Whether youāre currently pursuing a degree in computer science, 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
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 youāll still be scratching your head when tasked to implement the code for the first time. Youāll think, āwait, what was that one piece of syntax again?ā As the saying goes, you need to āuse 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
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
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 canāt 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 itās universally known to be the ultimate test for a programmerās proficiency. So start early and get used to this old-school practice.
4. Ask for help. You’ll need it
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 itās online or in-person, ignore the trolls and donāt be afraid to ask for help, because every programmer has been in your shoes before. Besides, most developers love to code, and if thereās one thing that passionate individuals enjoy, itās 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. Thereās a good chance that the answer is already in front of you, and besides, struggling makes you a better programmer overall.
Hint: Stackoverlfow and redditās learn programming subreddit are gold mines for online programming assistance.
5. Seek out more online resources. There’s a wealth of content
If a particular concept doesnāt 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 doesnāt make sense, doesnāt mean thereās something wrong with you. It means that youāre not clicking with the delivery of the material. The online resources to learn computer programming are endless, and thereās always a reddit post, youtube tutorial, or blog explanation that will make the material-at-hand crystal clear.
Hint: Donāt underestimate the power of google search.
6. Donāt just read the sample code. Tinker with it!
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, itās 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
When debugging, itās easy to go down the rabbit hole for hours, and thereās no guarantee that you will fix the problem. To avoid this, itās 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 youāll also save yourself hours of headache. So if help isnāt 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 wonāt be going anywhere, and youāll 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.
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.
very helpful for beginners lot of thanks for this article
Great job! Would really helpful for programmers.
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Really these offers you career flexibility and has great earning potential.”
awesome quotesāŗļø
Thanks for sharing a great article.
Thanks for sharing the great article.
nice article
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!
thanks for sharing Tips to Learn Programming
Thanks for this awesome post. I’m really optimistic that it’s going to work for me.
thanks a lot !this sharing inspires me .
This is really a nice article on learning programming faster. I really appreciate for putting your effort to give some tips on programming.
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.
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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Nice article…really appreciate
The last article on the touched my heart and has boost my morale
Thanks
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.
Really nice article. Programming is filled with challenges and you have to face them daily. Follow the steps by coding dojo and you will succeed.
You might like this; why you might not succeed as a programmer.
https://technobs.com/2018/07/11/how-to-become-a-good-programmer/
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!
Nice Article . The point that you ought to code with hand is really helpful. Thank you.
Really good article
SUPERB ARTICLE!
THANKS
Thankyou for this great article
Thanks coding jojo for the advice
it cool
PLEASE HELP ME REGARDING WAYS IN WHICH I CAN PROGRAM FASTER AND UNDERSTAND WHAT I AM DOING
awesome quotes for the developer realy help it
YES!!! I’m already doing a lot of things on this list. I must be a Natural. (definitely not a narcissist)
i love this it give me morale to keep learning
I loved this article. I learned Rule# 7 the hard way. LOL
Great reading and timely, as Iām looking into doing a boot camp…thanks!
nice write up …. looking up for more
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.
Good tips sir
I’m gonna do this today onwards hope i can reach my targets , thank u for posting this
Nice article. Keep calm and keep coding
very helpfull (y)
Very Helpful,
Nice read. I’ve picked up a few pointers
wow very nice
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.
Thank you for posting this! It helps a lot! Kudos!
Great piece
I would lik to learn programing basic .
this blog has really helped me… great job
Very helpful tips – Thank you so much to the author!!!!
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
i really wanted to know some tips in learning programming languages at the speed of light, this post has enlightened me a great deal.
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. I would recommend this simple app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.viyanservices.theultimateshortcuts&hl=en
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!!!!!
Cool!
Just loop for code so that its easy to remembered
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Hi very thank you for topic very very useful
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
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!!!
Thank You! The point that you ought to code with hand is really helpful.
Great content, thanks a ton !
not good
very useful tips š
am so happy about this tutorial, it has taken me a long way. i wish i will got to know more.
I never knew writing codes on paper is a great way to learn programming, thank you for putting up this post.
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.
Love from Pprogramming
Wow, the fifth point made my day
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