Learning to program is a daunting process and sometimes it’s a case of “you’ve either got it or you haven’t”. With that being said, if you are motivated and willing to do what it takes to learn how to code, it’s very much possible to become a master of multiple programming languages. If you are a teenager looking to do more with your time and you have an interest in computer programming, have a look at some of the steps you should follow below to ensure you have access to the best learning curve available to your age range.
Understand the Different Languages
Your first step is to try to understand the many computer languages and see what ones interest you. It’s no good learning a web development language like PHP first if you are just looking to become a game developer in the long-term. It’s crucial you spend some time learning the different languages available, so you’re not wasting your time.
Start with the HTML Basics
Depending on what you want to achieve from programming will dictate the route you choose to take to make things happen. Web developers, for example, have generally opted to learn HTML coding techniques first before they got onto server-side languages like PHP. HTML is what makes those web layouts look visually appealing and, with an easy to learn markup language, it’s a great place for teens looking to get involved and create a foundation to learn any programming language from.
Raspberry PI is the Answer
Raspberry PI is one of the most useful developed tools for those looking to learn how to code, or just have a look at a computer’s backend out of interest. It was created for those looking to learn how to program, and it’s suitable for all ages. We’ve stated above that learning HTML is a good way to grasp the basics of programming, but opting for this process beforehand certainly wouldn’t hurt. Raspberry PI will give you physical access to a computer, so you can see what’s going on. Sites like Vilros.com have many products available to buy in the Raspberry Pi industry, so you can start with the basic setup and work your way up to more advanced products that let you do more.
Don’t Forget About the Theory
It’s great to get practical experience when learning to code, but you shouldn’t overlook the theory side of things either. Simply opening a “programming for dummies” book will help you relax and understand what’s needed to become a professional programmer. You’ll also learn plenty of tips and tricks along the way and many books come with practical lessons once you’ve completed the theory, so you’ll have plenty of time to test what you’ve learned. It’ll be a programming test for you.
Join Online Development Communities
There are hundreds of forums and blogs online that will connect you with some of the most advanced developers around the world. It certainly wouldn’t hurt to create an account or two on such sites so you can read about what’s involved in the development industry as a whole. These communities often come with help sections, so you can easily share your programming efforts and get information on how you can make the process easier and more efficient. Security is a big thing in programming these days, so getting as much information as you can on how to secure your applications will go a long way in the learning process.
Learning to program isn’t easy and it certainly isn’t stress-free. However, if you have a lot of hair to pull out and you’re looking to develop your skills as a young teen to give you a bigger advantage in the programming world in the future, you should definitely consider the above steps to make the learning process much easier.
