Beginners Generic Programming Tips

“Learning Tips for Everyone”

This guide is intended to serve as a general framework for beginners looking to get started in programming, with a focus on web development.

Resources:

Begin your journey with some fundamental resources. Keep in mind not to overwhelm yourself with too many at once, it’s best to understand and learn from one thoroughly before moving on to another.

1. Mozilla Developer Network (MDN): Comprehensive resource for JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, favored by many developers over W3Schools.

2. FreeCodeCamp.org: Free resource that covers web development topics in depth. It has interactive coding challenges and projects to practice.

3. Codecademy: Good for interactive learning and starting from basics.

4. Edabit.com: Great for practicing through exercises.

5. SoloLearn: Offers free courses on various programming topics.

6. Hackerrank.com: Practice problems of varying difficulty and a chance to network.

Git and Source Control:

Understanding source control is crucial. It’s recommended to start with Git itself:

1. Git: Begin with the Pro Git book, freely available online, which covers all fundamental git concepts.

2. GitHub: Once you’re comfortable with Git, move on to GitHub, an online platform that uses Git for version control. Start by uploading your projects here.

Understanding Databases:

Before diving into specific database tools, it’s important to understand the theory behind databases:

1. Database Theory: Understand what databases are, why they are needed, and how they work. There are numerous free resources available online for the same.

2. SQL: SQL is the standard language for dealing with Relational Databases. SQLBolt is a good resource to start learning SQL.

JavaScript Frameworks:

While learning multiple frameworks can be beneficial, starting with core web technologies (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) is recommended. Once you’re comfortable with these, consider learning a JavaScript framework like:

1. React.js: One of the most popular JavaScript based web frameworks in 2022-2024. Provides a good understanding of component-based architecture.

Lower-level concepts and other languages:

These concepts are more advanced and can be approached once you’ve gained comfort with the basics:

1. Memory Management and Pointers: Essential in languages like C and C++. Understanding these concepts can provide a deeper insight into how programming works.

2. LINQ: A powerful feature in .NET languages that allows you to work with data in a more efficient and readable manner.

Additional Tips:

1. Project-Based Learning: Consider creating simple projects to solidify what you’re learning.

2. Code Review and Collaboration: Participate in code reviews and collaborate on projects with other developers.

3. Local Dev Environment: Start by setting up a local development environment on your machine to understand the full project development and deployment process.

4. Content Management Systems (CMS): Platforms like WordPress and Drupal, though not directly involved in coding, are popular in the industry and worth understanding.

5. S.O.L.I.D and KISS: Understand the principles behind these methodologies and aim to implement them in your code.

6. Database First vs Code First: Know the difference and when to use each approach.

7. Questions and Learning: For beginners, places like StackOverflow are better as a read-only resource. Ask questions in more beginner-friendly forums.

Remember, the goal is not to rush but to understand concepts thoroughly. Each programming journey is unique, and it’s okay to move at your own pace. Keep learning and practicing!