Learning to code with support helps the knowledge stick – and it’s fun
Your end goal makes a big difference in how long it will take to learn to code. Depending on your reason for wanting to learn how to code, you will have different options.
Different languages take different amounts of time to learn. For example, if you want to learn how to build a website from scratch or become a web developer or web designer, you could start with HTML. You can learn the basics of HTML within a week.
If you want to analyse data for fun or a job, you can start with Python. It can take 6-8 weeks to learn Python as a beginner. If you want to create a career in data analysis, you could move on to R and then other languages related to data analysis once you know Python.
At CodeYourFuture, applicants have different reasons for learning to code. Some people want a job in tech. Other people want to learn how to code because they have always been curious about technology and the internet.
Whatever your reason for learning to code – don’t worry too much about getting it right initially.
There will often be a simple coding language for you to start your learning. Different people have an aptitude for different coding languages. If one thing doesn’t work for you, try another one. The most important thing is to start coding!
One language at a time can lead to a career.
If your end goal is to get a good job in tech, perhaps you want to change careers or rejoin the workforce after a break; you will eventually have to learn several languages to get an interview.
Most tech professionals started with the basics first and then built on their knowledge. For example, once you have learned HTML basics, you can quickly learn the basics of CSS and Javascript. HTML, along with CSS and Javascript, are the building blocks of the internet. If the internet were a tripod, they would be the three legs holding it up!
Everyone who makes websites, software and applications – will have learnt HTML, CSS and Javascript at the start.
Once you have a vocational level of coding skills (and the right level of soft skills), you may find you have many opportunities in tech. You could become a software developer, of course, although many project managers, web designers, cloud engineers and many other people with other jobs in tech also know how to code.
Knowing how to code is a great advantage in many tech jobs, not just developer jobs.
There are some jobs where the learning path is more complicated. For example, learning to be a game developer is more challenging than learning to be a data analyst or software developer.
The languages for learning game design are pretty complex at the start. There is also a lot of competition for good game design jobs. For these reasons, it is more challenging to get a good job in game design than in many other tech jobs.
If you want to become a game developer, we suggest doing some research, including comparing salaries of game designers and other tech jobs, before you commit yourself to this path.
At CodeYourFuture, we believe HTML, CSS and Javascript are a great starting point for learning to code. Our graduates have jobs as software engineers and web developers and as project managers, cloud engineers, and web designers. Others have found jobs in DevOps or Software Testing.
Whether you want to try coding or get a job in tech, when you learn the basics of HTML and CSS – which you can do within a few weeks – you will already be able to start making small websites or other digital projects.
Building websites and tech projects is where many of our students first discover their love of coding.
Getting started and getting support
Whatever you want to do with coding, you have to start somewhere. Why not start with CodeYourFuture’s Intro to Coding Course? Our team has chosen the best coding tutorials, exercises and mini-projects for beginners from around the internet.
In addition, we offer support from tech professionals from the beginning of the program. Getting support early in your learning journey is key to developing your knowledge.
As one of our graduates says, ‘Don’t hesitate, join, and this should change your life for the better!’
You can see if you are eligible for a CodeYourFuture Course and register here!