How to learn programming online

 

What is web programming?

Web programming or web development is the term that defines the creation of web pages or applications for the virtual environment. Through a software and a code language you assign a series of functions or tasks to an application or to a particular website.  

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Programming means learning the language of your computer or technological device, and teaching it to do what you need it to do. You write instructions that it can interpret so that it does what you ask it to do. 

There are a number of key concepts specific to the world of programming. If you have not started yet, it is important that you know them. The first and most important is the concept of programming language. 

 

Which programming languages are the most important?

As mentioned above, programming requires knowledge of a programming language. This programming language will be the tool used to build a website or an application.  

Learning programming is really like relearning to read and write in another language. If you travel you meet people who speak English or German, in the same way, technology has its own language. If you learn it, it can open up an infinite world of possibilities. 

  1. Java: The perfect language for developing applications or processes for all kinds of devices. It is also one of the most widely used programming languages because of its versatility. Discover Java with a private teacher.

  1. Python: Easy and very readable syntax language perfect for beginners as well as advanced students. The learning curve is relatively fast and in a short time you will be able to start creating your own tasks in a digital environment. Start programming with Python now. 

  1.  Swift: Apple's language that allows you to create applications and websites within the iOS and macOS environment. It is perfect for both beginners and experts. It is also open source and can be used by everyone. Learn the Swift language with a private tutor.
  2. PHP: It is a perfect open source programming language also very easy to learn oriented to develop web applications. Discover PHP with one of our tutors.

These are just a few of the programming languages that exist today. However, the Internet and the digital environment is constantly evolving. Every day new languages appear that serve different purposes. It is not necessary to learn them all, as long as you know what needs you want to cover with them. 

 

How can I learn programming online?

There are many ways to learn to program. Especially in the same virtual environment with which you will work. In the case of programming, the best choice is undoubtedly online learning, but even within this modality there are numerous options available:

  • Online courses: this is an increasingly popular and appealing option especially to younger students, although it is also very attractive to all those with a busy schedule. It is a perfect tool for those who need structure or a solid curriculum as well as time flexibility. 

Online courses often act as a substitute for textbooks or online tutorials and offer the perfect foundation for getting started in the world of programming. 

However, the teaching methodology is not personalized and it is a type of learning aimed at a very general public with similar characteristics. That is to say, it is not open to the possibility of specific problems or doubts that the student may have. 

  • Udemy: is a website that offers courses of all kinds for an affordable price. It also has several promotions throughout the year that can make the courses even cheaper. It has an intuitive interface and most of the material is very complete. In the case of programming, there are numerous courses for all types of students and programming languages. The favorite programming courses for Udemy users are:
    • Learn Java Programming (Basic to Advanced).
    • Programming Fundamentals 
  • Coursera: is one of the most popular options in the world of online education. This platform offers most of its courses for free, although there are some paid courses. There is a great variety in the offer and it has interactive exercises and tests that allow you to enjoy a complete didactic experience. These are two of the best programming courses on Coursera: 
    • Let's Program! An introduction to programming
    • Developing mobile applications with Android
  • Khan Academy: unlike the previous options, Khan Academy is a totally free platform with a large number of varied courses. Despite being free, its content is quality and complete. It has explanatory videos and practical exercises that also allow you to follow your own progress. The most popular programming courses on Khan Academy are:  
    • Introduction to HTML/CSS: making web pages
    • HTML/JS: making interactive web pages
  • Codeacademy: this learning platform offers programming-only courses so you can quickly learn the basics. It is also a free proposal and has practices, tests and exercises to test your knowledge. In addition, it also covers a large number of languages, from HTML to Java. The only problem is that the website is in English. These are the best introductory courses from Codeacademy:
    • Learn how to code
    • Introduction to HTML
  • Private classes: this is undoubtedly the most complete option and can also be carried out from the comfort of your home. There are platforms that also offer additional tools to recreate the full classroom environment to the maximum. From screen sharing to virtual whiteboard or file transfer options, you can hardly notice the difference between face-to-face and virtual classes.

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In addition, this option allows for a much more personalized teaching. Private classes, and especially online classes with a teacher, offer structure, personalization, time flexibility and the unconditional support of a specialized teacher. 

  • Classgap, for example, an online learning platform, allows you to choose the teacher from a wide range of teachers that best suits your needs. He can be your guide throughout the learning process, to resolve doubts or solve problems that may arise. 
  • Applications for programming: if the computer is not a device that you use regularly, and you prefer the screen of your cell phone, there are applications that can be very useful. Whether you are on the train or waiting in line at the supermarket, you can now learn programming easily and simply.

 

Unlike private lessons, you can find free options with which to get started in programming. Usually their learning method allows each user to learn the contents at their own pace and in an easy and fun way. In addition, there are applications that allow you to study programming languages from Java to Python. 

However, it is a good option as long as you do not want to go further. It is an impersonal and isolated type of teaching. If there are doubts or problems that the application does not take into account, there is no way to solve them. There is no teacher to guide you in your learning. 

 

You can always try which one works best with your student profile. Remember that in the end you should feel comfortable and confident with your choice. 

  • Programming Hub: is a proposal created by Google experts to learn how to write code in a fast and enjoyable way.  Its main objective is easy user interactivity in terms of programming language courses. Among them we find JavaScript, C, Swift or Python. Most of the content is free but there is a premium section available through the payment of an affordable amount. 
  • SoloLearn: is an application that has a large number of programming courses at all levels. It also uses the gamification learning method and you learn by playing. It is similar in style to the Duolingo app for learning languages. The main difference is that in SoloLearn you learn programming languages. 
  • Udacity: is an application with mostly free content. It has a wide catalog for all types of learners, beginner, intermediate and expert. Its objective is an active learning based on projects with which you develop the necessary skills to program.
  • Encode: perfect especially for beginners who are entering the world of programming for the first time. It offers simple lessons to learn the most basic concepts of the languages. They also test your progress with questions and tests specific to the thematic blocks you have been studying.
  • Games to learn to program: There is another learning modality that uses gamification to teach programming in a fun and more intuitive way. In this case, we can find video games or applications that teach the basics of programming while playing. These games are for children, teenagers and adults. And most of them have different levels to measure progress and continue advancing. While it is a perfect alternative to learn, it should always be combined with other types of learning. 
  • Swift Playgrounds: this game is designed as a gamified environment to learn exclusively the Swift programming language developed by Apple. It can be accessed from an iPad and focuses exclusively on creating applications for iOS devices.
  • Code Monkey: the Code Monkey system is very similar to popular games such as Candy Crush in which you must advance through different levels of difficulty. In this case, it has a very intuitive interface and an easy-to-follow guide. It is a very attractive option for young audiences. 
  • Code Combat: perfect for learning programming languages such as Python or JavaScript. Through a medieval character you advance through different levels in which different problems related to programming are posed. It is a game that is aimed at a younger adult audience and unlike others, it is a completely free option.
  • 7 billion humans: is a video game to understand the logic of programming. It consists of deciding what actions some workers in an office must perform to achieve the objective set by the game. As you complete the "missions", the difficulty level increases.
  • SpaceChem: is another videogame whose objective is to solve puzzles to solve the challenge of each level. To solve these problems you will have to organize and mix a series of chemical resources to create specific machines.

 

What can I do with my programming knowledge?

Once you are familiar with a programming language, what do you do with this knowledge? What can you program? The world of technology is in your hands, but you need to know what to do with this wonderful, rediscovered power. 

Learning to program can be useful for anyone, not just programming professionals. Even if you don't want to work in this field, it brings numerous benefits to everyday life. Programming is just a synonym for creating in a virtual environment. If you have imagination and desire, you can develop from an application to improve a video game. 

Not only that, understanding a programming language also means understanding the language of computers and electronic devices. If something doesn't work or goes wrong, you have enough knowledge to know what might be happening, or at least, where to look for the fault. 

  • Develop an app: if you have a revolutionary idea or you think it might be fun to create your own app, don't wait any longer and start programming. Originality and creativity have no boundaries and you can explore the wonderful world of app development at your own pace. 
  • Web page creation: if you need a space on the internet for yourself, either to grow your business or to hang your drawings or even to share your thoughts, now all this is in your hands. 
  • Animate websites: If you have a work website or your own website where you post your work, now you can animate it to make it more attractive and fun. Add animations, create new functions, etc. Distinguish and add a personal touch with your programming skills. 
  • Video game creation: if you are a fan of the world of video games we have good news for you. If you know the right programming language, you can create your own video game or improve some existing ones. You can combine a passion with your programming skills. 
  • Improve your digital environment: as we mentioned before, if you know the language of your digital devices, you will be able to detect faster when something goes wrong and how to fix it. It will be a thousand times easier to fix bugs but also to optimize functions to make your life easier. 

To do all these things you don't necessarily need a university degree and a master's degree. With a couple of classes or an online course you can learn the basics of programming to do all this and more. 

 

Tips for learning to program 

Now that you have seen what the languages are, the different platforms to learn and a little bit of what you can do with this new knowledge, here are a few tips on how to get started and how to master the subject.

There is no need to take these tips literally. Each student has his or her own particularities and is aware of his or her strengths and weaknesses. However, they can be useful, especially if you are trying it out for the first time. 

  1. Don't let frustration get on your nerves. As in any other discipline, you need a certain amount of time to master a skill to perfection. And since everyone is different, it is important to be patient with yourself and the mistakes you make. 
  2. Start with the basics. It's important to lay the foundation to start building a solid and lasting learning experience. But to achieve this, it is important to understand every step and every concept you encounter. For this reason it is best to start from the beginning and learn the basics of programming. Once this is done, then you can start moving forward. 
  3. Get a mentor who can guide you. If you have the opportunity, find someone who can lend you a hand in your training and can act as a guide. Along the way, questions are going to come up that they can help you answer. Also, if you find a private programming teacher, you can receive a personalized course that will satisfy all your concerns.

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  1. Find free or paid resources that can complement your training. On the internet you can find tutorials, books or exercises that you can do on your own and that will serve to complement your training more in depth. There are blogs completely dedicated to the world of programming that can help you overcome future problems or obstacles.
  2. Try to do projects of personal interest or solve real problems. Be creative and let your imagination run wild. If you are passionate about an idea, consider integrating programming to make it a reality. You are more likely to learn faster if you are building a web or app that you feel close and personal. On the other hand, you can always try to solve a real problem that bothers you. It is essential to find a use for programming.
  3. Ask questions and be curious. Whether you have a mentor or a friend who also likes programming, it is important to always be aware of what's new and show interest. The world of technology evolves at a dizzying pace and changes are constantly occurring. It is not necessary to be attentive to all of them but it is advisable to be up to date.
  4. Familiarize yourself with your programming tools and your environment. Find out what are the limits of your digital environment and learn the shortcuts, functions or options that are available to you. Take advantage of all the benefits of the different programming languages and be aware of their limitations. Knowing the field in which you play will make you a better programmer. 
  5. Practice.  Practice makes perfect. If you don't write code or use the language and only know the theory, you won't get very far in the programming world. It is important that you learn both the grammar and its practical applications. 
  6. Explore the online community of programmers. Surely those doubts or problems that have arisen while you were working on your own project are common to other programmers. You can get answers to your questions or even advice on the steps you should take to improve the project but also your skills as a programmer.