7 Steps to Mastering Any Programming Language in No time

Coding is essential as it has many practical applications in real life. Many people wonder about the easiest way to learn programming and how long this would take them. I would say that by following the right method, anyone can quickly develop a strong understanding of any programming language.

I have been programming for at least eight years now, and I am currently doing my master’s degree in bioengineering, where I use coding to solve many biological problems. In this article, I am going to share what worked for me to master several programming languages in a short time.

1. Learn the basics

Start by using a book or attending a course either online or at a university. I suggest that you start online, as many tutorials can help you understand the basics from zero to hero. You will have to familiarize yourself with the necessary coding concepts, such as the following:

1. Variables
2. Control structures
3. Data structures
4. Syntax
5. Tools

Furthermore, try to get a general idea about the field of programming by answering the following questions:

• What is a program?
• What is an algorithm?
• What are the core components to run a program?
• What is a programming environment?
• What is the software to install on my computer to start programming?
• What is compatibility in programming?

2. Pick one programming language

Don’t try to master ten programming languages at the same time. Instead, focus on mastering one language and then take it from there. By learning and mastering one language, you will have the skills to think logically, and you can leverage those skills to learn another language.

Start by choosing an easy language. For a first time learner, I would suggest using a simple language such as Python or C/C++

I would recommend starting with Python, which is a popular programming language. It was created by Guido van Rossum, and released in 1991. It is used for the following applications:

• Web development
• Software development
• mathematics
• system scripting.
• Machine learning applications

Besides, Python has a lot of advantages, including the following:

• Python works on different platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, and others)
• Python has a simple syntax, similar to the English language.
• Python runs on an interpreter system, meaning that any code can be executed as soon as it is written, and this means that prototyping can be rapid.
• Python can be treated procedurally, in an object-orientated way, or in a functional way.
• Python has become one of the most versatile in a programming language that can be used over a broad spectrum, including big data programming.
• Popular frameworks for deep learning/ machine learning like TensorFlow and Scikit Learn are made based on Python.

3. Start with simple exercises.

Try out simple exercises and move to more complex ones as you get more familiarized with the programming approach.

Try to write simple code for simple problematic, add comments to remember the use of specific syntax, and use google in case you are in doubt. It would be great if you could find resources where they provide a sample of solutions to those problems. Try to take the time to reflect on the question before checking the answer, and no matter how hard the problem seems, try to write something at least. By doing so, you will think more logically and develop a good understanding of the syntax. You will also be able to use your knowledge to solve more complex programs.

4. Learn real-life applications

Start by researching real-life projects done by some people you know, schedule a meeting with them, and ask them to explain the specific use of the coding language you are learning in their project. Understanding the practical applications of any programming language can be encouraging and will motivate you to make more efforts to master any programming language as you will get to see the crucial importance of it.

5.Practice and practice

Learning is easy, but until you don’t practice and continue to do so, you won’t improve. This is why you must devote at least one hour per day to work on coding problems. Use a timer as it can help you learn how to organize yourself and your thinking and be able to think logically in a specific period.

As you learn and improve, you can start trying to solve more complicated problems. Never get discouraged if it seems a lot for you. Every time you increase the difficulty level of the issues, take the time to assess your progress and how you are doing. If you find yourself not able to solve those complicated problems, there is no harm in taking more time learning using simple exercises. Keep practicing and never stop for a long time, as a gap could make you forget how to code and especially when you are in the earliest stages of the learning process.

6. Choose an objective

When you start out, it is important to reflect on what goals or types of projects you would like to be working on once you master the languages.

Programming languages serve different purposes, such as developing websites, mobile applications, desktop software, and other applications. Find out what languages/technologies are used in your path of choice.

Below is a description of the different paths you could take once you master your programming language. In every path, I mentioned the most suitable languages for that particular application.

Web Development

It consists of creating applications such as websites, e-commerce, social media, search engines. The most suitable programming languages for this kind of applications are the following:

• C#
• Java
• PHP
• SQL
• Python
• Javascript

Game Development

You will be able to create several types of games, using one or a combination of the following languages:

• C#
• C++
• C
• Java
• Python
• Javascript

Mobile App Development

Mobile app development consists of creating apps for the iPhone and the Android, and a selection of the following languages created any application that you have on your phone:

• Objective-C
• Java
• Swift

Software Development

As a software developer, you will develop software for operating systems such as Macs, Linux, or Windows. The languages which you need to be familiar with are:

• C
• C++
• Java
• SQL
• Python

7. Collect resources

Try to stick to a collection of specific resources. I don’t advise that you go back and forth between different resources, as everyone will explain things differently and it can be confusing. The internet is a vast resource, and there are many programming tutorials that can be useful for you. Try also to search for free books with a good review that can guide you on the core concepts of programming Logic, a book along the lines of “Language X for beginners.” Choose resources that focus on helping you understand programming from scratch.

There are several online resources out there. Below are some examples:

• Codecademy
• Khan Academy
• Coursera/edX
• Code Avengers
• Learn Python the Hard Way
• Mozilla Developer Network
• Code School
• Treehouse

Mastering a programming language may seem challenging at the beginning. With practice and a lot of patience, you will be able to develop a strong understanding and an ability to solve real-life issues quickly, so never give up and keep trying and exercising since programming is an art. Without making mistakes, we will never be able to appreciate the beauty of that art.