How to Learn Coding

Learning to code has become an essential skill for anyone—not just those heading into tech and science fields. The ability to write a few lines of code can empower everyone from children to the elderly, and it’s important that we get young people involved as soon as possible.

There are many ways to learn coding, from free programs like Scratch and Python to online courses and bootcamps. Some even offer certificates, which can be a valuable addition to your resume. Coursera offers certificates for almost every coding language and technology skill, and many universities partner with them to offer even more specialized courses.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to dive into more complex challenges. If you can, find a mentor or join a community to guide you. There are plenty of places online where you can ask questions and seek help when you hit a wall. Reddit’s /r/learnprogramming and Stack Overflow are great for finding answers.

It’s also helpful to listen to podcasts, like the Coding Train or CodeNewbie, to hear real programmers talking about their experiences and getting through challenges. And don’t forget to watch video tutorials—there are lots of ex-Googlers giving coding interviews on YouTube and countless YouTubers live-streaming their own coding marathons.