Not everyone knows computer programming and not all of us are interested in learning such discipline. Why? For one, working with computers requires great deal of time and effort. This doesn’t mean it is a physical job, but a lot of mental work. But do you know that you really don’t need a college degree to be a skilled computer programmer? Yes, you just need to be devoted enough in learning and following the proven techniques on how to learn programming.
If you’re dedicated enough in learning such a field, you will find computer programming fun and extremely useful rather than a boring and tiresome job. Computer programming is done using one or some computer programming language/s. Such languages are written in such a way that they are understood by humans and also rigorous enough for the machine to comprehend.
By using a computer programming language, you can express your ideas on how you want your computer to do a certain task. There are actually hundreds of programming languages out there but the good news is, you don’t need to learn them all to be a good computer programmer.
There are languages designed for certain purposes while there are “general purpose languages,” like Java and C, that can be used for creating software and computer applications. PHP and other similar languages are designed for dynamic websites while “general scripting languages” such as Perl and Python are made to do a wide range of small tasks.
Here are some ways to help you learn computer programming:
1. Find a good or excellent tutorial on computer programming.
The book or the tutorial program you choose may suggest a particular programming language.
2. Get an interpreter/compiler/IDE for the programming language your book or tutorial program uses.
The interpreter or compiler is another program that will transform the tasks written in a programming language into a machine code that’s easy for your computer to understand.
3. Use your own ideas in making a working program.
You can begin with simple things such as a program that converts currencies, and just continue working until you learn more about programming language and other more complex things in programming.
4. When you’re done making a computer program using a particular language, don’t be afraid to learn another.
Learning is a continuous process. Once you’re familiar with one computer language, and you’ve already made a program using such, don’t stop there. Instead, learn a second language and begin making another program using that language. You’ll learn more if you’ll choose a language that employs a completely different paradigm than the one you’ve previously used.
5. Learn and try new things.
Technology is evolving fast. So if you want to be a good programmer, you should also be updated with the latest in the industry. Since it’s a constant learning process, you should always try to learn new programming languages and new paradigms. If you’re really decided in finding ways on how to learn programming, then you should always be open in learning new things.
Although it requires time and effort, computer programming skills can be a learned if you follow the basic steps to help you get started.
