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29 Jan 2021
How to Learn Any Programming Language Fast?
Written by Gauri Kalurkar
Staying up-to-date is a must have survival tool in the tech world. With advancing and constantly evolving technologies it is vital to keep updating your knowledge. While it seems difficult to stay ahead on the learning curve while working full time, some smart planning can help you get there. Here are some smart tips to learn any programming language fast-
7 smart tips to learn any programming language fast-
1. Get into the waters if you want to swim
You will come across plenty of theory/reading material when you start learning a new programming language. But it is important to go beyond theory and start writing actual code as soon as possible. So, be practical- start solving coding exercises, make your own personal project. Getting to the practical aspects at an early stage will accelerate the learning process and help gain confidence.
2. Build A Strong Foundation
As a strong foundation supports a building, similarly having strong fundamentals or basics will strengthen your further learnings.
While learning any new language, it is necessary to learn basic grammar, vocabulary and sentence structure before proceeding to learn more advanced concepts like writing an essay. Likewise, while learning a programming language, it is important to begin with programming fundamentals (Like, Java should be learnt by knowing JDK, JRE, Bytecode, JVM and like concepts first).
So, the key is to understand the fundamentals of the language clearly first, and get a good grasp of the basics. This will help you understand the complex concepts in a better manner.
3. Change your learning methodology
See if you are more of a “writing” person when it comes to learning. If so – it could be a good idea to “hand write” code on a piece of paper.
Unlike on a computer, when you write the code by hand, you don’t have the luxury to instantly run the code to check if it’s right. This practice will make you more mindful and alert/attentive/cautious while coding and will minimize errors.
This process might be time consuming, but it will make you a better and fundamentally strong developer.
4. Utilize the resources at your disposal
There are a myriad of resources available for learning programming languages.
You will find well structured courses or individual/topic wise resources all available on the web.
With a host of free and paid learning materials available, there is plenty of choice to suit your requirements. Here are a few resources for your quick reference-
Great free resources
It is truly a blessing of technology that there are great free resources available providing equally good content.
Here a few free resources-
- Coursera– Coursera is a massive open online course (MOOC) platform backed by Stanford University. Coursera provides a large number of Computer Science and IT courses ranging from full stack development and DevOps to emerging topics like deep learning. From single courses to entire degree programs, you are sure to find something for your needs on this platform.
Coursera gives you the option to audit courses (auditing means you can access the learning material free of cost, but cannot attempt exams and gain certification). You always have an option to pay in case you need the credentials. edX– edX is another MOOC platform, created by Harvard and MIT.
edX too like coursera provides a vast variety of courses and offers an option to audit courses for free learning.
- Pluralsight- Pluralsight, per say is not a free platform but offers a free 10 day trial period to test the waters. From software development to Cybersecurity and AI, multiple courses can be found on Pluralsight.
YouTube- Ample of free content is readily available on YouTube. You can find good learning videos in English or in regional languages.
While YouTube is a great platform to find learning material, it often has a shortfall of not having complete and well structured courses. But it still remains a popular destination to start with your learning journey.
Paid Resources
There are several platforms providing paid courses. The main benefit of taking paid courses is to gain certification.
- Udemy- Udemy is a web and mobile platform offering a huge variety of courses at pocket friendly prices. There are frequent sales on Udemy, when the price further drops (so look out for a sale!).
- Others- Coursera, Udacity, Pluralsight and edX also offer paid courses.
Paid courses are a good choice when you want to gain a certificate to showcase your credentials
5. Stack Overflow is your friend!
Stack Overflow is a Q&A website for programmers to learn and share their programming knowledge. Having questions and answers on a wide range of programming topics, Stack Overflow is a go-to destination for beginners as well as seasoned programmers.
Make good use of this platform during your learning journey.
6. Organize Doubts and Cross Learn
Doubts are bound to arise during any learning process, programming is no different
Don’t hesitate to clear your doubts and take help.
Write down your doubts. Ask experts.
Also find how those are addressed by other technology platforms. It’s a great way to learn more, better and deeper when you cross learn and compare.
Cross learning will not only clear your doubts, but may give you a new perspective to approaching your problem, ultimately enabling you to learn any programming language fast.
7. Consistency is the key
The importance of consistency while learning anything new is underrated. The way to achieve consistency is to block some time everyday.
Get up in the morning earlier than usual, block an hour or two daily. Use the same time slot to learn. Get into the habit and rest of the things will fall in place.
Remember that your learning journey may not be a smooth road, it will be a bumpy ride paved with doubts and difficulties. You might be tempted to give up once you hit a roadblock, but continuing through the rough patch is the real test. Asking for help when stuck and to keep moving is the key.
If you find yourself struggling to devote time to learn a new programming language in your busy schedule, we have the answer for you here.