4 Steps to Become a Self-Taught Programmer

Are you interested in learning programming and taking up freelancing as a full stack web developer? This blog post will guide you through the 4 steps it takes to become a self-taught programmer.

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Building Blocks

Before getting into actual coding, familiarize yourself with some of the basic concepts of programming such as front-end development, back-end development and APIs.

• Front-end Development: It is the part of your web application that the user interacts with. HTML, CSS and JavaScript are key to frontend development.
• Back-end Development: Back-end development involves databases, servers and application programming interfaces (API), which are the guidelines for developing an app.
• Servers: This is the hardware where all the application data and files are stored. Linux Ubuntu and Digital Ocean are two commonly used servers.
• Databases: This is where the application stores information and content.

Step 2: Learn a High-Level Programming Language

A high-level programming language is what programmers use to write code. Popular ones include Python, JavaScript, Java, Ruby and PHP. You should choose one to start learning. Python is often the best choice for beginners because of its readability and straightforwardness.

Step 3: Complement Your Knowledge with Frameworks

Frameworks are libraries that allow you to write code faster by providing a set of rules and convenience methods. Some popular frameworks are Django for Python, Ruby on Rails for Ruby, and ReactJS for JavaScript.

Step 4: Utilize Best Resources

One of the best ways to learn programming is to use the best resources available. Popular resources include YouTube channels, websites and blogs. YouTube channels like freeCodeCamp and TheNewBoston offer free programming tutorials, while websites like Codeacademy and Coursera are great for learning specific programming languages. You can also learn with books, but it is best to use an interactive resource when you can. The best blog to follow is either the blog of a well-known developer or a free online blog that specializes in programming and web development.

Conclusion

Now that you know the four steps to become a self-taught programmer, you can start your journey to become a full stack web developer. From familiarizing yourself with the building blocks of programming to utilizing the best resources for learning, you are ready to start your journey. Good luck and happy coding!