The first step in learning any programming language is making sure that you understand how to learn. Knowing how to learn is arguably the most critical skill involved in computer programming.
Why is it very important for one to know how to learn? The answer is simple: As the languages evolve several new Libraries get introduced and the tools get updated, so it’s always better to learn the new functionalities and features of the latest version to make things quicker and more effective.
In this article we have listed few programming strategies, Tips to help start your journey and become a Rock star in programming.
1. Code every day:
Consistency is very important when you are learning a new language. We recommend making a commitment to code every day. Since you tend to forge the concepts easily if there are gaps during the learning process. Though it may seem daunting at first, consider starting small with 25 minutes every day and working your way up from there.
2. Write it out:
Do not forget to make short notes of all the important concepts with the relevant examples, as it will be very helpful when you want to recollect the concepts in a longer run. In fact, it will also help you while preparing for the interview. Once you start working on small projects and programs, writing by hand can also help you plan your code before you move to the computer. You can save a lot of time if you write out which functions and classes you will need, as well as how they will interact
3. Understand the Basics Thoroughly:
In any of the programming languages understanding the Basics is very important. It’s very important to understand the 3 basic principles while learning any functions in a Programming language.
- Why should one use the specific function over the others?
- When to use it?
- Where to use: A proper use case with an example will be more effective so that you will become more familiar with the function and its use case.
However, thorough practice is very important for every basic concept you learn for the first time to understand it more clearly, practicing the concept with various scenarios will help to analyze its limitation and when to use it exactly
4. Avail Breaks:
Take a short break, and then repeat the process. Taking breaks is critical to have an effective study session, particularly when you are taking in a lot of new information.
Breaks are especially important when you are debugging. If you hit a bug and can’t quite figure out what is going wrong, and take a break. Step away from your computer, go for a walk, or chat with a friend.
In programming, your code must follow the rules of a language and logic exactly, so even missing a quotation mark will break everything. Fresh eyes make a big difference.
5. Start working on a Project:
Once you are through with the basic concepts, always try to do a project in the respective language learned so far. It can be an opportunity for you to explore more in-depth and integrate the basic concepts you have learned to achieve the result. In this Journey, you will come across multiple challenges in achieving the specific task & you will try to figure out how to achieve it. Which in turn makes you familiar with the language.
6. Contribute to the open-source:
In the open-source model, software source code is available publicly, anyone can collaborate and make use of it. For example, let’s say you have written a blog on how to fix a specific bug.
Next, the project managers/Users will review your work, providing comments and suggestions if there is an effective way of achieving it more easily. This will enable you to learn best practices, as well as practice communicating with other developers.
7. Surround yourself with others who are learning:
Though coding may seem like a solitary activity, it actually works best when you work together. This will allow you to share the tips and tricks you learn along the way.
Don’t worry if you don’t know anyone. There are plenty of ways to meet others who are passionate about learning. Find local events or Meetups or join Hackathons which is one of the best ways to learn new things by solving complex challenges.
8. Teach:
It is said that the best way to learn something is to teach it. This is true when you are learning any programming language. There are many ways to do this: whiteboarding with other similar programming lovers, writing blog posts explaining newly learned concepts, recording videos in which you explain something you learned. Each of these strategies will solidify your understanding as well as expose any gaps in your understanding.
Conclusion:
One with the strong dedication, desire to learn a new language with a perfect strategy and schedule as described in this article would definitely excel in learning a new language
Author: Karthik Kandikonda (Data Scientist @ TheDataSteps )