Learn to Program, not a Programming Language
The hottest framework doesn’t matter, fundamentals do
Learning to program is hard. Not only do you have to learn it, but you have to decide what to learn. First you have to know where you want to fit in. Do you want to focus on frontend or backend? Are you interested in devops, game development, data analysis, mobile development, web development — which is right for you?
Next you might wonder what language you should learn. Java makes so much money why not that? Javascript seems hot, maybe that. But then which framework should I learn? React is so popular, Angular is backed by Google, but Vue is rising. Then you have to learn how to manage the states of your project, is Redux the answer or is Flux? My time is valuable, I better choose right.
None of it matters, you don’t know how to program.
During my time learning programming on my own, I spent countless hours looking up tutorials and videos trying to learn whatever seemed popular and in fashion in the development world at the time. At my job I worked in Python with the Django framework, then my company switched to PHP a few months ago. On my own time I was learning basic Javascript along with Node.js and React, then switched to Vue. I spent hours working but wasn’t learning. I could make a WordPress site go or a To-Do app in whatever language I was working on, but I didn’t know how to program. I didn’t even know how to learn programming.
Writing code is a skill that needs to be developed like any other craft. Start simple, and do it. Watching other people writing code isn’t enough. Adjusting other peoples’ code isn’t enough. You have to write your own code, that solves your own logistical problems. They can be made up problems, but the practice of problem solving is the fundamental basis of coding.
Steph Curry didn’t perfect his jumper watching his dad shoot, and he didn’t start from the 3-point line. Aspiring coders need to start basic, and practice typing code that solves problems.
Programming knowledge is transferrable. Software changes. If you’re a strong programmer you can easily adapt to a change in your development stack. If you spent your time learning only one language when switch jobs or your company switches tech, you’re left in the dust.
Syntax is easy to learn once you have a foundation.
Ruby:
array = ["Chef", "Curry", "with", "the", "pot", "boy"]array.each {|item| puts item}
Javascript:
array = ["Chef", "Curry", "with", "the", "pot", "boy"]array.forEach(function(item){console.log(item)})
Not so different.
Knowledge of data types, and object oriented principles and design patterns don’t change, and are used no matter what you do in the field. Don’t ever delay learning in an effort to find the right thing to learn.
Versatility is Value
As a developer, every language you know opens up more job opportunities and creates value for employers. If that language you spent hundreds of hours learning and working in is no longer popular, it doesn’t mean there are no longer companies using it. The knowledge you have as a developer is still a valuable tool in your toolbox and more than just a line on a resume.
Being teachable and flexible is a more valuable commodity to a company looking for developers. You’ll constantly be learning throughout any career as a developer, so get started.
Knowing where to start is the hardest part. Just know it doesn’t really matter that much. Sometimes the overload of learning resources can make things harder, especially if you’re self-teaching. As long as your coding you’re leaning something valuable that will make you better in the long run. Sometimes you’ll learn a hundred ways to not make a program. Picking the wrong language or framework to learn won’t be your mistake, not starting will be.
Before you pick a language, learn to speak.
