Coding: A core skill to learn in 2022?
Coding is undeniably among the most in-demand skills at present. Experts foresee at least a 13% increase in employment rates for jobs related to coding in the coming years until 2030. It makes perfect sense, following the world’s gradual transition into a more advanced and tech-driven society.
The career opportunities that you can land once you learn and master the art of coding are endless. Some of these possible high-paying career options include being a Software Developer, Full-Stack Developer, Web Developer, and Software Quality Insurance Engineer.
You can always check universities or colleges offering excellent IT courses in your area. However, if you prefer a more flexible option, such as self-guided coding courses, then this blog will show you five creative ways to can start your coding crash course at home.
Unconventional Ways to Learn Coding at Home
Learning and honing a new skill even while at home is a resourceful way of self-improvement. It is also quite practical since it suits flexible schedules and routines. Without further ado, here are five inventive ways you can start your coding bootcamp!
- Read Books and Digital Guides
The online resources that most students use these days originated from the old-fashioned paperback and hardbound books. Going back to the basics and picking up a book about the basics of coding is something that is not as common these days. Most people are on their tablets, smartphones, and laptops. You hardly see anyone taking their time, broadening their knowledge by flipping through the pages of a trusty manual or guidebook.
Unlike learning to code online, sometimes, the lessons have to be compressed into bite-sized pieces to help learners integrate the information faster. There is both an art and an advantage to reading books. It pushes you to focus and digest the information written in it. You are also likely free from temptations in the form of social media and gaming apps.
- Hone Your Problem-Solving Skills
Who says understanding how coding works is limited to joining online courses or reading guidebooks? You can supplement that by focusing on boosting your analytical and problem-solving skills. Try to picture how a computer would solve a specific problem. Concentrate on increasing your keenness for details. Check out the mechanism or technology behind the appliances you have at home. How does your vacuum or water heater function as it should?
Understanding how computer systems and programming language is applied in your daily life is the most practical way to apply and absorb the very structure and principles of coding.
- Join or Watch Online Courses & Video Tutorials
Thanks to the internet, several learning materials are made accessible to everyone. Professionals with commendable experience in different fields can easily share their knowledge.
There are readily available tutorial videos on video streaming platforms like YouTube on coding—from knowing the basics of coding to delving deeper into more advanced concepts as well as the must-have soft and technical coding skills. If you have quite a hectic schedule, you also have the option to search available online courses and webinars. Since the lectures are conducted online, expect a more flexible learning setup.
- Interactive Coding Games for Beginners
What are coding games, you ask? Coding games are interactive applications that teach you how to code while maximizing the element of excitement and fun. It’s an excellent alternative to the traditional way of developing new skills. Not to mention, some learners do not benefit from self-learning through books and modules alone.
Coding games are perfect especially if you’re a beginner. These games allow you to apply the concepts and principles you learned. They also vary in terms of the skills and lessons you can apply. Code Combat teaches basic languages in programming such as HTML, JavaScript, and Python. CodeMonkey teaches you how to build your games using HTML5. Flexbox Foggy is more focused on understanding how CSS is used and applied to make computer systems work.
There are several other coding games worth exploring. A quick search on Google or any search engine will generate links to highly recommended interactive coding games.
- Start a beginner programming project
Another excellent and creative example of mastering coding by way of application is through starting and completing programming projects. After all, it would be impractical to remember what you have learned purely by memorization.
Working on programming projects for beginners is one way to apply what you have learned and gauge whether you have understood the concepts. Examples of projects you can work on include developing simple apps to convert weight or creating a daily to-do list. You can even try and build basic games in the form of Rock-Paper-Scissors, chess, or any game that entails simple commands to operate.
Perhaps you can use this as a chance to build a JavaScript website, or try web scraping, get your hands on developing a social networking or online shop.
Participating in an open-source project is ideal for those who want something more collaborative. Cooperative projects provide opportunities to consult with other learners or seek the guidance and feedback of more experienced programmers. It’s also your preview to bigger projects should you choose to pursue a full-time career in IT.
Coding has numerous applications in the real world. Take your pick from any of these alternative learning options and have fun unlocking and honing a brand new skill!
