In case you are interested in creating mobile applications, computer programs, games, developing websites or web applications, or any other software, learning a programming language is mandatory upon you. There are cases you do not have much time or just looking for how to learn faster, this article is for you. In this article, we will be discussing how to learn Java, PHP, etc. and how to become a programmer in three weeks.
- Understand the Basics
The first thing to do is to understand some basics of the programming language to be it Java or PHP. Understanding the basics will also be helpful for your long-term benefits. The better you are able to understand the basics, the easier you will find learning more advanced concepts. If not, you may end up getting stuck. Always keep in mind that understanding the rudiments is one of the most important aspects of your learning.
- Learn by doing
Start practicing the code. Even if you think you must have understood every tutorial you watched or every book you read through, you will still find it hard to implement the code the first time. You may even forget the syntax. You can only know it better by using it. Start practicing the code immediately. This is how to learn faster.
- Ask for help
There is no smooth route in learning to program. From time to time, you will encounter difficulties, hit brick walls. Do not fret over this. If you feel you have gone through and still unable to point out the problem, do no waste much time. Simply ask for help from a friend or from a more experienced person.
The truth of the matter is that it is easier to learn faster with peer feedback and mentors. Even if it is online or offline, do not be discouraged by the trolls, neither should you be afraid of asking. Every programmer was once in your situation. Also, most developers love coding. They will be glad to help or put you through.
- Look for more resources online
If you get confused along the way, you can also seek for more resources online. Everybody learns in a different manner. The fact that you do not understand as it was explained by a particular source does not mean something is wrong with you. It only means that you are finding it hard to understand the method of delivery of the source or material.
You can start with PHP, learn from sites like Codecademy, TutorialsPoint, W3School. This will provide you with almost everything you need to know about the programming language as well as its features and its functionality. You can follow up with learning Java from Teamtreehouse, Udemy, Reddit. There are also YouTube tutorials you can watch and learn.
- Read, Run, and Tinker
Reading the code is not enough. The best way to understand is by running the code. As you run, tinker with it. Replicating a program you read can only get easier by writing the code yourself, and likewise running it. With this, you will be able to facilitate your programming learning process. This is how to learn faster.
- Take breaks while debugging
You have written the code. Now it’s time to debug. The program fails to run. You keep getting one error or the other. You begin to get frustrated. What should you do? Simple. Take a break!
You may get stuck for hours while debugging. This is not even a guarantee that you will be able to find the solution. Don’t beat yourself too hard. A few minutes of rest should be enough to provide you with a fresh perspective. This will also save you some headache.
Regardless of all the tips mentioned above, an essential ingredient on how to learn faster is to stay confident. Try as much as possible not to be discouraged by little failure. Be patient with yourself. Becoming an expert needs hard work and time. The only obstacle to your success is your confidence to persevere as well as your work ethics.
When you come to DASchool (Denver Adaptation School) you will not only hear theory but will be immersed in the lab work and vital coding\designing practice no online classes can ever offer!
Looking forward to meeting you at Denver Adaptation School!