Learning to code is an incredibly valuable skill. Coding allows you to bring your ideas to life by creating websites, apps, programs, games, and more. With the rising demand for technical skills in the job market, coding know-how can open up many career opportunities. Fortunately, there are now abundant free resources online that make coding accessible for complete beginners.
But with so many courses, tutorials, and coding schools to choose from, what is truly the best way to learn coding if you’re just starting out? This comprehensive guide reveals the optimal approach with the right structure, mindset shifts, and free tools to set you up for coding success.
Why Learn Coding as a Beginner?
Here are some of the top reasons you should consider learning coding:
-
In-Demand and Lucrative Career – Programming skills are highly sought-after with over 500,000 open computing jobs in the US paying an average salary of $92,690. The demand is expected to grow much faster than other industries.
-
Create Anything – With code, you can bring ideas to life by building websites, apps, AI bots, blockchain systems, games, mods, programs, algorithms and more. Coding unlocks creativity.
-
Future-Proof Skillset – As technology transforms society, computational thinking and coding literacy will be essential skills. Learning code future-proofs your skillset.
-
Personalized Career Path – Coding skills open up many options from web development, software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, game dev, freelancing, and much more. There are coding career paths suited to all interests.
The case for learning coding is very compelling. Let’s look at the optimal way to pick it up from scratch.
Choosing the Right First Programming Language
When getting started with coding, one of the first questions that arise is: which programming language should beginners learn first?
With popular options like Python, JavaScript, C++ and more, it can be overwhelming as a newbie coder to pick one language to start with.
While most programming languages share core logic and concepts, some languages are more beginner friendly than others based on:
- Simplicity – How easy is the language syntax to understand for a new learner? How much boilerplate code or complexity is involved?
- Documentation – How abundant, clear and accessible are the language learning resources and documentation for beginners?
- Use Cases – What can you build with the language? Which domains and coding career paths does it open up?
Based on these criteria, here is a comparison of the best first programming languages to learn for beginner coders:
| Language | Simplicity | Documentation | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Python | Very simple syntax focused on readability, brevity and reducing redundancies. Easy for beginners to pick up. | Extensive high-quality documentation and learning resources widely available for free. | General purpose language used widely in roles ranging from software engineering, AI, machine learning, data analysis, automaton, web backends and more. |
| JavaScript | Relatively beginner-friendly syntax but more advanced features introduce quirks later on. HTML/CSS knowledge needed for web development projects. | Well documented language with abundant learning material. Integrated easily into web dev content. | Primary language used to add interactivity, effects and functionality to web pages and web applications. |
| C++ | Complex syntax with more lower level control. Advanced concepts like memory management increase difficulty curve. | Available documentation but more complex topics less beginner-focused. Mostly geared towards professional developers. | Used for high performance systems programming. Foundation for many complex programs and APIs. |
| Java | Relatively simple object-oriented syntax but strong static typing adds complexity for beginners. | Wide range of documentation available. Java widely used in enterprise systems. | General purpose and portable language popular for back-end services, Android development and enterprise apps. |
Based on ease of initial learning and breadth of opportunities unlocked, Python stands out as the best first programming language for complete beginners starting out with coding.
Let’s look at some of the key advantages of Python for beginner coders more closely:
Why Python is Best to Learn First
-
Simplicity – Python has an elegant syntax designed for simplicity, readability and conciseness without sacrificing functionality. This makes picking up Python fundamentals smoothly for coding newbies.
-
Huge Community – As one of the most widely used intro programming languages at top tech companies, Python has a vast community constantly creating new libraries and learning content.
-
Broad Use Cases – Python can be used for web development, AI, machine learning, data science, automation scripts, scientific computing, IoT programming and much more. This flexibility allows beginners to explore different coding domains.
-
Transferable Skills – Learning Python first teaches core programming fundamentals and computational thinking skills that transfers easily when picking up other languages like JavaScript or C++ later.
For these reasons, Python has become the number one intro programming language used in leading computer science programs and coding bootcamps. Let’s look next at efficient ways to pick up Python.
Choosing a Learning Roadmap
Once you’ve decided on starting with Python, the next step is actually learning the language as a beginner programmer. With so much content out there for learning Python, from video tutorials to online courses to books and coding bootcamps, choosing a structured approach that works for you can be challenging.
Here are some of the most popular beginner Python learning pathways along with their pros and cons:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Python Video Tutorials (YouTube, Udemy, etc) | Freemium content getting you coding quickly.<br>Visual and interactive learning style. | Can lack structure jumping between topics.<br>Limited exercises and feedback provided. |
| Python Online Courses (Coursera, edX) | Well-structured content and assessments.<br>Self-paced with flexible schedule. | Cohort models provide more accountability. |
| Python Textbooks | Detailed comprehensive guidance.<br>Good for reference material | Can lack interactivity without instructor feedback. |
| Python Coding Bootcamps | Immersive accelerated format.<br>Coaching and peer collaboration. | Upfront tuition investment.<br> Set schedule requirements. |
| Python Documentation Tutorials | Free Python expert written guidance. | Dry reference format less suitable for first exposure. |
Gaining a solid Python foundation requires consuming educational content as well as actively coding Python syntax until it clicks. Finding the optimal ratio of instructional material reinforced through hands-on projects and problem solving enables long-term retention and progression.
An interactive online course combined with textbooks for reference along with a mentored live project creates an effective blended model, leveraging video tutorials, assessments, community support and focused reps of core coding skills. Having structured milestones interspersed with feedback prevents drifting. This blended approach provides an affordable method to quickly gain Python competency.
Let’s explore some of the best free resources available following this roadmap for learning Python basics the right way as a beginner coder.
Best Free Resources to Learn Python Basics
Here is a curated list of top-rated free resources across courses, books, tutorials, documentation and tools to get started learning Python fundamentals the right way:
Best Free Python Courses
-
Introduction to Python (Udacity)
- Highly-rated introductory Python course focused on fundamentals
- Covers core syntax, basic data structures (lists, functions etc), and newcomer challenges
- Build-based with interactive browser coding exercises and quizzes
-
Introduction to Python (Codecademy)
- Step-by-step interactive course covering core Python building blocks
- Practice coding examples within the browser
- Progress tracked with points system
-
Python Basics (Microsoft Learn)
- Module-based guide to Python foundations
- Browser code editor to apply concepts
- Skills tracked through achievements
Best Free Python Books
-
Automate the Boring Stuff with Python
- Practical intro guide focused on task automation
- Key basics taught through real-world scripts and workflows
- Available completely free online
-
- Classic beginner Python book used by millions
- Covers all core concepts at entry level
- Simple language breaking down fundamentals
-
Invent Your Own Computer Games with Python
- Fun teach-yourself guide centered on game projects
- Fundamentals taught by coding games from scratch
- Focuses interactivity over dry theory
Best Video Tutorials & Documentation
-
Python For Everybody (Coursera Specialization)
- Video lecture series explaining concepts clearly
- Automated graded assignments to check understanding
- Real applications used when teaching language
-
Official Python 3 Documentation
- Definitive guides written by core Python devs
- Language specs, libraries reference, tutorials
- Some advanced sections less beginner friendly
-
Python Basics (FreeCodeCamp YouTube Channel)
- Straightforward coding lesson playlists
- Bite-sized videos structure suitable for beginners
- Integrates quizzes and code exercises
Finally, when starting out coding Python, having the right developer environment configured goes a long way towards a smooth experience. Here are some top free tools for writing your first Python scripts:
Best Free Python Editor & Tools
- Repl.it – Easy cloud IDE for running Python in browser
- PyCharm Edu – Full feature Python IDE great for students
- Jupyter Notebook – Browser-based Python environment focused on data analysis
- Pythonista 3 – iOS Python IDE well suited for on-the-go mobile development
Following this guide through the key choices outlined will enable you to go from coding beginner to proficient much faster using fully free top-notch resources.
For specific help or questions when starting your Python learning journey, leveraging community support and networking with entry-level coders can provide motivation through struggles that crop up along the road to mastery.
Common Beginner Coding Challenges
When starting out learning that first programming language like Python, beginner coders often hit similar roadblocks that can derail progress. Being aware of these common coding challenges can allow newbies to troubleshoot them swiftly and stay on track picking up core programming skills:
| Challenge | Solution Tips |
|---|---|
| Information Overload – The sheer breadth of coding resources leads to choice paralysis stunting traction. | Start small with highly-rated beginner tutorial instead of most comprehensive course to build momentum. |
| No Clear Pathway – Lack of structured roadmap and measurable progress can limit sense of direction. | Define milestones & track progress celebrating small wins to keep morale up. |
| Discouragement from Errors – Inevitable buggy code and syntax errors disheartens initially. | Reframe errors as learning lessons not personal shortcomings by debugging systematically. |
| Frustration Memorizing – Remembering all functions, methods, tools becomes overwhelming. | Take notes cataloging key language features you actively use rather than trying to memorize passively. |
| Applying Concepts – Grasping theory alone without hands-on experiments fails to cement understanding. | Build mini-projects that apply core concepts you learn at each step to synthesize skills. |
While the learning curve when you start out coding is steeper than picking up other skills, persevering by leaning on courses, community and small experiments paves the way to break through sticking points on your path towards coding proficiency in Python or any language for that matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some common beginner questions that arise on the best way to start learning coding with Python:
How long does it take to learn Python basics as a complete beginner?
Focusing an hour a day on learning Python through online courses, books and hands-on small projects, expect to pick up basic fundamentals in 2-3 months. Core syntax and constructs take 4-8 weeks with another month at least cementing through progressively complex coding challenges. Be patient with yourself as a beginner and focus on completion of milestones week-over-week.
What should my learning roadmap be as a beginner?
Start by going through interactive courses like Udacity 101 or CodeAcademy to grasp core concepts while coding basic scripts. Reinforce by reading tutorial books like ATBS introducing real projects that apply introduced Python features. Check understanding by passing skills assessments in Microsoft Learn module series. Stay engaged solving real needs with new skills through Repl.it.
What are some starter Python projects for beginners?
Some fun starter Python scripts and apps include simple number guessing games, Madlib word combiners, customer invoice generators, 2D math games using Python turtle graphics, automation scripts to email digests or back up files, static website generators and more.
How do I succeed learning coding from scratch?
Embrace small incremental wins through mini coding quests, focus patience through errors as signal gaining experience points, incentive through collaborative goals shared with other beginners and support in online communities. Most importantly, build consistent hands-on coding practice into your regular routines even when small through prompting apps, groups and games.
Key Takeaways
- Learn coding to tap into lucrative tech careers, creative potential and futureproof skills
- Python is the best beginner friendly first programming language
- Online courses + textbooks + live projects create an effective blended learning roadmap
- Common beginner coding pitfalls can be overcome by tracking progress, practicing patience and joining communities
- Abundant free coding resources for Python fundamentals are available online across courses, tutorials, documentation and editors
Starting out on the coding journey may seem intimidating initially but can open up a whole world of opportunity both personally and professionally. The key is taking that important first step armed with the right roadmap and tools.
Hopefully this guide gave you a framework to make consistent progress coding from zero all the way towards building and deploying full fledged Python apps more smoothly. The digital future awaits to be molded by your imagination. Time to get hands-on with Python and start bringing your ideas to life one line of code at a time!