Autor: Codenga 19.06.2023

If you're starting to learn programming from scratch, you need a solid plan. We can't promise that programming is easy, but if you approach it step by step and consistently put in the effort, you may see results sooner than you expect.

In this article, we will present a simple, universal plan that should help you in your learning journey, regardless of the programming language you choose. The main goal is to acquire the skills necessary to work as a Junior Developer, which is typically the entry-level position for beginner programmers. The vast majority of people who work as programmers started their careers in this role.

Everything starts with the foundations - probably the least original statement in this entire article. But it's true: you need to take that first step and begin learning your chosen programming language.

The basics in most popular languages are surprisingly similar. Almost all languages are based on the same concepts. Therefore, at the beginning, you need to master concepts such as variables, functions, loops, conditional statements, and data types.

Many popular languages are object-oriented, so you will need to familiarize yourself with the essential object-oriented concepts: classes, instances, properties, etc. All of these lay the foundation for further learning.

At this stage, two things are important:

• A solid understanding of the key concepts.
• Mastery of the syntax of the language, which means building a vocabulary from which you will construct programs later on.

This process is somewhat similar to learning a foreign language. At the beginning, you need to grasp basic words and phrases before moving on to constructing complex sentences.

The next stage is mastering intermediate-level concepts and working techniques. This is where the main work begins. We start connecting the "vocabulary" we mentioned earlier into larger building blocks.

Working techniques are an extensive topic. Each language has its own tricks, intricacies, and pitfalls that you need to become familiar with at this stage. A lot depends on the specific characteristics of the language and its main applications. It's important not to give up and continue learning diligently.

Try to start working on simple projects at this stage to gain proficiency in coding. The more code you write, the more practical skills you will acquire.

A programmer writes code to solve a problem. We don't write code just for the sake of it; we want to create a program that works and has specific applications. That's what the work of a programmer is all about.

Therefore, it's crucial to start working on practical projects as early as possible. These projects don't have to be complicated. The most important thing is to begin the work and consistently acquire new skills.

Come up with a simple program, such as a calculator, a to-do list application, or anything else. Try to write this program on your own. If it doesn't work out, think about the skills you lack, acquire them, and try to complete your project. This is the best way to learn real and useful skills. The more projects you complete, the better. The more skills you acquire, the easier it will be for you in the future.

If you have a good grasp of the fundamentals and feel that you possess practical skills, it may be worth looking for your first job. Look for job postings for Junior Developer positions. Often, these listings outline the expected skills. There's no harm in trying - even if you don't land the job, you will gain invaluable experience.

Of course, it's important to honestly evaluate your level of knowledge. If you know that you have significant gaps, try to fill them as early as possible before seriously applying for jobs.

Programming involves not only knowledge of a specific language but also universal skills that are applicable to almost any job related to coding and software development.

It's worth familiarizing yourself with concepts such as data structures. It's also valuable to master the basics of algorithms. Knowledge of number systems and regular expressions can be useful as well. We're talking about universal knowledge that applies to any programming language.

Most job postings also require knowledge of Git, a system that tracks changes in files and allows for coordination of work within a team. It's one of the most important tools in the IT industry, and familiarity with it is mandatory for future programmers.

You're probably wondering: how much time do I need to dedicate to learning programming from scratch?

In general, you can say that it takes about six months to a year to grasp the "basics" required for a Junior Developer position, assuming you learn regularly, either daily or almost daily. Regularity is the key - programming is no different from other skills. Even dedicating 15 or 20 minutes a day to acquiring skills can yield good results, provided you do it consistently and systematically.

Everyone has their own individual pace and limitations, so there's no one-size-fits-all recipe. Going too fast is not advisable either, as it often leads to superficial learning and skill gaps.

Being a programmer entails continuous growth, and you need to be prepared for that from the very beginning. Programming is an ideal field for people who want to constantly learn and acquire new skills. The Junior Developer position is just the beginning of a great adventure. The more knowledge you gain, the greater your chances of a successful career.

Finally, let's present a few popular languages that are suitable for beginner programmers.

Python - A very beginner-friendly language often chosen as the first programming language. It's used in fields such as Machine Learning, Data Analysis, web application development, and task automation.

Java - A popular language with a large number of job opportunities. It's frequently used in large corporations, banking, administration, and more.

JavaScript - A language mainly used for creating web applications but also has many other applications, such as mobile app development. It's one of the most versatile languages.

C# - A good alternative to Java. It's widespread and has a well-developed job market. It's used for developing web applications, games, and mobile applications. It's often used in the Windows environment.

The plan we presented in this article is a universal way to learn programming from scratch. It can be applied to learning any language. Consistency and systematic learning are key. If you possess these traits, you have a good chance of mastering the basics and obtaining your first job as a Junior Developer.

If you have no programming experience and want to acquire the necessary skills from scratch, start your learning journey with Codenga Career Paths today. In each Career Path, you will start from the basics, learn working techniques, and complete practical projects. Each Career Path concludes with an exam that entitles you to a Certificate Of Completion.