Mas Beginner's Guide to Learning Coding from Scratch

Welcome to the world of coding! For those of you who are completely new and unaware of the basics, taking a step into the world of programming can seem overwhelming. However, with the right approach and resources, learning to code can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to start coding from scratch, focusing on gaining a solid foundation in programming.

Getting Familiar with Computers and the Basics

The first step for a digital beginner is to become comfortable with using a computer. If you have never used a computer before, start by learning the basics: how to turn it on, how to use a keyboard and mouse, and how to navigate through a browser like Google Chrome or Firefox.

Exploring Computer Basics

How to start and operate a computer Understanding files and folders Accessing the internet and using a web browser Exploring basic applications (e.g., Microsoft Word for Windows, using Google Chrome for internet browsing) Learning about different file types (e.g., text, .exe, .csv, .excel) Getting acquainted with popular websites like Google, Facebook, and Amazon Using Google tools (e.g., Google Drive) and understanding how to manage files Watching YouTube tutorials and following along with the instructor

Starting with a Programming Language

Once you have a basic understanding of computers, it's time to start learning a programming language. Among the different options, I strongly recommend starting with the C programming language. Despite what some experts may say, learning C provides a solid foundation that you can build upon later.

Learning C Programming

To get started with C, you can use the book The C Programming Language by Brian W. Kernighan and Dennis M. Ritchie. Here's how to approach the learning process:

Read the book from front to back, one chapter at a time PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! Write and debug programs as you progress through each section to reinforce your learning

By learning C, you'll gain insights into how computers allocate memory, store and retrieve data, make decisions, and perform mathematical operations, making you a more proficient programmer.

Expanding Your Knowledge with Other Programming Languages

After learning C, you can explore more high-level languages. Here are some recommendations:

Perl 5: Use Perl for tasks involving text, Unicode files, and system administration. Perl is versatile and efficient for these purposes. Python 3: Ideal for communications applications, math, and science projects. Python's clean syntax and importance of white spaces make it a great choice for general-purpose programming.

Remember, the key is to practice, practice, and practice some more. The more you write and debug programs, the better your understanding of programming concepts will be.

Conclusion

Learning to code is a journey, and the path you choose can make a significant difference in your success. By starting with computers and then moving on to the basics of programming, you'll build a strong foundation that will serve you well in the ever-evolving world of technology. So, go ahead, dive in, and enjoy the ride!