Learn the basics of programming. Programming for beginners: how to start and where to go? Free programming courses

Many students are interested in computer technology and are looking for information about programming languages, where better to start their development. It's not difficult if you understand it gradually.

History of machine language

All programming languages ​​are based in machine code. Initially, people wrote program code in binary form. This was not easy because it is almost impossible to read such code. With the development of personal computers, it was developed Assembler . This is a basic language that was understandable to both man and machine. It is a set of instructions for managing computer memory.

At the moment, all languages, at their lowest level, come to assembler. That is, the written code is converted into it.

The next stage was languages Pascal And Si . They are fundamental and all further diversity came from them.

Most development tools have C-like syntax(a set of commands and rules). This means that they are most similar to Si.

What are the different programming languages?

The variety of computer systems and devices has given rise to a huge number of development tools. All of them can be divided into two large groups:

1. Text. All instructions and commands are written in text in a special editor (compiler). This code is more efficient and productive. These are languages C/C++, Delphi, Java, Basic, C#, xml, http and others.
2. Graphic. Many people have never heard of them, but they play an important role. Their difference is that there is no need to write text, or it is kept to a minimum. Used for algorithmization and construction of logical chains or relay logic. Representatives: FBD, SFC, LD (Ladder Diagram) and the like.

They all have their advantages and disadvantages, so there are special development environments that combine both text and graphic modes. This is especially convenient, for example, in web programming, where in addition to the algorithm there is also an extensive user interface (buttons, scroll bars, menu items and other controls).

Who can become a programmer?

Programmer - creative profession . At the beginning, he has only a task or an idea, plus a blank sheet of paper and a tool. The programmer has to write the code, first imagining the entire sequence of work in his head. Therefore, the imagination must also be well developed.

For 3D programs you need have spatial thinking.

To become a professional programmer, you need to go through the following steps:

1. Algorithm training. The concept of the basic principles of constructing sequences of actions. Any action can be represented as an algorithm.
2. English language. Without reading skills in English, it will be very difficult to learn programming. All commands and instructions are written in English.
3. Study of information processing methods. Not the main point, but a very useful point. Knowledge of these methods makes it easier to understand some technical features of systems.
4. Learning programming languages. After studying the features of writing code in one (any) language, it becomes easier to understand others, since there is almost no difference between them.
5. Exploring the target platform. Allows you to optimize your code for specific tasks. If you write apps for iPhones, it's imperative to know what iOS does with your code and how it processes it.

The first four stages can take months, but the last one will take a lifetime because the platforms are constantly being updated. There is no limit to perfection.

Lego Mindstorms set for teaching the basics

The Lego company, specializing in the production and sale of construction sets, offers consumers a special series of programmable sets Mindstorms . This is a very serious product that has real weight in the field of information technology. Even university graduates do their dissertations using these kits. They are:

• Pre-selected and coordinated equipment.
• Development software package.
• A large database of ready-made projects.
• Replaceable and expandable elements.

It's easy to acquire basic programming skills. The center of the set is the controller, into which the executable code is written. Sensors and actuators are connected to it. No electrical or electronics knowledge is required to learn how to operate this kit. All sensors and motors are connected with standard wires that cannot be confused.

This way you can assemble manipulators, moving robots and other mechanisms.

Where to start learning languages?

The Internet offers many options for starting training, including clubs, educational videos, and seminars. You can study at home or in special places, you just need to know where to start and what to strive for.

	Peculiarities	Prospects
Microcontrollers/Arduino	Requires electronics skills. Arduino is especially easy to learn initially. They give an idea of ​​the operation of computers and the execution of code by processors. Allows you to do useful things in everyday life, such as universal remote controls or a “smart home”.	A person who knows how to work with microcontrollers is a valuable specialist in instrument-making enterprises. In-demand and highly paid position. The introduction of smart electronics will only increase the need for such people.
Mobile devices	Development of applications for phones and tablets. Requires concepts of ergonomics and code optimization. Lots of courses that teach from scratch.	The ability to make applications is highly paid. You can create an application alone and sell it through repositories (PlayMarket, AppStore). Some people have made fortunes from this. This area of ​​the market will only expand.
Web programming	Website creation, server and database support. Requires ideas about data exchange. Not recommended for beginners.	A large number of web programmers compete with each other and reduce the cost of their work. In addition, this market segment is declining with the development of social networks.
System development	Creation of applications for personal computers. The widest field for activity. From office to games. Hence the wide barrier to entry. There is something for beginners and pros here too.	Always relevant. There are more and more computers every day. The mobile market will not soon be able to compete with full-fledged computer systems.

Need to try. It’s like in art, if you don’t like an instrument, then it’s not yours. Try something else. If you want modern creativity, then these are definitely programming languages. Where to start - decide for yourself. In the end, you can try them all and find yours.

Video about programming

1. On your own

If you have an iron willpower and a burning desire to become a programmer, then you can achieve your goal through self-education. This is not the easiest or shortest path: you will have to understand the information chaos yourself and fight procrastination. But you can study at a convenient time for relatively little money or for free.

The easiest way to start is with interactive online courses. There are many on the Internet, the materials of which clearly explain the basics of programming and set the direction for further development. Pay special attention to those courses that teach using examples of real projects, that is, they tell you step by step how to create a specific program or website.

Platform with free web development courses freeCodeCamp

Remember that you won't succeed without practice. Study in project-oriented courses and try to write programs and websites based on them yourself. Look for lectures on YouTube about projects that you would like to develop. First, copy other people's work and analyze it. Then try to move away from the original, experiment, change individual elements until you can create something unique.

In addition to courses and video lectures, there is official documentation available on language websites, and. Once you understand the basics, look for the latest publications with the subtitle Best Practices for your chosen programming language. Such books contain the best development techniques.

Be sure to set a goal to create your own project and constantly work on it.

This will help you consolidate your knowledge and understand what information you still lack. Your skills will develop along with the project. When you finish it, work on a new one - more difficult.

If you have any difficulties during the learning or development process, you can always turn to programming communities like Toaster and Stack Overflow for any question. For example, they will help you solve a problem, choose a good course, or point out errors in the code.

Questions and answers service on technological topics “Toaster”

It is convenient to hone your skills on special platforms where you can compete with other programmers, solving various practical problems using code. Such services include Codewars, TopCoder and HackerRank.

If you feel that your development has reached a dead end, or want to speed up your learning, try the following options.

2. With the help of a mentor

A mentor is a personal mentor who points out mistakes, warns about pitfalls, and helps chart a course of study. A useful recommendation received at the right time can save you from many problems and save a lot of time. Therefore, a mentor will not hurt anyone.

Find out if any of your friends are developers. Perhaps one of them will want to help you. If you don’t know such people, you can look for them in programming communities. For example, on the same “Toaster”. Only mentoring services are not cheap, and no one wants to spend a lot of time on strangers for nothing.

3. Teachers of “live” courses

Distance and face-to-face courses with teachers who teach programmers from scratch have become incredibly popular in recent years. In this format you will also have to work a lot on your own. But you will study according to a professionally prepared program, and the solutions to the problems will be checked by a living person. The disadvantages of the courses include the high cost of training.

Popular Russian-language online platforms that provide systematic training for programmers: “Netology”, GeekBrains and Loftschool.

If you prefer to study in person, you can look for educational centers that teach programming in your locality. Unfortunately, such establishments are most often found only in large cities. An example is the STEP computer academy, which has branches in several countries.

4. At the university

If you have a lot of time on your hands and you are sure that you want to spend your life programming, you can study computer science at university. But keep in mind that traditional educational institutions lag behind progress, so you will have to master modern programming languages ​​and other technologies on your own.

On the other hand, the university will provide fundamental knowledge of mathematics, algorithms and other areas that will help you become a highly qualified programmer. Over the years of diligent study, you will develop the right type of thinking, thanks to which you will grasp everything on the fly in the professional field.

How to choose a direction and language

In the IT industry, there are several areas, each of which uses its own set of languages. We list the main directions in order of increasing complexity:

1. Web development. Popular languages: JavaScript, PHP, Python, Ruby.
2. Mobile development. Popular languages: Java, Swift.
3. Development of games and programs for desktop computers. Popular languages: C++, C#, C.
4. Big Data, machine learning. Popular languages: Python, R, Scala.

What to look for when choosing

To make the right choice of direction and, in particular, language, consider the following factors: the difficulty of mastering and the number of training materials on the Internet, your personal preferences (what exactly you want to develop) and the demand for the language in the labor market.

Graph of the demand for languages ​​on the international labor market / research.hackerrank.com

You can easily check the demand for a language in your region on job search sites. Just open the section for software developers and see the number of available vacancies.

If you can't decide

If you're confused, take a look at JavaScript, the language in which almost the entire web is written. Many organizations and programmers advise beginners to choose this language as their first language.

For example, the founder of the educational resource freeCodeCamp Quincy Larson JavaScript for beginners. Larson makes a very simple argument:

1. JavaScript is relatively easy to learn. And to write something and run it in this language, all you need is a code editor and a browser.
2. JavaScript is the most in-demand language on the international labor market and has great prospects. Large companies like Google, Microsoft and Facebook are investing in the JavaScript ecosystem.
3. JavaScript has a very wide range of applications: from websites and browser games to mobile applications.

In addition, a large developer community has formed around this language. The high interest in JavaScript provides a huge number of courses, books and other educational content.

What else should a programmer know: mathematics and English?

Any programmer would benefit from a deep understanding of . For fields such as game graphics development or big data, a mathematical mind is a must. But when it comes to web development and creating simple programs, in most cases you can do without mathematics. Although there is no consensus among professionals on this matter.

But understanding English, at least at the level of fluently reading documentation, is mandatory for all programmers. Official documents and most educational materials appear primarily in English. often become outdated before the translation is even published. In addition, knowledge of English opens up prospects for working with the whole world.

How to get your first experience and first job

To find your first job as a programmer, you must have a portfolio. This is a project you created, or better yet several, that demonstrate all your developer skills. Most courses include developing projects that can be included in your portfolio.

A very valuable item on your resume will be work experience, especially team development. But where can you get it if you are looking for your first job?

1. Complete several orders on . This could be Freelansim or Upwork. Offer your services for free, then the first customers will come to you.
2. Find like-minded people and create a common project with them. People unite for such purposes at almost every educational platform where there are programming courses.
3. Select courses whose organizer helps with job placement. For example, at GeekBrains, after training, you have access to internships from different companies, including paid ones. GeekUniversity and STEP guarantee employment to their graduates.

Before doing this, don’t forget to search the Internet for lists of tasks and questions that are often asked to job seekers.

The main reason why many choose to become a programmer is the demand in the labor market. Anyone who has mastered it will always be able to earn a living. Due to the demand, specialists in this profile can count on high salaries and good working conditions. In order to earn good money, a good programmer does not need connections, rich parents and other privileges of successful people.

Choosing a direction

Before you start studying any specific programming system, you need to decide what software exactly you want to create, that is, decide on the choice of direction. Currently in this industry there are three directions: web or website writing, applied and systems programming. Let's look briefly at each of them:

• Web sites now have so many different capabilities that they can be called full-fledged applications. Exist two types of languages programming for the web. Some are designed for executing scripts on the server, these are PHP, Ruby, Perl, Puthon. Others are needed for writing scripts that run in the browser on the client machine;
• application programming studies writing software for the end user. These can be programs for accounting, for working with databases, as well as games, programs for watching videos and many others;
• system programmer is engaged in writing drivers, compilers and other software that is needed for computer operation and is used by other IT specialists.

Language selection

When you have chosen one of your areas of activity, you should choose one of the programming languages ​​that you should learn first. All programming systems are divided into two types. In compiled languages, the source code is converted into an executable file using a special program. Software written in an interpreted, or scripting, language is executed sequentially along the lines written in the source code file.

Among the interpreted the most popular ones today are PHP, Python and Perl.

The most popular for writing websites is PHP. Its peculiarity is that no one designed or led the process of its development, and therefore there is no style in it that would be responsible for the rules by which functions are called; settings can be located in different places. The main advantage is that it is easy to learn; you can sit down at the computer and start writing PHP in two hours.

Perl was created to process various text information. With the advent of the Internet, it began to be used to write scripts for websites. Now PHP is inferior in popularity.

Python It is considered an easy language to learn. Despite the simple syntax and thanks to the many functions included in the standard library, it has quite high functionality. There are also many libraries developed by third-party developers for Python that further expand the capabilities of this language. Python is used both for writing programs and for creating various extensions.

Among compilers There are two languages: C++ and Java.

On C++ They write a wide variety of software, but they practically do not use it to create websites. This language is difficult for a novice programmer. C++ requires high qualifications from the developer, however, such work is paid accordingly.

Java designed to write programs that could run on different platforms, both on a computer and on smartphones and other devices. The source program is not converted into machine code, but into special bytecode, which is executed on a special Java machine. Thanks to this, software written in this language will run on any device on which a Java machine is installed. One of the most popular uses of Java is writing Android applications. This language is easier to learn than C++ and it is more difficult to write a bad program in it.

How to become a programmer

Before writing any program you need to do defining requirements to this software, that is, to determine what the user needs, to study the subject area. Depending on this, you can choose the development language. Likewise, when learning a new language, you need to determine what programs you want to write and, based on this, choose the material you need to learn.

For writing websites you will need to know HTML and CSS to create beautiful designs. You will also need JavaScript so that you can make a script that runs in the client browser. Client-side functionality is most often implemented in PHP.

System programmers usually written in C and Assembler.

Application programs and business programs are usually written in C++ or Java.

Before you start learning a specific programming language from scratch, you should study basic theoretical information about algorithms, know what conditional branching, loops, functions are. It is also useful for a future programmer to know mathematics and have an understanding of number systems. You also need to be able to read technical information in English. Books usually become outdated even before they are published in Russian, because it takes time to write a book, and then it also needs to be translated into Russian, and during this time the information will already be outdated.

The best place to start studying on your own is search for training sites. It is best if the training takes place through the analysis of real projects, where you can see how a program that is interesting to you is created and see all the stages of its creation. Apart from this, you should read official documentation and books to learn how to program.

Now there are many different distance and face-to-face courses in which training is conducted according to specially designed professional programs with a live mentor to whom you can ask questions. The only drawback of this method of acquiring knowledge is that it high price.

It is impossible to learn how to write programs without practice. You need to start with a small and easy project. When you finish it, you can start writing more complex software.

A good way for a beginner to learn how to create software is to learn using mentor. You will be very lucky if among your friends there is a software developer who agrees to consult you.

Also, to become a good programmer and keep up with the times, you need to constantly monitor new products.

The best foreign services where you can learn to write programs

Now let's look at several services for training:

• On Code School You can learn to develop software in HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Ruby, Python, .NET, iOS, Git and others for free. To start learning on this resource, you must first register. After that, you can browse the courses and lessons that interest you. You can also download videos from the site to your computer.
• On the site Treehouse there are many courses that are difficult to find on other learning platforms, such as Android course, game development course. There are also courses on digital business, C# programming, databases, Ruby and other interesting training programs.
• In creating the platform Udacity Stanford University took the most direct part. To learn how to program from scratch you need to start by registering. There are no training deadlines; you can learn at your own pace. All courses are divided into groups according to difficulty level; there are both training materials for those who are completely unfamiliar with information technology and for advanced students.

To find a job as a software developer, you need to have a completed project, and preferably more than one. To create a project, you can team up with other novice developers or complete a project on a freelance exchange. Also, before going for an interview, you should search the Internet and solve the tasks that are given during the interviews.

2 votes

Hello, dear readers!

The earnings of programmers are legendary. About the opportunity to work as a freelance developer (that is, in pajamas and drinking a cup of coffee or on the ocean) too. They believe these legends and want to get into this area.

What fuels interest is that the programmers themselves insist that the path to the profession is open to everyone, not just techies. The main thing is to know where to find it. Are you interested in him too? Then this article describing programming for dummies is for you!

Is it given to everyone?

Woody Allen once said that most of life is showing off. Everyone wants to write a book, script (program), but few people get beyond their desires, and in vain. If you start, you're halfway there. And there is no need to put off starting until tomorrow, next month or Monday and look for reasons not to implement the idea right now.

There would be a desire. This is confirmed by a publication on Habré, which was written by a blind programmer. Blind, but experienced and good at coding. We live in the 21st century, which means we have a lot of opportunities.

The right start is half the battle

When asked what is needed to learn programming from scratch and then make money from it, the gurus answer: “Mastering the basics, which are subsequently found everywhere in work.” This:

• algorithm;
• function;
• cycle;
• condition.

Having dealt with them, it will be possible to understand how the program works and how to implement its algorithms in practice. You can find this knowledge yourself in books. But even more important is to choose a language and decide on the direction of programming.

What language to start with

In most technical universities, training begins with slightly outdated languages. These could be Turbo Pascal and Turbo C. Programmers themselves practically do not use them now, but these languages ​​justify the purpose of learning. They help students understand the intricacies of working with RAM and help them understand what path it takes to transform an idea into a working program.

In addition, the same C language is a kind of basis for the creation of modern languages ​​and it is very useful for a future programmer to study it.

If you are interested in promising programming languages, pay attention to:

• Python. By the way, this is where many novice programmers start. The secret of its popularity is not in its extensive functionality, but in the ability to quickly start practicing. To get started, just download the file and run it. Understanding the intricacies of the work is also not difficult: there are a lot of books written for Python. By the way, this language is used in many large companies, and those who are well versed in it can always find a job.
• Java. Very popular, applicable on all devices and platforms. Specialists who have mastered it are in demand and will always be able to find a highly paid position. By the way, it has nothing to do with JavaScript.
• PHP. . It is called a “not quite real” programming language, since it is designed exclusively for the web, while at the same time it is rarely used in web applications. The language is at the heart of the most popular “engines”, or CMS. (In this publication I already wrote about that, and here you can see) Therefore, if you understand it, and then WordPress, which is one of the most popular website management systems, you will always find work for yourself. .

There are other languages: Ruby (like Python scripting), C# (functionally similar to Java, allows you to create websites and applications on the .NET framework), C++ (a complex version of C, which opens up a lot of possibilities, which are better to understand with a mentor).

How to study

There are three ways to learn the basics of programming without any skills.

Self-education

In this case, in your free time you will need to read books, for example:

• “Learning PHP and MySQL” by L. Bailey and M. Morrison;
• « Simple Python. Modern programming style» B. Lyubanovich et al.

Then use the acquired knowledge in practice. Then in a year or two, subject to diligent study, it will be possible to master the profession for free. The main thing is to remember why it all began and constantly practice.

This is the most difficult path for beginners, so only a person who lives by an idea, sincerely loves programming and can figure it out himself can overcome it.

Mentor's help

A mentor is an experienced programmer who will guide you on the right path. He will recommend literature, check the code, and give you tasks to practice practical skills. The main thing is to find him. Where? On forums, online conferences. Moreover, find and interest in working with you.

Trainings

To succeed in programming, you need to practice a lot, putting theory into practice. This is what the course is based on. GeekBrains . With its help, you can learn to code for free while watching tutorial videos and doing homework.

A huge plus is communication with like-minded people. This not only inspires, but also helps you develop: difficulties and mistakes appear more often in the team, which mentors teach you to cope with. Knowing about them means being one step ahead of your competitors.

Where to go

Where to start learning? From the choice of direction, which will also prompt the choice of language. Eat:

• Web programming is a promising and fast-growing area that requires only a computer and a browser to work with. Allows you to create and maintain websites. Having mastered it, you will acquire a specialty through which you can earn good money. Do you want to be a web programmer? Learn PHP.
• Development of programs and applications. A complex but interesting direction, which is almost impossible to understand without knowing the basics. The choice of language depends on the area: mobile, for Android () or another platform. Java will do.
• System administration. Everything is simple here: you need to configure programs previously created by someone. In this direction, diversified development is important.

The path to success in all cases lies through the ability to improve and self-develop.

Therefore, subscribe to the blog to constantly receive a portion of useful information and per group In contact with . And also constantly apply your knowledge in practice: “write” for yourself, solve problems online for programmers, and finally, look for where newcomers are being recruited to join the pro team on freelance exchanges.

For many who have never programmed, learning to code seems incredibly daunting. Be that as it may, thanks to the huge number of resources that have recently become available on the Internet and are free - Self-teaching programming has never been so easy.

I started learning programming earlier this year, and I can tell you from experience that learning enough to create your own prototype isn't as difficult as you might think. In fact, if you want to have a working prototype within two months without resorting to taking time off, this is absolutely doable.

Below I've outlined a simple path from knowing nothing about software development to having a working prototype in eight weeks that roughly follows the steps I followed.

Gaining an initial understanding of the Python programming language and general programming techniques (2 weekends):

• Learn Python the Hard Way. Despite the name, it's a fairly simple method, it makes learning basic concepts very easy, and most lessons will take less than 10 minutes. However, I have found that this method does not work for some more advanced topics, so I recommend stopping after lesson 42 and moving on.
• Google's python class. Read the notes and/or watch the video and do all the exercises until you do them correctly - without looking at the answers. Struggling with exercises that I kept getting wrong was a very good learning experience for me, and I would have learned a lot less if I had just looked at the answers and tried to convince myself that I understood the exercise.

These two resources are slightly interchangeable. I recommend doing the first few lessons of both to see which one you like better. After you've completed one, reviewing the concepts you didn't fully understand in another is a good way to get some extra theory and practice.

Getting a basic understanding of the Django web framework (1 weekend):

• Pass Django tutorial.
• Remove any code you created while following the steps in the tutorial.
• Go through the tutorial again, again.

The first time I went through the tutorial from start to finish, just following the instructions, step by step, without fully understanding what each step did, since everything was new.

The second time around I wasn't so focused on the novelty of the concept and was able to focus on understanding how all the parts fit together.

Gaining a deeper understanding of Python/general programming concepts (4-8 weekends):

• Udacity’s intro CS class. Udacity courses are typically divided into 7 class sessions (2-3 hours per session) that you can do at your own pace. (I'm a big fan of Udacity's pedagogy and recommend the Intermediate Programming class or the Web Development class as follow-ups to this two-month course.)
• Unit 1 of MIT’s intro CS course. Really helpful in learning and surprisingly easy to learn.

Practice building simple web applications (2 days off):

• Do the Django exercises with examples. These exercises are not as rigorous as a Django tutorial, but they offer a good way to get started developing your own simple web applications.

Create your prototype (2 days off):

• Creating a prototype in just 2 weekends? Yes, you will be confused by how he looks (