How Hard Is It to Learn Coding?

You’re ready to make a career change and become a programmer. Software developers work on fascinating projects and command handsome salaries. Not to mention, they’re increasingly in demand. Becoming a coder will set you up for a fulfilling and rewarding life. But if it’s your first time coding, you might wonder whether coding is hard to learn.

The simple answer is that it is hard to learn how to code. But, with the right mindset, commitment, and learning assistance, you can become an expert at programming. Enrolling in a bootcamp or online course will help you succeed on your learning journey.

This article includes details on how hard it is to learn to code, what coding is used for, how long it takes to learn to code, and where to start learning to code.

Is Coding Hard to Learn?

Coding is not hard to learn, especially if you’re willing to dedicate the required time, patience, and determination. There are many aspects to coding that can make it difficult to navigate from the start due to its complexity. However, if you’re persistent and committed to taking the necessary steps, you won’t find it too difficult to learn.

Enrolling in a bootcamp or online course is one way to prepare yourself to learn to code. You can also watch YouTube videos, read programming books, and research different popular programming languages to ease you into the process. It is best to tackle learning to code after putting in the time and research to find which language is the right fit for you.

Does Coding Require Math?

While coding does not necessarily require advanced math, it is beneficial to be comfortable with basic concepts like logic and problem-solving. These skills are fundamental to both math and programming. Although many coders work without using calculus or complex formulas on a daily basis, having a solid understanding of math can help with algorithms, debugging, and technical problem-solving.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Coding?

Learning to code varies from person to person. On average, it takes about three to four months to learn the basics of coding. However, becoming proficient could take six months to a year, depending on your learning path. It’s important to remember that every learner has their own unique experience with the process, and many factors can affect the amount of time it takes. Additionally, there are various careers in the tech industry that don’t require advanced coding skills, so the amount of learning you need depends on your goals.

Tips to Learn Coding

It is not hard to learn to code if you select one of the easier popular programming languages to learn.

1. Start with the basics. Before diving into advanced concepts, focus on understanding fundamental coding principles such as variables, loops, and conditionals. A solid foundation makes it easier to build more complex projects.
2. Practice every step you learn. Coding is a skill that improves with repetition. Working on small projects or daily exercises helps reinforce what you’ve learned and builds muscle memory over time.
3. Work on real projects. Applying your knowledge to real-world applications, even simple ones, helps you learn faster. In 2025, many beginners use GitHub or open-source contributions to showcase their skills to employers.
4. Seek mentorship and community. Learning alone can be tough. Online forums, Discord groups, and bootcamp alumni networks offer mentorship, support, and feedback from more experienced coders.
5. Use AI-assisted tools wisely. Tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT can help you debug or generate code snippets. However, they should be used to support your learning, not replace understanding.
6. Write code by hand occasionally. Sketching logic on a whiteboard or notebook improves problem-solving skills and prepares you for technical interviews, where explaining thought processes matters as much as the final answer.
7. Take breaks and be patient. Coding can be frustrating, and mental fatigue slows learning. Short breaks and persistence help you overcome obstacles and stay motivated over the long run.

Where to Start Learning Coding

There are several educational paths that you could take to learn how to code. You could enroll in a coding bootcamp, attend college to earn a degree, learn through online learning platforms, or use free online resources. You can find detailed information on these educational options below.

Coding Bootcamps

One way to learn to code is through a coding bootcamp program that prepares you for a career in tech. Coding bootcamps are short, intensive courses that offer hands-on training through real-life projects. They are shorter and more affordable than a college degree program, and most students get a relevant job within a few months of completing one.

Coding Online Courses

Online learning platforms, also known as massive open online courses (MOOCs), are everywhere today. They are usually the most affordable way to learn to code and are often self-paced, so you have the flexibility to learn while working full-time. Through online courses, you can also get hands-on training through projects and assistance through helpful online communities.

Coding Degree Programs

Traditional universities remain a strong pathway into coding. You can attend college for a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or Computer Engineering. These degree programs include coding in their curricula and can thoroughly support you through the process.

Coding Free Resources

Just like MOOCs, there are numerous free online resources that can help you learn to code. There are libraries, tutorials, communities, books, articles, and videos available on the Internet to help you get started.

The Easiest Coding Languages to Learn and Their Uses

When you’re beginning your studies to become a computer programmer, it’s best not to bite off more than you can chew. You should learn the easiest coding languages first and gradually progress to harder coding languages over time. This way, you will be less frustrated and less likely to quit. Give yourself the best chance to succeed by researching what the easiest coding languages to learn are. Here are some easier, high-level languages to learn in 2025.

HTML (HyperText Markup Language)

HTML remains a foundational skill for coding. A web browser uses HTML to determine the structure of a web page or application. It is one of the most common coding languages for the Internet and is used regularly by web developers. Programmers can learn HTML through bootcamps or online courses.

Python

This beginner-friendly language has simple, easy-to-read syntax, which makes it a great first language to learn. Python is widely used for data analytics, web development, artificial intelligence, and software applications. Companies like Google, NASA, and Netflix continue to use Python extensively.

JavaScript

JavaScript is an easy to learn, versatile programming language used for both the front end and back end of websites and applications. It is the most widely used coding language today, making it essential for web developers. Companies such as Microsoft, PayPal, and Netflix rely heavily on JavaScript.

SQL

SQL is a fundamental language for managing and analyzing databases. Nearly every modern application interacts with a database, making SQL knowledge a key part of many developer roles.

Java

Java is still one of the most common languages used in 2025, particularly in enterprise software and Android development. Amazon, Spotify, and Pinterest are among the many companies that continue to use Java.

The Hardest Coding Languages to Learn

When you dig into the most difficult coding languages, you’ll begin to see some similarities between them. For new coders, all the languages in this section are tough to read, comprehend, debug, and service. What makes programming hard with these languages?

Several of them are high-level programming languages that allow for computer abstraction. So, you don’t have to worry about making sure that memory gets utilized correctly and other housekeeping tasks. This section focuses on the hardest coding languages to learn. You’ll need to gear up and gain more coding experience before starting on these languages.

Assembly

Assembly language is one of the lowest-level coding languages still in use. It communicates directly with a computer’s hardware, which makes it extremely fast but difficult to master. It is used in embedded systems, operating systems, and performance-critical code. Because programmers must manage memory and registers manually, Assembly is not intuitive for most beginners.

C

C is one of the oldest and most influential programming languages, forming the foundation of many others. It is still used in operating systems, databases, and hardware drivers. While powerful, C requires careful memory management and a deep understanding of how computers work, which makes it difficult for new learners to grasp.

C++

C++ builds on C by adding object-oriented programming, but this also increases its complexity. It is widely used in video game engines, large-scale applications, and high-performance systems. The language has a steep learning curve because of its intricate syntax and the need to manage memory and resources precisely.

Rust

Rust is a modern systems programming language that prioritizes safety and performance. It has become popular for secure applications and infrastructure, but its strict compiler rules and unique ownership model make it harder to learn than beginner-friendly languages. Many developers consider Rust worth the effort, but it can be intimidating for those just starting out.

Haskell

Haskell is a functional programming language known for its mathematical precision and expressive power. It is used in academic research, data analysis, and some financial systems. However, its purely functional nature and abstract concepts such as monads can be overwhelming for beginners, making it one of the toughest languages to learn.

Is It Hard to Get a Job With Coding?

It is not hard to get a job in coding, especially with the continuous advancement of technology and the growth of the tech industry. The majority of organizations and businesses today need an IT or software department to grow, solve problems, and profit, making it essential to hire coders. Getting a job with coding is attainable, particularly with the right skills and portfolio to back up your learning.

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Jobs You Can Get with Coding Skills

• Software Developer. Software developers design, build, test, and maintain software. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for software developers in May 2024 was $130,160, with projected job growth of 25 percent between 2022 and 2032.¹
• Web Developer. Web developers create and maintain websites and applications. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for web developers and digital interface designers in May 2024 was $98,090, and employment is projected to grow 16 percent between 2022 and 2032.²
• Full stack Developer. Full stack developers are skilled in both front end and back end coding. Salaries vary widely, but Built In reported the average US base salary for full stack developers in 2025 as $159,144, with total compensation often higher.³
• UI/UX Designer. UI/UX designers focus on creating seamless, user-friendly experiences. The BLS reports that the median salary for web and digital interface designers, a category that includes many UI/UX roles, was $98,090 in May 2024.²
• Data Scientist. Data scientists collect, analyze, and interpret raw data into actionable insights. Salaries are often above $100,000 depending on experience and industry. According to Glassdoor, the average base pay for data scientists in 2025 is about $126,000 annually.⁴

Is Coding Worth Learning?

Yes, coding is worth learning. With the numerous resources for learning, in addition to the job opportunities and communities to join, it is a career path with great potential. As a coding expert, you can work in a variety of fields and earn above the national average salary of all occupations.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $104,420 in May 2024, and these jobs are projected to grow 15 percent between 2022 and 2032, much faster than average.¹

Is Coding Hard to Learn? FAQ

Sources

1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm
2. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm
3. https://builtin.com/salaries/us/full-stack-developer
4. https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/us-data-scientist-salary-SRCH_IL.0,2_IN1_KO3,17.htm