Best Code Program for Beginners

Technology has evolved at a breathtaking pace and made incredible strides over the last 20 years. Gradually but certainly, the computer has weaved into and transfused almost every sector of modern life – from how we travel to what we search for and whom we communicate to where we dine after clocking out for the day. 

But how does a machine execute human commands? How does Google show the results we look for in a blink of an eye? How does navigating the Google Map help a traveler find the destination? The catalyst behind such avant-garde technological improvements is programming – the most in-demand skill to build. 

If you are a beginner striving to pick up programming, unpack our precise guide on the best code program for beginners. 

What is Programming?

Programming is the system of instructing a computer to accomplish a distinct computation like data analysis, algorithm generation, algorithm accuracy profiling, resource consumption, and algorithm implementation by writing legible codes in a language the system can understand. 

Computers can understand a string of commands written in a distinct syntactical form of computer language termed programming language – Python, Java, C, HTML, CSS, etc. The instructions given to the computer in the form of codes are electrical signals that a CPU reads to execute accordingly. 

Why Learn Coding?

Coding, the recent buzzword, has seen a tremendous boom. It’s no longer considered an odd hobby for nerds, tinkering with their computers in their basements. 

Let’s look into why coding has become a critical skill:

• Programming is a lucrative and high-paying job option
• Helps develop logical and problem-solving skills
• Coding develops interpersonal skills

Applications of Programming Languages

Programming jobs are in demand – the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) predicts that the market for tech experts and developers will rise by a staggering 13% from 2020 to 2030. The rate is faster than the average predicted increase rate across all jobs (8%). 

As a coding whizz, you have a multitude of career options open to work as a:

• Web developer
• Software developer
• Back-end/frontend developer
• Computer network Architect
• Database administrator and more

Best Programming Language to Learn

Python

With a whopping 8.2 million developers worldwide, Python, an interpreted and multiplatform programming language, has topped our list. Python’s dynamic semantics coupled with high-level data structures, dynamic typing, dynamic binding, and top-notch unit testing framework make it stand out from the pack. 

It’s accessible, easy-to-grasp, and downloads with an ecosystem of pre-built libraries and packages – only plug actions from a library into your code and run it – no need to write them out yourself.

Outstanding scalability makes Python an exception – a Python-based application can maintain an identical coding lingo no matter if a small startup evolves into a multi-billionaire company.

Difficulty level: Easy, beginner-friendly

Pros:

• Simplified syntax boasts natural language and promotes readability making Python one of the easiest coding languages to pick up. 
• Python is open-source – developers can download Python source code for free and tinker with it when required. 
• It’s effortless to define classes and create new object types in Python – thanks to Python’s object-oriented approach.
• Multi-paradigm language supporting four major programming paradigms – imperative, procedural, functional and object-oriented
• Excellent for prototyping and testing out custom code snippets effortlessly and faster

Cons:

• Python doesn’t work great with low-level devices as it’s an interpreted language
• Not compatible with mobile computing
• Python codes run a little slower than codes written in compiled languages

Java

Java is another multi-purpose, cross-platform, object-oriented coding language planned to have lesser implementation dependencies than other languages. 

Though Java may seem a little challenging to pick up for beginners, it’s a feature-loaded, in-demand, and one of the most sought-after languages that coding whizzes often use to develop enterprise-scale web applications. 

Plus, Java is considered an excellent base language with basics and principles you can intuitively apply while grasping other programming languages. 

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

Pros:

• Great for big data and developing Android web applications because of Android Studio – an Android development framework devised by Google
• Supports Stack Memory for static memory allocation and execution of a thread
• Great for distributed computing
• Highly secure as Java codes run inside Sandbox (Virtual Machine). It features a class loading and verification mechanism and no explicit pointer that make Java programs highly encrypted and legitimate. 
• Supports multithreading

Cons:

• Poor GUI
• Requires lengthy coding that runs slower than C/C++ programs
• No unsigned types supported

C/C++

C, a structured coding language with an increasing user base, is great for introductory courses. Though it’s more verbose than Python, the skills earned while picking up C can be effortlessly applied while dealing with more succinct coding tools. 

C++ is the extension of C with OOP (object-oriented programming) support. Its syntax is identical to C that couples with robust variable types and additional classes. All these features make it best suited for high-level web application development giving more control over memory and system resources. 

It’s prompt, stable, and comes with STL – an extensive ecosystem of built-in template classes containing three well-structured components (containers, algorithms, and iterators) that offers a seamless web application development experience. 

Most low-level systems, for instance, databases, compilers, operating systems, etc., are developed in either C or C++. For anyone striving to get the hang of systems-level programming, C/C++ is great to start out with. 

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

Pros:

• Faster code execution than interpreted languages
• C++ is a multi-purpose and cross-platform compiled coding language suitable for more involved large-scale projects
• C and C++ are flexible enough with database connectivity
• Portable enough 

Cons:

• Involved syntax with C and C++
• Class and objects not supported by C
• No program namespace supported by C
• No runtime checking/RTC with C and C++
• poor cross-platform GUI

Best Code Program for Beginners

You don’t even need to shell out a lot of money to get a handle on programming or purchase online resources. Check out our comprehensive list of the best code program for beginners and take a big jump forward:

Coursera

Partnering with 200+ world-class universities, Coursera is our top pick that helps beginners master programming in a breeze. 

With 5000+ well-regarded, academically rigorous yet brain-friendly programming classes conducted on a flexible schedule, Coursera has carved out a shiny spot on the internet, serving programmers craving hands-on skills with the latest in coding. 

From walking through the basic building blocks to high-level programming, Coursera courses make coding rewarding and fun, offering plenty of FREE assistance along the way. 

You can knock programming out even on the go using Coursera’s fully-fledged mobile application. 

Specialized tutorials available on:

• HTML
• CSS
• Python
• Java
• C
• IoT Programming
• Introduction to programming

Codecademy

If you are searching for a chart-topping program to enroll in to jumpstart your coding skills and set yourself up for career success, Codecademy can be your quickest path to follow. 

With an extensive catalog of free and paid courses covering the 12 most in-demand programming languages, Codecademy promises to help you take your next big step in nailing coding. 

The interactive yet fun courses on Codecademy aim to bring coders with some vague knowledge up to speed fast enough and help build a practitioner-level portfolio by polishing up their skills – get a leg up with Codecademy’s free courses in the job hunt for tangible career benefits. 

Plus, with Codecademy’s paid courses, you get a seven-day free trial – try out and invest your hard-earned money in the courses you prefer the most. More interestingly, you can use Codecademy Go, Codecademy’s fully-functioning mobile app that helps you hone your coding skill even on the fly! 

Tutorials available on:

• Python
• PHP
• HTML
• CSS
• SQL
• Ruby
• jQuery
• JavaScript

Khan Academy

Khan Academy has long been talked-about for its flexible and non-profit e-learning programs, and its mobile application is no exception – it’s compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems and requires no subscriptions or in-app purchases. 

With tons of hands-on projects, video lectures, and quizzes, Khan Academy’s online courses walk you through each detail of coding, helping you nail game development, web page creation, and more effortlessly and without paying a single cent. 

If you are really pressed for time and need a crash course to jumpstart programming, check out ‘Hour of Code’ and keep your motivation up. 

Tutorials available on:

• java
• CSS
• HTML
• Python
• SQL
• C++
• C#
• jQuery
• Mobile App Development