How I would learn to code in 2023 (If I could start over)

TL;DR

Learn a step-by-step process for learning coding, starting with Java, building guided projects, creating your own projects, and mastering data structures and algorithms.

Transcript

5 years ago, when I couldn’t get  a job after graduating college,   I decided to learn coding. 2 years after  writing my first hello world program,   I got into Amazon and last year, I joined Google  as a Software Engineer. Even though I made a good   progress in the last 5 years and I am grateful  to be where I am today, there’s a part of me   tha... Read More

Key Insights

• 👀 Learning programming requires a practical approach rather than just watching instructional videos.
• 🔰 JavaScript, Python, and Java are popular programming language options, with Java being recommended for beginners due to its extensive resources and performance benefits.
• 📽️ Building guided projects and personal projects helps solidify knowledge and improve coding skills.
• ❓ Understanding data structures and algorithms is essential for efficient programming and success in technical interviews.
• 🥶 Free resources like Codecademy and Educative, as well as paid courses, can aid in the learning process.
• 😄 Java's mature nature and extensive documentation make it accessible for beginners and enable ease of transition to other languages.
• 💪 Building a strong foundation in one language like Java facilitates learning other languages quickly.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did the author choose Java as their programming language?

The author chose Java because of its performance, extensive resources for learning, descriptive error messages, and the ability to easily transition to other languages after mastering Java.

Q: Which free resources did the author use to learn Java?

The author recommends using the "Learn Java" course on Codecademy for interactive learning and the "Learn Java from Scratch" course on Educative for a comprehensive learning experience.

Q: What are guided projects, and how can they be helpful?

Guided projects involve following instructors to build projects using Java. Examples include building a Sudoku game and a snake game. These projects enhance understanding and allow for practical implementation.

Q: Why is learning data structures and algorithms important?

Data structures and algorithms knowledge is crucial for efficient programming and performing well in technical interviews. The author suggests the "Algorithms" course on Coursera by Princeton University as a comprehensive resource.

Key Insights:

• Learning programming requires a practical approach rather than just watching instructional videos.
• JavaScript, Python, and Java are popular programming language options, with Java being recommended for beginners due to its extensive resources and performance benefits.
• Building guided projects and personal projects helps solidify knowledge and improve coding skills.
• Understanding data structures and algorithms is essential for efficient programming and success in technical interviews.
• Free resources like Codecademy and Educative, as well as paid courses, can aid in the learning process.
• Java's mature nature and extensive documentation make it accessible for beginners and enable ease of transition to other languages.
• Building a strong foundation in one language like Java facilitates learning other languages quickly.
• Learning programming requires continuous practice, coding, debugging, and utilizing resources like Stack Overflow and Java documentation.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The content narrates the journey of the author from being jobless after college to becoming a Software Engineer at Google by learning programming.

• The author shares their struggle to find a comprehensive guide to learning programming and emphasizes the importance of a practical approach.

• Three popular programming language options (JavaScript, Python, and Java) are discussed, with Java being the author's recommended choice.