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How to Learn Computer Programming Fast
Computer programming is actually fun and can actually be an artistic expression.
04:24 07 February 2022
In the world we are living in, computer programming is an essential skill. It seems like every industry out there is in need of programmers. But learning to program can be a daunting task. There are so many different languages to learn, and it can be hard to know where to start.
Computer programming is actually fun contrary to what many people think it is. It isn't about math or science, but can actually be an artistic expression. There are infinite possibilities of what you can do with programming.
What is computer programming?
Computer programming is the process of creating and maintaining computer applications that can perform any task given to it. There are several steps involved:
- First, you need to determine what the program will do. This involves focusing on a specific problem and analyzing it, looking for potential problems; these can either be solved as part of the program or as separate tasks. Once you figure out what you want your program to accomplish, you need to break it down into small steps. For example, if I wanted a program that would keep track of my schedule for me, I could break down each function so that one would take care of checking for upcoming appointments through email, another would check against my Google calendar, etc...
- The next step is to determine the tools you will use to create this program. This involves choosing an appropriate programming language and editor, as well as writing test cases for each individual function so that you can see whether or not your code actually does what you want it to.
- Finally, once all of these tasks are done, your program is ready to be written! The first step of writing the actual program is called "coding" - this is where you write out each line of code needed for your program (in the correct order) into a file on your computer's hard drive. You then "compile" (or compile, depending on the programming language) the file; this basically means checking through it and making sure there aren't any errors in it. Once that's done, you can test it. This involves running it (on your computer or an emulator) to see if it actually does what it is supposed to do.
Common types of programming languages
There are several programming languages you can learn, each with its own purpose. The most popular ones include:
- C: C programming language has arguably become the most widely used programming language there is, due in part to many programs written in it like core parts of the Windows OS and the Linux OS, and also software like Adobe Photoshop is written in C.
- C++: It's an extension of C programming language which adds support for object oriented programming (OOP). Unlike C where everything must be done without classes, in C++ you can create your own classes to do things faster.
- Java: It's a general purpose popular language that works well on almost any platform. You can even code for Android OS using Java.
- Python: It's becoming increasingly popular because it allows fast coding due to its high readability. The language itself doesn't have too many complex parts so learning what's available will take less time compared to other languages.
- PHP: Used mostly for web development including WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla.
- JavaScript: Used mostly for web page effects/animations, app development on platforms like node.js, as well as in software like Adobe Photoshop under the name of ActionScript.
How to learn computer programming fast
Now that you know why learning programming language is useful, let us discuss.
It's important to always have a goal so you'll know what direction you're headed towards. If your goal is to become an office clerk then studying computer science won't help you much. On the other hand, if your goal is becoming a software developer then studying computer programming will certainly help. Just be sure that your goals are realistic and achievable within the shortest time possible.
But don’t worry, you can learn to code quickly and easily if you follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Choose a good programming language.
There are many different languages out there, and they all accomplish roughly the same thing; making it easier for you to write computer programs.
Some popular programming languages are C++, Java, Python, Javascript (which is an interpreted language), Ruby (which is also known as Rails)
If you want to learn how to make websites, HTML will be helpful in order to know the basics of web development. Not saying that learning HTML will make you a professional website developer but it's definitely a good start. If you want to learn more about web development, check our programming help page.
Step 2: Start small.
Don’t try to jump head first into making your own iPhone or Android apps, or large multi-player web applications. Learn how to make simple scripts first, like the ones that will automatically create backups of files on your computer, or send text messages using an API (Application Programming Interface).
Step 3: Don't forget about math.
Math is important when doing computer programming because coding without numbers won't be possible. Or if it is then perhaps the resulting coding would only work one person using it because everyone else wouldn't be able to understand the code well enough. You don't need to be a math wizard or genius either because you can always look for examples that show how to use mathematical calculations in coding.
Step 4: Practice what you learn.
The only way to get really good at something is practice; if you want to become a championship basketball player then you need to spend hours dribbling and shooting hoops. So apply what you’ve learned in step two by writing more scripts.
The more practice you get at programming, the better programmer you will become so keep practicing! Don't expect yourself to become an expert programmer overnight after learning the basics because it won't happen. Skills come from practice and there's no way around practicing even when you're already good at something, including programming. If anything, practice will make you better by improving your skills and ensuring that what you learn stays with you longer.
These are just some good ways to learn how to program; you don't have to follow these exact steps. Just remember that the more practice you get, the better you will become.
If you still need help with learning how to write programs and other computer-related tasks, visit our programming help page and we'll be happy to assist!
How long does it take to learn computer programming fast?
It depends on who you ask because some people pick it up faster than others because of different factors like natural abilities, learning techniques, and learning environment. However, the minimum amount of time that is required to acquire a working knowledge of computer programming is 2 weeks with a good teacher or 6 months on your own.
In my personal experience, it took me about 3 weeks in a structured training course to learn C++ programming fast enough to get a job as a software developer. This included learning how to use an Integrated Development Environment (IDE).
I don't think it would have been possible for me to do this without taking a course because I didn't know how one was supposed to go about learning programming when I started. In fact, if you ask different experts what's the best way to learn programming they will all agree that having someone experienced guide you from the beginning is by far the best way.
If you are a college student, getting help with your programming homework is the best and easiest way to learn how to become a better coder.
What do you think about how fast you can learn programming and code like a professional?