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How to get started with programming? Which language should I choose? Guide me!

Emir Bolat
Ana sayfa / How To

In recent years, the software industry has experienced significant growth due to the accelerated pace of digital transformation. Nowadays, almost every sector requires software solutions to streamline their processes and gain a competitive advantage. As a result, software development skills are in high demand. In this content, we will answer the questions “What is software?”, “How to get started with programming?”, and “Which language should I choose when starting programming?” for individuals who want to begin their journey in software development. So let’s start by learning what software is.

What is software?

Software is a collection of code used to communicate with computers, provide instructions, and perform desired tasks. This code enables data processing, task execution, application running, and the fulfillment of various functions within computer systems.

The primary purpose of software is to manage the hardware of a computer and provide instructions in a language that the computer understands. These instructions are written using specific programming languages.

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Programming languages translate human-readable code into a language that computers can understand. Now, let’s move on to the answer to the question “How to get started with programming?” for those who want to begin their journey in software development.

How to get started with programming?

Many people who want to work in the software industry are unsure of how to start, which leads to indecisiveness. Let’s answer the question “How to get started with programming?” step by step.

1) Learn the basics of computers

Before diving into learning software, having a basic understanding of computer concepts will help you grasp the logic of software. Learn how hardware components like processors, RAM, and graphics cards work. This will make it easier for you to understand the logic as you learn software development.

2) Determine your area of interest

Since anything that can be coded is considered software, there are numerous fields within the industry. The most popular ones in recent years include web development, mobile app development, and game development. Of course, there are also areas like artificial intelligence and DevOps, but these might be more challenging for beginners.

First, ask yourself what you want to do with software. Do you want to develop websites or mobile apps? In other words, you need to determine the field in which you want to establish yourself.

3) Back-end, Front-end, or Full-stack?

Once you’ve chosen your field, you should decide whether you want to work on the back-end, front-end, or both sides. This will determine the programming language you’ll learn.

So, what is the difference between these three sides?

Back-end:

Refers to the processes that happen behind the scenes of a software project. For example, when you submit a contact form on a website and click the “Submit” button, the process of saving the form data to the website’s database happens on the back-end. The developers who work in this area are called back-end developers.

Front-end:

Refers to the user interface with which a software project interacts. Think of it as the part of a website or application that users see and interact with. For example, the design of a website, buttons, menus, or the appearance of the form mentioned earlier fall under the front-end. The developers who work in this area are called front-end developers.

Full-stack:

Refers to developers who can work on both the front-end and back-end and possess skills in both areas. They can code the user interface on the front-end and the processes happening behind the scenes on the back-end of a software project.

Full-stack developers have the ability to understand and work on the entire project. They can work on everything from designing the user interface to managing databases and server-side programming.

Job opportunities:

Full-stack developers sometimes have an advantage when it comes to finding jobs and earning money. Employers prefer them because they can work on both sides. Instead of hiring two separate developers, they can hire a single full-stack developer.

On the other hand, full-stack developers have the advantage of not needing a front-end or back-end developer, as they can build a project on their own. This is beneficial for their own projects. However, this does not mean that front-end or back-end developers are left behind. There is still a need for developers on both sides.

Remember, this is just the beginning. Once you choose your area and decide on the front-end, back-end, or full-stack, you can start learning the relevant programming languages and technologies. Keep practicing, building projects, and continuously learning to enhance your skills and knowledge in the software development field.

Let’s move on to the answer to the question “Which language should I choose when starting programming?”

4) Language Selection for Getting Started with Software Development

The choice of programming language when starting software development depends on the field you have chosen and your goals, as we have already determined these before discussing language selection. However, setting that aside, we recommend starting with C#, an object-oriented programming language, for getting started with software development.

With this language, you can grasp the algorithms and logic of programming. When you start with a non-object-oriented programming language, you may have difficulty understanding the logic and may become bored. After learning C#, you can then continue with a language that is suitable for your chosen field.

Here are popular and recommended languages for different fields:

Web Design & Development:

In front-end web development, you should know HTML and CSS. HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is a markup language used to define the structure and content of web pages. It is used to create elements such as headings, paragraphs, images, and links on the pages.

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is a style language used to control the appearance and layout of web pages. With CSS, you can visually design pages by applying properties such as color, size, alignment, and borders to HTML elements.

HTML and CSS are the building blocks of a web page. By learning these languages, you can create user interfaces and design web pages as desired. Additionally, you can use JavaScript in the front-end development process to add interactive features.

Mobile App Development:

Flutter and React Native are cross-platform software development kits. Flutter uses the Dart programming language, while React Native uses JavaScript. Google and Meta, respectively, support these two SDKs. Therefore, there is great support for both.

When you develop a mobile app with a cross-platform Flutter or React Native SDK, you can run it on both Android and iOS. You don’t need to write separate code for two different platforms. As a result, software companies have also started looking for Flutter or React Native developers in recent years. Of course, there are also many companies that are looking for separate developers for Android and iOS.

Game Development:

5) Learning Resources to Get Started with Software Development!

To learn software development, you need a learning resource. During the learning process, the internet is a great source of information. There are thousands of free resources available to learn the fundamentals of your chosen programming language. Here are some of these resources:

We have answered the question of ‘How to get started in software development?’ Now, let’s move on to the important things you should know and pay attention to during this process.

Things you should keep in mind!

Can I learn software development from a phone?

You can learn the basics of a programming language from a phone. There are many mobile apps that provide educational resources for learning programming. Some apps even allow you to write and run code. However, if you want to progress in the field of software development, you will inevitably need a computer.

Am I too late?

People who want to start learning software development sometimes feel like they are “too late” and give up. However, it’s important to note that there is no such thing as being “too late” for this field. While it may be challenging for an 80-year-old individual, technically speaking, there is no age limit for learning software development. You can encounter many people who start learning programming between the ages of 12 and 40. So, to answer the question, you are not too late.

English language

In the software industry, the English language holds great importance. Most online resources and software terminology are in English, so it’s important to have a basic understanding of English. By learning this language, you can access more resources, understand advanced documentation, and communicate more effectively with the global software community.

Therefore, you may consider learning English at a basic level before starting your software development journey. However, it’s important to note that this is not a requirement. As you learn software development, you will naturally come across many online resources that will require some level of English comprehension.

Overall, learning software development is a continuous process, and it’s never too late to start. With dedication and persistence, you can acquire the necessary skills and succeed in this field.

Not Giving Up:

When learning software development, encountering mistakes is inevitable. It’s normal and part of your growth. Instead of giving up, view mistakes as opportunities. Think solution-oriented, analyze the errors, and conduct research on the internet to find solutions. Being patient and persevering in the software development process is essential.

Ability to Research Online:

Being able to research online to solve problems you encounter while learning software development or working on projects is a valuable skill. Searching error messages or issues on the internet is a simple form of research.

Platforms like Stack Overflow, GitHub, and various forums are significant resources within the software development community. By honing your internet research skills, you can find faster and more effective solutions to your problems.

Attempt to Replicate:

While learning software development, you can challenge yourself and reinforce your knowledge by attempting to replicate an existing project. For example, you can try coding a website or a mobile application similar to an existing one. This is known as developing a project clone in the software industry.

Develop Projects:

Learning the fundamentals of a programming language is not enough to become a proficient developer. You need to gain experience and knowledge by working on projects. Many of the crucial concepts in software development are learned through project development. Therefore, place the necessary importance on developing projects during the learning phase.

Share Your Projects:

During the learning process, make sure to share all the projects you develop on platforms like GitHub, which is considered the social media for developers. Even though the code you write may make you feel like a beginner, the projects you publish will serve as proof of your progress in the future.

Avoid Copying Code:

While learning, try not to use code written by an instructor or someone sharing knowledge with you. Strive to write your own code. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, as they are part of the learning process. For example, if an instructor is developing a to-do list application on the console, try building a notepad instead.

Avoid Focusing on Making Money:

When starting out in software development, your goal should not be solely focused on making money but rather on improving your skills to deliver quality work. If your focus is solely on earning money, your chances of success are diminished. Money may hinder your self-improvement journey.

How long does it take to learn software development?

Learning software development is an ongoing process. Even if you become proficient in a programming language, you will continue to learn new things every day. This shows that you haven’t fully mastered software development.

Is mathematics necessary for software development?

This question has been encountered many times on the internet. To answer whether mathematics is necessary for software development, we need to consider the field. If you’re going to be a mobile app developer, basic math skills such as arithmetic operations will be sufficient.

However, when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), the same cannot be said. AI has the ability to learn from data and make decisions. The algorithms that form the foundation of these systems are based on mathematical concepts and operations.

Linear algebra, in particular, is a branch of mathematics that forms the basis of AI. Concepts such as vectors, matrices, and linear equations are frequently used in modeling and computational processes of AI. Therefore, to excel in the field of AI, it’s important to have a good understanding of mathematics.

If you’re going to be a mobile app developer or a web developer, you’ll rarely go beyond basic arithmetic operations. If your math skills are limited and you need advanced knowledge, you can easily find the information you need through a simple online search.

How long does it take to become a programmer?

In reality, there is no fixed duration or test form to become a programmer. If you can create a product with your programming knowledge and generate financial gains from it, then you are a programmer.

How can I make money from software development?

Let’s approach this question logically. Imagine yourself as someone who needs a website but has no coding knowledge. In this context, you need a programmer. Now you have two options: The first person will develop the website you want and fulfill your requirements.

The second person may not be able to develop the website you want because their knowledge is insufficient. Hence, they won’t be able to meet your requirements. Logically speaking, you would choose the first person because they are the only one who can help you.

So, if you are capable of developing the requested system, whether it’s a website, mobile application, or any other field, and you find clients, you can earn money. However, if you are like the second person in the example above, it’s almost impossible to make money because no one will choose you.

To find clients, you can list your services on various freelance websites and actively promote yourself on social media platforms to attract attention. It’s also important to leverage your network and past work experiences.

When you develop software for a client and they are satisfied, there’s an 85% chance that they will recommend you whenever an opportunity arises. The person they recommend will become your potential customer, and by providing quality work, you can build a loyal customer base. Striving to leave every customer satisfied is crucial.

In this content, we have provided answers to the questions “How to get started in software development?” and “Which programming language should I choose when starting?” for those who want to get into software development. You can share your opinions with us in the Comments section below.

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