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.

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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 dedication. 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 determined to take the necessary steps, you won’t find it too difficult to learn.

Enrolling in a bootcamp or online course is one way to take steps 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 require math, it is beneficial to be comfortable with advanced math for programming. The main similarity between coding and math is the aspect of problem-solving, which is fundamental to both fields. Learning to code can be difficult without a basic understanding of math.

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 an expert 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 learning process, and many factors can affect the amount of time it takes.

Tips to Learn Coding

1. Start with the basics. Coding can get quite confusing and tricky, which is why it is best to start by learning the basics first.
2. Practice every step you learn. Practice makes perfect, and this couldn’t be more true in programming. When you learn something new, the best way to understand and remember it is by continuous practice.  
3. Ask for help. Very few things help you understand coding better than working with experienced coders. Whenever you get stuck, you should reach out to someone who is experienced in the topic and get help from them. 
4. Use online resources. There are various online resources that you can use to your advantage when learning how to code. You can find relevant content that you can refer to from time to time to help you understand your topic better.
5. Code by hand. One of the best ways to learn and understand coding is to write in a notebook or on a whiteboard. This will help you improve your coding skills, learn faster, and understand your strengths and weaknesses. 
6. Practice patience. Sometimes it is hard to learn how to code. This is why it is important to practice patience while learning to code. You are likely to get stuck and frustrated along the way, and only patience can keep you going.
7. Take breaks. It’s important to take breaks throughout your learning process. Whenever you begin to feel frustrated, confused, or tired, take a break and try again when you feel rested and rejuvenated.

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 will prepare 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 or 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 to code 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 are the original way that students would learn to code. You can attend college for a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Programming, computer science, 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, online tutorials, communities, books, articles, publications, and videos that are 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 language 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. You’ll be surprised by how easy it is to learn computer programming! Here are some easier, high-level languages to learn.

HTML (HyperText Markup Language)

HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language. A web browser uses HTML to determine the structure of a web page or application. It is one of the most common languages in programming 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 used for data analytics, web development, and application development. That translates to companies as well. Google, Wikipedia, NASA, and Yahoo! are among the many organizations that use Python.

JavaScript

JavaScript is not hard to learn and is a versatile programming language. It can be used on both the front end and the back end of a web page for a better user experience and interface design. Web developers, especially front end developers, use JavaScript for interactive coding. If you’re looking to get into companies like Microsoft, Netflix, and PayPal, study this language.

PHP

Another great starter language, PHP, is robust enough to keep running even if the code contains errors. It’s also one of the oldest programming languages, leveraged heavily by Facebook during the company’s earlier days. WordPress is one of the most popular users of PHP. You can learn PHP online with free resources or through a coding bootcamp.

Java

Java is simple to start using and widely used for mobile application development. It is important to learn Java because it offers one of the best frameworks among the programming languages. Amazon, Spotify, and Pinterest are among the many companies that 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

This language is about as low-level as you can go without having to chat in binary. Assembly is a very old language and is far from intuitive. This language is used for machine learning coding. If you want to become a coder, you probably will never encounter this language, unless you dive into very advanced projects.

C, C++, C#, and Objective-C

These versions of the C language are also tough to grasp, with lots of moving parts and steep learning curves. These C variants are all different and are used in numerous open-source projects and applications. iOS applications are built with Objective-C. Microsoft Windows applications, meanwhile, use C# while LinkedIn uses C++.

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 tech industry. The majority of organizations and businesses today need an IT or data department to grow, solve problems, and profit, making it essential to hire coders. Getting a job with coding is relatively easy, particularly with the right soft skills to back your coding skills.

Jobs You Can Get with Coding Skills

• Software Developer. Software developers are professionals who work to develop software for computers. They build, design, test, maintain, debug, and improve the software. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary of software developers is $120,730, with projected job growth of 25 percent.
• Web Developer. These are professionals who are responsible for creating, designing, and maintaining websites and web applications for businesses to satisfy their customer or user needs. Web developers earn an average annual salary of $97,430 and have job growth of 23 percent, according to the US BLS.
• Full stack Developer. A full stack developer is an expert in both front end and back end coding of a website or application. They are responsible for designing the user interaction on the website, server, and website database. Full stack developers earn an average of $80,148 annually, according to PayScale.
• UI/UX Designer. UI/UX designers are in charge of the research, evaluation, design, and implementation of a website’s user experience. The average annual salary of these professionals is $96,445, according to ZipRecruiter.
• Data Scientist. A data scientist collects, analyzes, and interprets raw data into information that can be used to help organizations solve problems, grow, and make a profit. These professionals can work in any field and earn an average annual salary of $97,680, according to PayScale.

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 you will enjoy. As a coding expert, you can work in any field of your choice and earn above the national average salary of all occupations. 

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According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for computer and information technology jobs is $97,430, and they are projected to grow by 15 percent between 2021 and 2031. These figures show great potential and make learning to code a significant step toward a promising career path. 

Is Coding Hard to Learn? FAQ