Starting Programming from Scratch

Introduction

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Overview of how to start programming from scratch.
• Aimed at beginners who have no coding experience.

Deciding if Coding is Right for You

• First, assess your interest in coding:
  • Ask yourself: “Do I even like coding?”
  • Try following a tutorial to see if you enjoy the process.
• Warning against "tutorial hell":
  • Just following tutorials without understanding will not prepare you for real coding tasks.

Understanding Your Goals

• Consider what you want to achieve with coding:
  • Career change
  • Developing a personal project
  • Either approach is valid.
• Importance of having a clear goal to guide your learning path.

Choosing a Learning Path

• Paths available:
  1. Web Development
     • Best option for new developers.
     • Easier learning curve and higher demand in the job market.
     • Good salaries and possible work-from-home options.
  2. Other Paths:
     • iOS, Android, Machine Learning, Game Development, AI.

Learning Structures

• Four primary learning structures:
  1. College:
     • High costs (potential debt of $60K-$80K).
     • Curriculum often outdated.
     • Networking benefits.
  2. Boot Camps:
     • Expensive (around $30K-$40K).
     • Fast-paced, typically lasting 4-6 months.
     • Good for in-person learning.
  3. Self-Taught:
     • Difficult for many due to lack of accountability and support.
     • Requires self-discipline.
  4. Online Academies:
     • More affordable than boot camps.
     • Flexible as they can be done from home.
     • Offer mentorship and are generally up to date with industry standards.

Career Training

• Coding is more than just technical skills; interpersonal skills matter too:
  • Communication: Essential for teamwork and explaining your code.
  • Teamwork: Ability to work as part of a team is critical.
  • Responsibility: Meeting deadlines and those work obligations are vital.
• A portfolio showcasing your work is necessary for job applications:
  • Unique projects can set you apart in a crowded job market.
  • Freelancing can add real-world experience to your portfolio.

Preparing for Job Interviews

• Understand the importance of technical and personal interviews:
  • Technical interviews assess coding skills.
  • Personal interviews assess communication, teamwork, and professionalism.

Conclusion

• Emphasis on the journey of learning how to code:
  • Significant time investment required to make a career transition.
  • Coding can lead to a future-proof career with great job security and earnings (starting salaries between $75K-$120K).
• Encourage viewers to follow tutorials and share their experiences
• Next steps: consider mentorship and find a learning structure that suits you.