How Long Does It Take to Learn Coding

Down to Earth Perspectives

No secret, programming has evolved from another useful skill to one of the must-have skills for those who are dreaming about a well-paid job, world travel perspectives, interesting assignments, and exciting challenges. What is coding? Today, it’s not only about the development of custom software or process automation. It’s also about running complex statistics, engineering, and scalability.

Altogether, these factors make people ask the same questions: How to learn coding? How long does it take to learn coding? Many future learners see coding as a skill that usually takes lots of years to obtain and develop. But in reality, it’s not so simple. The co-founder of FireHose, Ken Mazaika, once said that there could not be a point in time where it all changes for a learner, nothing should be evaluated in hours, or a number of books read, and there won’t be a moment when one becomes a fundamentally different person or developer. The whole process is gradual.

So, let’s start with the components of the process.

Check Your Skill Set Before You Begin

Many people start their programming-related education without thinking about whether or not this is something they can handle. And though any coding language is a set of rules to be studied, there is always a huge difference between the amount of material studied and the skill to apply it.

So, we have prepared a list of skills anyone with a huge desire to start studying a programming language should have before they start:

1. Understanding of code concepts: This is one of the primary skills that is a must-have to become a successful software engineer. There’s a common misbelief that coding is something that includes tailing a course in Python or PHP. Basically, this skill reflects one’s ability to learn the code concepts as well as memorize them. Because even rather old and consistent languages such as Python or PHP are the ever-changing environment that evolves and expands. Without the skill to understand and learn code concepts, there’s a low chance a developer can evolve alongside.
2. Being open to new technologies: All modern devices have developed from very simple and very basic technologies. Compare an old-fashioned landline phone to a light and all-in-one iPhone Pro. The same is with the coding languages. They all have developed from pretty old and very basic technologies, but developers who started PHP young are still successful developers. Why? They are open to new changes in this programming language, they learn to build more user-friendly apps by applying new knowledge and learning new things daily.
3. Attention to detail: A missed colon in a code line will alter the entire command that a software engineer is trying to send to a machine. Double-checking is a must-have skill of any developer. More importantly, it’s essential to be able to check your own code or that of a different developer as a part of any technical review assignment.
4. Problem-solving skills: Any software is built as a scalable environment. Any intent for scalability should include a prediction. Any problem prediction requires a special mindset that helps a developer, their team, a client, and the entire environment remain in step with a global plan.

We’d rather not point out the following features separately as they are totally clear. Still, some of you may need a sort of reminder that these ones are also must-haves: great typing speed, developed communication skills, and proficiency with numbers.

The final point raises many questions. What is so specific about proficiency with numbers? No news that a strong background in math is the core of a successful software developer. And this isn’t the point that can be neglected. That’s why we decided to put it below.

Knowledge of Advanced Mathematics

Knowledge of primary and more advanced math alongside mathematical skills and concepts – these are the bases you need to approach coding successfully. Let’s talk about this in detail.

Coding languages are algebraic

Yes, they are. This means that in order to learn the language successfully and fast, one needs to have pre-algebra knowledge. Plus, keep in mind that any coding language always uses operations, variables as well as functions to define problems and solve them.

Thus, pre-algebra at a high school level (adding and subtracting, multiplying, and dividing) is the basis for a logical mindset that will speed up the process of studying the rules of programming.

Binary math knowledge

This knowledge is frequently referred to as a backbone for assignments related to computer science. 0s and 1s are used by machines not only to present numbers or symbols but also to combine them into texts. Developers need to use Boolean logic representing 0s and 1s as false and true, respectively to easily execute a set of binary instructions.

Math of shapes

Never forget that programming is not only about numbers but also about their graphical representations, which is commonly known as geometry. Graphics in coding are represented as video games and animations that are characterized by diverse geometrical concepts forming a profound background.

Data analysis

Data analytics is now a separate position in the IT world; however, it doesn’t mean a software engineer should have basic data science skills. These skills are frequently easier obtained by people who deal with linear algebra since this field of algebra deals with work in matrices and data analysis.

Calculus

Those who are planning to connect their lives to video games or ML should have strong calculus skills. They are often applied when it comes to the processing of images or data mining.

Math function

Knowledge of math function, its notation, and concept are no exception when it comes to writing lines of code. The concept and notion are typically extended to general computing.

Graph theory

This knowledge will be useful in the case of working on networking technology, where developers have to apply the graph theory to create algorithms. By the way, this is a CV requirement for those who apply to Google.

Knowledge of statistics

Data analysis and ML require the knowledge of basic statistical concepts that can be easily applied to code writing. Advanced statistics is, however, not required: to collect and edit data, the basics are typically enough.

Time It Takes to Learn Programming: Most Popular Languages

Let’s start with a general overview of the most popular coding languages:

• HTML/CSS are building blocks rather than full-capacity programming languages. They are applied when there is a request to develop a custom web application, where HTML is always what content is displayed to the end-user, and CSS is how this content looks.
• Javascript goes in line with HTML/CSS and is referred to as a scripting language that, unlike the previous technologies, provides dynamic elements to make the client side more attractive with slideshows, buttons, interactive forms, or animated graphics.
• C, C++, and C# include a huge variety of complex features and can be used for console apps (C++) and mobile console apps (C#). C# and C++ are modern and object-oriented coding languages that originated on the basis of C and then evolved with time.
• SQL is one of the most powerful tools when it comes to communication with and between databases. With SQL, developers can write a series of queries giving instructions to hardware that will follow the instructions and perform them. And even though the sentence before sounds like pure coding. no developer can actually build a standalone web or mobile application with SQL.
• Swift was created for iOS, tvOS, macOS, and watchOS apps back in 2014. The syntax of the language is clean and allows the code that is consistent and strict at times. The level of readability is high, whereas the level of errors is pretty low.

You can decide between web and mobile development perspectives and then choose the language that looks more appealing than others for a number of reasons, then join an academy or course, hire someone with the request to do my coding assignment for me, and graduate with a relevant knowledge base.

The factor that typically defines how long it takes to master a coding language is actually the language you pick. According to many sources, to master the basics of a relatively easy language will take up to 5 or 6 months. This refers to Python, HTML, or CSS. Languages like C++ or Javascript require more time.

Can I Teach Myself Coding

In case you like studying independently and possess all of the skills in the set above, you can probably focus on self-education without any professional instructors or online courses. Luckily, the Internet today offers a vast number of diverse tutorials and interactive videos, the best books, and the best examples that will illustrate what you need.

But before you start, please focus on the difference between self-education and other options when it comes to learning a programming language.

What is hiding behind self-learning/self-teaching

It’s cheap. It gives a lot of flexibility. Thus, it has become popular. The math here is vivid. As was said before, there are many free materials, books, courses, professional websites, and even software that help beginners proofread their first lines of code. This is a huge benefit, isn’t it?

The drawback that is inevitable in this case is self-discipline, which lots of people lack. The thing is that the process of self-education is never-ending, and in case you are sick and tired in 1 month already, there’s hardly a chance you will master anything in four weeks only. Another drawback is the lack of structure in your approach due to the lack of experience. Additionally, some projects, languages, libraries, and frameworks are costly. And what seemed to be cheap and flexible at the start turns into a nightmare in the latter stages.

Is a College Degree a Must-Have?

This is a more traditional way to become a professional software engineer. The benefits that differentiate it from the option above is the presence of a structure that makes the studying process smooth, effective, 360-degree informative, scalable, etc.

Different subjects for a Computer Science degree do not simply teach how to code. They are able to prepare a student for a tech career, whatever it will include in the future. Most entry-level coding jobs are easy to get after a stage of self-learning, but it’s hardly a secret that big corporations and successful employees prefer to see a college degree in a CV.

Is there a drawback? Sure, it’s time-consuming, and it’s expensive. When the dream of becoming a tech guy is produced on the background of a need to change career, it’s not practical to enter a college and pursue a degree that will take four years to obtain.

Programming bootcamps are getting popular

These are typical short programs highlighting the basics of how to become a coder. There are real-life cases when bootcamp education helped people gain relevant skills and find a job.

A bootcamp program can last from three to six months, opening access to materials, mentors, instruments, and even assistance with employment.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Coding?

Three to six months

This is the timeframe for people looking for ways to fast-track both their education and career upgrade. This period includes quick upskilling, intensive education, and a bootcamp program. Definitely, speed is the main advantage in this case. But if your circumstances are tight, this may work for you.

One (plus) year

This is an answer to the question: How long will it take to learn coding if I do it by myself? In case you are a highly motivated self-learner, and you are sure that you are disciplined enough to begin an independent study, this will take you not less than one calendar year to cover the basics and gain practical skills.

Four (plus) years

This timeframe applies to those who decided to get their education through college or university studies. The degree you need to choose, in this case, should be in the field of software development and coding. The four years open the doors to computer science and engineering (electrical, civil, and mechanical), natural sciences and information systems or system administration, statistics, and mathematics.

What is more, some students are also eager to explore their chances for postgraduate education as well. However, in this case, they are more concentrated on their academic research and growth rather than actual practical coding and the development of software.

The timeline is up to you, and it depends on your life circumstances, financial situation, and family obligations. Does it mean the ones who mastered it in 6 months code worse than those with a college degree? It never does. The reality is that much depends on one’s skills as well as the desire to keep studying after the basics are covered, and they are hired. The more you live, the more you learn. The more you learn, the more doors stay open in front of you.

Try to design your own lifetime in a way to expand both the knowledge and skills you have to match with your interests and without the need to strain your resources or schedule. Draft between educational routes and approach the learning process more creatively.