions for parents, and a robust user community. There are even cards kids can use to learn Scratch programming concepts when they are away from the computer.
- SwiftPlaygrounds – is an iPad app designed to teach kids how to program in Swift. It is a free download from Apple and does not require any prior coding knowledge. Once your children are proficient in Swift Playgrounds, they can start developing in Swift
- Coderz – an innovative, friendly and engaging online learning tool with a strong foundation to real-world technologies with high demand. Being an online platform allows CoderZ to be a highly affordable solution for schools in the search to make robotics and programming education accessible to any student
- Blockly – the Blockly library adds an editor to your app that represents coding concepts as interlocking blocks and it’s designed specifically for younger kids
- Lua (Roblox) – is a scripting language that is perfect for introducing children to text-based coding. It’s easy to learn, use, and embed into applications. Lua is a free, elegant, powerful, portable, embeddable, and beginner-friendly coding language
As the world is moving towards industrialization, computers are required in every field and becoming our necessity. Coding has progressed from a hobby to a critical career skill. There’s plenty of good reasons for learning to code. Whether it’s just for fun or as a form of professional development, you’re sure to enjoy some advantages in building a foundation of coding and programming skills.
So, if you are good at programming, the world is full of opportunities for you. It’s not easy to code, but it’s never been easier to learn it online. It takes time, focus and hard work. It’s worth it and demands only continue to grow.
