Being a programmer is a solid career path with plenty of job offers on the market and great paying options even on a junior level. This is why many people have been considering a career switch, but it’s not as simple as it sounds. Learning coding is not an easy thing to do, and before you invest in any formal education, there is plenty of free (and actually fun!) ways to see if it’s something for you at all.
Have you been considering switching to the career path of a software developer, but have no idea where to start? Do you find regular courses and lengthy coding bootcamps too scary and challenging? Are you looking for a casual way that will keep you entertained without the commitment and pressure of deadlines?
We’ve got you covered.
Learning to code can be an intimidating journey to set out on, but luckily there are some gentle ways that will ease you into programming in a fun way. If you are completely new to the industry and want some low-commitment introductory activity that won’t put too much load on your back but remains rewarding, these are some of your options.
MOBILE APPS
There’s a plethora of educatory mobile apps that take a fun and easy approach towards teaching you the basics of programming. Enki, Mimo or Grasshopper are some of the best examples of accessible apps that you can use on-the-go. They teach you Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, SQL and many more. Instead of a few more rounds of Candy Crush, try learning a few lines of code during every commute, and you’ll see the results soon!
COMPUTER GAMES
It’s exactly what it sounds like. If you’ve ever played Minecraft, you know that this game actually teaches you basic coding in Java in order to create mods that help you add your own functionalities to the game (If you haven’t played it, ask any kid you know — they proably have). Modding of games is nearly as old as gaming itself — one of the first titles to get modded were Lode Runner (1983) or Wolfenstein 3D (1992). Learning by playing is an extremely effective way to get into the complex world of coding step by step, in a fun way.
ONLINE COURSES
The amazing free online education will never go out of style. Especially if it’s high quality and also free of charge. The online academy curriculum is usually adjustable to your own skill level and pace, so the pressure is elevated while keeping the bar high enough to pose a challenge and stay entertaining. Which programming language to choose and which direction to go is a topic for another day, but once you’ve made your choice, your options are pretty much endless. Codecademy, The Odin Project or FreeCodeCamp, just to name a few, are solid places to start.
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