How to learn coding from scratch

You must get an education and training, develop a work portfolio, and obtain a coding-based internship in order to learn coding from scratch. For information on each of these steps and others you can take to learn coding from scratch, use this guide:

• Get an education and training. This is the most important step in learning to code. Computer programming is highly technical work that requires pre-existing knowledge and training to execute properly. There are two options to complete this step.

You can go the traditional route and obtain a bachelor's degree in software engineering, software development, computer engineering, computer science, or another related degree.

Here you will gain foundational and advanced knowledge on the different aspects of coding, as well as other relevant areas. Bachelor's degrees take four years to complete, while if you go for an advanced degree in the field, it can take up five to six years.

Your other option is to attend a coding boot camp. Coding boot camps cost anywhere between $10,000 to $20,000 on average and only take a matter of weeks to complete. After completion, your job prospects are generally the same as someone who has obtained a degree in software engineering, computer science, or software development.

Modern companies are finding it hard to fill computer programming positions because the number of open programming roles is more than the number of candidates that hold relevant degrees.

Also, it is important to consider that many companies do not care if you have a degree, only that you possess the necessary qualifications for the position.

Another bonus of boot camps is that they often provide more practical, up-to-date real-world training and experience than universities. So, once you are finished, you should have a decent work portfolio and enough experience to obtain a job in computer programming.

• Use online resources. There are plenty of free online resources that can help you to learn coding faster, as well as paid options. YouTube videos and other online tutorials can help you learn how to code from scratch.

Coding boot camps fall into this category as well, but there are a host of other free resources at your fingertips. Do some research by reading trusted computer programming magazines, journals, and websites to find the best avenues to expand your skills as a coder.

• Apply to a coding-based internship to get experience. Internships are great options for programmers that don't have much professional experience.

If you end up going the more traditional education route with a four year degree, some of these computer-related degree programs require you to complete an internship for credit for your bachelor's degree.

Required or not, a coding-based internship is a great way to get your feet wet in the professional space. You will likely get the opportunity to shadow professional programmers and get a true sense of what the work is really like in a company setting.

You might even be able to land a full-time job at the same company after your internship has concluded. At the very least, you can utilize your supervisor(s) as references on your resume.

• Seek out entry-level positions. Entry-level coding jobs are a perfect way to build your resume, get professional experience, and pick up even more skills and knowledge of the trade.

• Create a work portfolio. Any programming project you complete is of great value in getting you to work, even if they are projects you were not paid for. This helps employers understand your particular talents, skills, and potential.

Coding boot camps often have assignments built into them that you can use for your work portfolio. This can happen in a university setting; however, it is less common.

If you have to, create personal projects on your own that you can then include in your work portfolio.

• Consider getting a certification. Computer programming is a vast field, and certifications can help focus your career track. Pick certifications that apply to your professional interests and career objectives.

There are all types of certifications you can obtain, including ones in specific programming languages, database management, and software engineering subareas.

• Network. Networking is a crucial aspect of finding a job in almost any industry, and programming is no different.

Networking is also a way to learn more about coding itself by learning from other seasoned professionals. You should also seek out a mentor, someone that can help to guide you through the more complex areas of coding, as well as possibly be instrumental in advancing your professional career.

Use professionally geared social media to reach out and connect with other programmers and tech professionals working in software development and computer science.

Once you require a relationship with professionals, you can ask about job openings and any other helpful tips to land you a position as a programmer.

This also gives you the opportunity to get feedback on things like your work portfolio and resume.

• Seek out tech-based job fairs and other coding-related events. These types of events are a great way to get exposure to many companies and programming professionals.

Attending conferences on specific coding issues is a great way to expand your skills and knowledge.

In these settings, you will also have the chance to expand your network and give your resume and work portfolio to prospective employers.