Best way to learn coding

Francisco’s journey shows that coding can truly change your life. You don’t need a fancy degree or a tech background to start. You just need the will to learn and the courage to keep going, even when things get tough. Learning to code is not just about computers. It’s about new chances. It’s about building a better future. It can help you:

• Find a better job.

• Solve real-world problems.

• Create something of your own.

• Change your career path.

• Feel more confident and creative.

Whether you’re flipping pancakes or flipping arrays, stories like Francisco’s prove that anyone can learn to code—no matter where they start.

Best time to learn coding#

Today, there are many ways to learn to code—from free YouTube tutorials to beginner-friendly websites and full-time courses. You can learn from home, at your own pace, and slowly build your skills. If someone like Francisco, who worked long shifts serving food, or Jatin, who used to cook in a restaurant kitchen, can find time to learn and switch careers, then you can too. Coding is not just for “tech people.” It’s for anyone who wants to grow, solve problems, and build things that matter.

In the next section, we’ll go through the basics of programming and how to get started, even if you don’t know anything about it right now.

Learn programming fundamentals#

When you first step into coding, it might feel like learning a new language—and that’s because it is! But don’t worry, you don’t need to be a genius to get started. The most important thing is to build a strong foundation. Think of coding like building a house. You don’t start with the roof—you start with the bricks. In coding, those bricks are the basic concepts that help you understand how programming works.

Here are some programming fundamentals every beginner should learn first:

• What is a variable? It’s a container that stores information, like a name or a number.

• What are data types? These are the kinds of data you can work with, such as text, numbers, or True/False values.

• What are functions? Think of them like mini-machines that take input, do something, and give you an output.

• What is a loop? It’s a way to repeat tasks without writing the same code again and again.

• What is a condition? It helps your code make decisions. For example, “If it’s raining, take an umbrella.”

These are the building blocks of every programming language, whether it’s Python, JavaScript, or something else.

No need to memorize code#

Many beginners feel pressure to memorize everything. But that’s not the goal. You don’t need to remember every single rule or line of code. Instead, try to understand why things work the way they do.

Focus on solving small problems using these basic ideas. For example:

• Write a program that adds two numbers.

• Make a quiz that gives you a score.

• Create a calculator using basic logic.

These small wins give you confidence. And confidence is your best friend when you’re learning to code.

How to learn fundamentals the right way#

Here’s a simple plan to follow:

1. Pick one beginner-friendly language. Python is a great choice because it’s simple and widely used.

2. Watch beginner tutorials. YouTube and platforms like freeCodeCamp are great places to start.

3. Write code every day. Even 20–30 minutes daily can help you make progress.

4. Try exercises at the end of lessons. Don’t just watch—do!

Now that you’ve got a feel for programming fundamentals, it’s time to understand what computer programming is really about. It’s more than just writing lines of code—it’s about telling a computer what to do in a clear and step-by-step way.

Think of it like giving directions to someone who has never been to your city before. You can’t just say, “Go to my house.” You need to be specific:

Walk straight for 200 meters, turn right at the coffee shop, take the second left, and it’s the red house on the corner.

Programming works the same way. Computers don’t assume anything. You must give them clear, logical instructions—step by step.

Learn how a program executes#

When you write code, you’re writing a set of instructions. The computer reads your code and does what you’ve told it to do.

Here’s a basic idea of how a program runs:

1. Input: The user gives the computer some data (like clicking a button or entering a number).

2. Processing: The computer works with that data using your code.

3. Output: The result is shown on the screen.

For example, if you create a calculator app:

• The input is the numbers the user types.

• The processing is the math your code performs.

• The output is the final result shown to the user.

Once you understand this simple flow, programming starts to make a lot more sense.

Learn about error handling#

Every beginner makes mistakes in code. That’s normal. Even experienced programmers do! These mistakes are called errors, and they come in different types:

• Syntax errors: You typed something wrong.

• Logic errors: Your code runs, but the result isn’t what you expected.

• Runtime errors: The code crashes when it runs.

Instead of getting upset, treat errors like clues. They help you understand what went wrong so you can fix it.

Remember: Every bug you fix makes you a better coder.

As a beginner, you’ll definitely run into errors—that’s a good thing! Errors help you understand what’s going wrong and push you to think like a problem solver. Start by learning how to read error messages carefully. They often tell you exactly what the issue is and where it occurred.

🛠 Tip: While learning error handling, it’s also helpful to get comfortable with basic debugging tools. Start with simple print() statements to inspect the values of your variables. Once you’re a bit more comfortable, try using a built-in debugger—for example, the one in VS Code—to step through your code and watch how it runs line by line. This will build your confidence and make troubleshooting much easier.

Make simple programs#

Start with small, beginner-friendly projects to practice:

• A number guessing game

• A to-do list app

• A tip calculator

These may seem simple, but they teach you how code works together—from input to output.

Learning to code isn’t a sprint—it’s like strength training. The more reps you do with small challenges, the more confident (and capable) you become.

Choose programming languages based on your goals#

By now, you understand programming basics and you’ve made a few simple programs. Now comes a big question:

The answer depends on what you want to do with coding.

Different goals, different languages#

Let’s break it down based on popular career paths:

1. Web development#

If you want to build websites or web apps:

• Frontend (what users see): Learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

• Backend (how things work behind the scenes): Try JavaScript (Node.js), Python, PHP, or Ruby.

Example: If you dream of working at a company like Shopify or building your own portfolio website, this is where you start.

2. Mobile app development#

Want to make apps for phones? Some of the best languages for mobile app development are as follows:

• Android apps: Learn Kotlin or Java.

• iOS apps: Learn Swift.

• Both (cross-platform): Try Flutter (Dart) or React Native (JavaScript).

Example: If you’ve ever wanted to build your own fitness app or a reminder app, this is the path for you.

3. Data science and AI#

Love working with numbers, data, and predictions?

• Learn Python: It’s beginner-friendly and used widely in data science.

• Tools you’ll use later: pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, and scikit-learn.

Example: Data science is great if you enjoy analyzing trends, like finding the most popular products or predicting future sales.

4. Game development#

Dream of building video games?

• Unity uses C#.

• Unreal Engine uses C++.

Example: Start small, like building a 2D puzzle game. Then, as you grow, you can work on 3D games and even join gaming companies.

5. Cybersecurity#

Want to protect systems and data?

• Learn Python, C, and Bash scripting.

• Understand how networks, systems, and attacks work.

Example: If you’re curious about ethical hacking or becoming a security analyst, this is a growing field with many opportunities.

What should you pick first?#

If you’re not sure yet, start with Python.

• It’s easy to read.

• It’s used in many fields (web, data, scripting, automation).

• It has a friendly community and tons of learning resources.

Once you’ve picked your first language, stick with it for a while. Don’t jump between too many languages. Mastering one is better than barely knowing five. As you grow, your goals might change—and that’s okay. Coding gives you the freedom to explore. But when you start, pick one path and stick to it until you’re confident.

How to become an expert coder#

When Jatin Sharma went from working long shifts as a waiter to becoming a software engineer, it wasn’t because he knew all the right answers from day one. It was because he kept improving—bit by bit—every single day. And that’s really the secret: you don’t become a great programmer overnight. You grow into it through daily habits, curiosity, and learning from your mistakes.

Here’s how you can do the same:

1. Code every day #

Jatin didn’t have 8 free hours a day. He started small, practicing code at night after work. You can too. Even if it’s just 30 minutes a day, the habit matters more than the time.

“The key is showing up. Every day. Even when it’s hard.”

2. Read the code#

To improve, Jatin started reading open-source code from GitHub. At first, it was confusing. But slowly, it helped him understand how real projects are built and how experienced developers write clean code. Start with beginner-friendly GitHub repos or solutions on sites like LeetCode or FreeCodeCamp. Try to understand the logic behind them.

3. Ask questions when you’re stuck#

Jatin didn’t try to do it all alone. He asked questions on LinkedIn, in coding communities, and even messaged developers he admired. When you’re stuck, reach out. But also make sure you’ve tried something first—people love helping those who help themselves.

4. Keep a code journal#

Jatin once shared how he used to jot down what he learned daily in a Google Doc. It helped track his growth and reminded him how far he’d come. Try the same. Even writing 2–3 lines a day about what you learned or struggled with can be powerful.

5. Learn from errors#

Errors are frustrating, but they’re also your best teachers. Every time you solve a bug, you become a little sharper. Jatin didn’t know how to debug at first, but he didn’t give up. He Googled errors, tried fixes, and kept learning from each mistake.

“Good coders write code. Great coders fix it and learn from it.”

Key takeaways#

• You don’t need a tech background to start coding, just the willingness to learn and stay consistent.

• Start small and stay consistent; even 30 minutes daily can lead to big results over time.

• Focus on understanding, not memorizing, and grasp the logic behind code rather than remembering syntax.

• Learn the fundamentals first: variables, loops, functions, and conditions are your building blocks.

• Choose a language based on your goals. Python is great for beginners and is used across fields.

• Errors are part of learning; treat them like clues that help you grow into a better coder.

Conclusion#

Francisco’s story—and others like it—prove something powerful: learning to code isn’t reserved for the privileged, the young, or the already tech-savvy. It’s for anyone willing to try. Whether you’re coming from a restaurant kitchen, a retail store, or a completely unrelated career, the path into coding is open to you.

Start small. Stay curious. Keep going. With each line of code, you’re not just writing instructions for a machine—you’re rewriting the story of your life. So take that first step. The best time to start is now.