Whether you’re looking to launch a career in tech or you just want to start building things for fun, there are tons of reasons to learn how to code. But it can be hard to know where to begin, since there are so many different options out there. Which programming language should you learn first? And of all the different jobs in tech, which one’s the right one for you? (Spoiler: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to either of these questions.)
Choice overload is real, and it’s one of the biggest obstacles for new programmers. So we’ve put together three new courses to help you find your direction and start learning today.
Learn the basics of programming
Our free course Learn to Code with Blockly offers an introduction to the world of coding. You’ll use the drag and drop language Blockly to learn the basics of programming without getting into more complicated syntax. It will take you from total beginner to someone who is ready to get started with their first programming language.
Who is the course right for?
Anyone who’s interested in programming and needs a lay of the land before diving into their first language. Whether you want to break into tech or simply pick up a cool new hobby, this course is for you.
What will you learn in the course?
Learn to Code with Blockly introduces you to the fundamentals. You’ll learn about the basics of programming and the fundamental concepts and functions shared across every language as you hone your ability to think like a programmer. You’ll explore lists, loops, variables, and if statements — and ultimately learn how coding really works.
Learn something new for free
Find the best tech career for you
After taking the course above, you’ll have a better idea of how coding works; but before you jump in, it’s helpful to have an end goal. Tech is a broad field with a ton of subdomains, from web development to IT to data science. With so many options, it can be hard to know where to begin — so we break it down for you in our free course Choosing a Career in Tech.
Who is the course right for?
Anyone who’s considering a career in tech and needs a little help figuring out what they want to do and where to start.
What will you learn in the course?
In Choosing a Career in Tech, you’ll explore popular domains like web development, data science, and cybersecurity — along with popular roles and titles in the fields and their standard skill sets. It’s designed to help you get a sense of direction and figure out which tools you should get started with. By the end, you’ll be better equipped to pick a career path, and you’ll know the skills you’ll need to get your first job in the field.
Decide which programming language you want to learn
Maybe you already have a good idea of what you want to do, but you’re not sure which programming language to start with. The good news is, there’s no “wrong” language to choose, since you’ll likely learn multiple languages over the course of your career, and each new language helps you understand programming better. That said, learning a specific language first can help get you where you want to go faster.
For example, Python could be a great choice for an aspiring Data Scientist or Back-End Engineer. So could SQL. But which one is the better choice for you? The answers to these kinds of questions aren’t always 100% straightforward, so we’ll help you figure them out in our free course Choosing a Programming Language.
Who is the course right for?
If you’re ready to start coding but not sure where to start, then this course is for you. By the time you’re done, you’ll be ready to jump into your first programming language.
What will you learn in the course?
In Choosing a Programming Language, you’ll explore popular languages (like JavaScript, Python, and C++), their uses, and their advantages and disadvantages as a first programming language.
Get started (for free) today
It can be daunting to begin learning to code, whether you have an end goal in mind or not. Our three new courses will help you get a better sense of your goals and overall direction in tech so that you can confidently start your learning journey.
And we’ll be there to help you every step of the way. For example, our career paths will teach you all the skills you need to know to find an entry-level job in your preferred role and help you create unique, portfolio-worthy projects; and we can also help guide you through the hiring process with interview prep courses and content, code challenges, and other resources you can find in our Career Center.
Ready to make 2023 your year of code? Sign up now to get started.
