Learn programming faster

7 Critical Tips to Learn Programming Faster – #3 Will Land You a Job

Posted onAuthorStephen Sinco96 Comments

Whether youā€™re currently pursuing a degree in computer science, a veteran using the GI Bill to choose their mext mission, an aspiring self-taught developer, or a coding boot camp student, mastering the craft of programming is a perpetual struggle. To assist in your learning ā€“ courtesy of the Coding Dojo instructors ā€“ here are seven tips on how to learn programming faster.

1. Ā Learn by doing. Always play with the code while learning

Learn Programming faster

With every new subject, the sooner you start playing with the code, the faster you will learn the given concepts. Even if you blaze through an entire chapter of reading and a topic like for loops seems straightforward ā€“ so straightforward even a monkey could do it ā€“ youā€™ll still be scratching your head when tasked to implement the code for the first time. Youā€™ll think, ā€œwait, what was that one piece of syntax again?ā€ As the saying goes, you need to ā€œuse it or lose itā€, because despite the evolution of technology, this oleā€™ proverb holds true when learning to code.

Hint: Build a project as you go through the material. A personal project is often the best starting point.

 

2. Grasp the fundamentals for long-term benefits

Learn programming faster 1

As elementary as they may appear at first, programming fundamentals always need to come first: the better you understand them, the easier it is to learn more advanced concepts. From our experience at Coding Dojo, students who rush through the beginning of our coursesĀ ā€“ where we focusĀ most on web development fundamentals ā€“ are often the first to get stuck as we transition into more advanced material, such as back-end programming. So before you ditch the first class of computer science 101, or skip chapter one of an online tutorial, keep in mind that you are overlooking the most important step in your learning.

Ā Hint: Read this great article about the 5 Basic Concepts of Any Programming Language

 

3. Code by hand. It sharpens proficiency and you’ll need it to get a job

Learn programming faster

Computer monitors become thinner, hard drives lighter, and programming languages more powerful, but coding-by-hand still remains one of the most effective methods to learn how to program. Be it on a whiteboard or notebook, coding-by-hand requires further caution, precision, and intent behind every line of code. Because unlike on a computer, you canā€™t run hand-written code midway through the sheet to check if the work is correct. Although more time consuming, this restriction will mold you into a more fundamentally sound developer, both in the classroom and the job market. For college exams and technical interviews ā€“ a critical component of the job interview process ā€“ you will have to code-by-hand, because not only is this good for learning, but itā€™s universally known to be the ultimate test for a programmerā€™s proficiency. So start early and get used to this old-school practice.

 

4. Ask for help. You’ll need it

Learn programming faster

As awesome as it would be to become the next Steve Jobs on your own, the reality is that people learn faster with mentors and peer feedback. What may seem like an immovable bug or an unlearnable topic could be quickly alleviated by a fresh pair of eyes or a new interpretation of the subject. Whether itā€™s online or in-person, ignore the trolls and donā€™t be afraid to ask for help, because every programmer has been in your shoes before. Besides, most developers love to code, and if thereā€™s one thing that passionate individuals enjoy, itā€™s to share their knowledge with others.

Word of Warning: At Coding Dojo we suggest using the 20 minute rule. Take at least 20 minutes to figure something out on your own before asking for help. Thereā€™s a good chance that the answer is already in front of you, and besides, struggling makes you a better programmer overall.

Hint: Stackoverlfow and redditā€™s learn programming subreddit are gold mines for online programming assistance.

 

5. Seek out more online resources. There’s a wealth of content

Learn programming faster

If a particular concept doesnā€™t make sense, be it on codeacademy, in a textbook, or during class lecture, maintain your confidence and look for alternate online resources to learn the same content. Everyone learns differently, and just because one source doesnā€™t make sense, doesnā€™t mean thereā€™s something wrong with you. It means that youā€™re not clicking with the delivery of the material. The online resources to learn computer programming are endless, and thereā€™s always a reddit post, youtube tutorial, or blog explanation that will make the material-at-hand crystal clear.

Hint: Donā€™t underestimate the power of google search.

 

6. Donā€™t just read the sample code. Tinker with it!

Learn programming faster

Reading sample code is not enough to understand how it works. To develop a true understanding, you need to actually run the code and tinker with it. With the additions of comments and instructions, sample code is packaged to be easily digestible by the reader; but in reality, itā€™s pretty difficult to replicate from scratch. Reading is not the same as understanding, and actually trying to write the code yourself, or at least running it, will facilitate the learning process much more.

 

7. Take breaks when debugging

Learn programming faster

When debugging, itā€™s easy to go down the rabbit hole for hours, and thereā€™s no guarantee that you will fix the problem. To avoid this, itā€™s best to step away from the bug for a few hours, and return with a fresh perspective. Not only is this a guaranteed way to help solve the problem, but youā€™ll also save yourself hours of headache. So if help isnā€™t available ā€“ to touch on our previous tip about seeking advice ā€“ consider taking a break to clear your mind and return later. In the meantime, the bug wonā€™t be going anywhere, and youā€™ll at least restore some needed sanity to improve productivity.

 

Conclusion: Keep Calm and Keep On Coding

Despite these 7 tips, the most important ingredient to learn programming faster is to remain confident. To do so, you should expect to fail repeatedly and be patient with your progress; because becoming an expert at anything requires hard work and time. And if a single doubt ever clouds your mind, remember that every programmer has walked this path before ā€“ none of them more destined to become a developer than you. Whichever path you are currently on, be it college or coding boot camp, the only barrier to success is your work ethic and confidence to persevere.

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96 thoughts on “7 Critical Tips to Learn Programming Faster – #3 Will Land You a Job”

  14. Nice article, interesting to readā€¦
    Thanks for sharing the useful information

  26. Amazing post on Tips to learn Programming fast. Here are another Amazing and powerful tips for learning any new Programming Language, which you must see and it’s worth reading.

  28. Your blog is great. Keep it up! I would like to add two points to increase productivity.
    1. Learn touch typing to code faster. There are many free typing software available like Typing master, Rapid typing tutor. 2. Learn computer keyboard shortcuts to save time. There are many android which provides shortcuts for softwares.

  29. A big thanks to you, for inspiring me, I was almost giving up before I read this article, but now am filled with inspiration and I must have to put to work the advise and keep on trying.

  30. I have been really wanting to learn how to program this year. I liked that you explained that I could try writing out the code by hand. It might be smart for me to look into taking a programming course.

  32. Very useful tips on how to learn fast. What a great post, the information is well-organized & comprehensive. I can imagine the effort you put into this article & especially appreciate your sharing.

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  36. “Thanks for sharing a great article,
    Really these offers you career flexibility and has great earning potential.”

  41. Those methods are effective!!! It’s great idea and supportive
    But those who are beginner how they can they overcome it???
    Can you tell some tips!

  45. This is really a nice article on learning programming faster. I really appreciate for putting your effort to give some tips on programming.

  46. It’s so interesting to read this article it gets you to become mode passionate and for the third and forth point they might seem easy but just stay focused and you will become one the best programmer.

  47. This blog awesome and i learn a lot about programming from here.The best thing about this blog is that you doing from beginning to experts level.

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  48. Nice article…really appreciate
    The last article on the touched my heart and has boost my morale
    Thanks

  49. Hey,it was a great article.I found it very useful for me please keep posting such articles.I would love to learn form your article. Thanks.

  51. Thank you for the tips! I always followed the first tip of learning by doing because I think that practice is the key to becoming good at coding. But I never have thought about coding by hand, this is something new for me!

  52. Nice Article . The point that you ought to code with hand is really helpful. Thank you.

  57. PLEASE HELP ME REGARDING WAYS IN WHICH I CAN PROGRAM FASTER AND UNDERSTAND WHAT I AM DOING

  59. YES!!! I’m already doing a lot of things on this list. I must be a Natural. (definitely not a narcissist)

  64. Brilliant article. The information I have been searching precisely. It helped me a lot, thanks. Keep coming with more such informative article. Would love to follow them.

  72. I’m a beginner. Thanks for sharing. Your tips are very helpful and encouraging. I pray I remember to refer to these tips often as I journey into coding. Thanks again for your time and knowledge. May your giving be returned threefold.

  78. Wow!. A big thanks to you, for inspiring me , I was almost giving up before I read this article, but now am filled with inspiration and I must have to put to work the advise and keep on trying,,,, You’re good

  79. i really wanted to know some tips in learning programming languages at the speed of light, this post has enlightened me a great deal.

  81. I have taken many classes in college but truly feel I do not know enough about pogramming to get a job. That is why I research Codingdojo to make me a successful programmer. So we will see but just from comments I feel this way to learning will be the best for me. I will definitely let you know once I become a skilled programmer. Wishing the best of luck to any and everyone in my shoes! Definitely need a job soon! Lookout!!!!!

  85. Hello,

    After a long time being an experienced developer I found this blog made more sense and the tips written looks fail proof to be a very good developer. I envy much on the tips given and follow. Will keep posted on how it worked for me.

    Thank you

  86. Hi … tnx for this informative post

    i just go forward and start the project and when i needed to use sqlite db for example i’d go learn sqlite basics and check some sample code … and the next time i’ll do the same but so faster!!!

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  92. am so happy about this tutorial, it has taken me a long way. i wish i will got to know more.

  93. I never knew writing codes on paper is a great way to learn programming, thank you for putting up this post.

  96. I agree that grasping the fundamentals is key. Not only with programming, but with any other skill you’re trying to learn. I played sports when I was a kid, and the fundamentals

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December 12, 2014

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