It is never too late to learn how to start coding, and the Internet is filled with free and massively useful resources for every type of learner. We’ve rounded up references, resources, and even apps that you can use to make your study of coding easier.
Coding Websites
If you are interested in website architecture and programming beyond the tweaks afforded by WordPress sites, you need to learn how to hard code.
Luckily, there are websites that are dedicated to newbies who want to know how it’s really done by the pros. We’re not saying that you will master everything in one week, but if other people have done it, why can’t you?
W3 Schools
W3 Schools is dedicated to providing free resources on HTML, CSS, and Javascript.
It’s a neat website for locating code to accomplish specific things while coding, and it’s a cool reference for all levels of programmers.
What we especially love about this website is that after it provides the instruction on how to code, it has several enrichment sections like exercise and quiz where you can apply the new skill or code, so you can find out if you truly understood the information.
Code Academy
Java is one of the oldest and most useful programming languages that is used for almost every imaginable application, from websites to creating apps for mobile phones.
The earlier operating systems for mobile phones used Java extensively to deliver rich mobile experiences to users. Java is influenced by C++, its predecessor, and its latest iterations have improved the issues that have bugged it since inception, including slower implementation.
If you want to learn how to code Java, Code Academy is offering its own Learn Java tutorials. Their tutorial includes the Java Program Structure, Variables and Data Types, Object-Oriented Java, and more. There’s also a premium/paid upgrade option for people who want more resources.
Learn Python
Like Java, Python is a versatile programming language that is used mainly for websites, mobile devices, and other experience-rich digital interfaces. It has been described as easy to learn and vital for the well-rounded programmer.
Several digital boot camps and courses online offer Python, including Learn Python. LearnPython.Org is an interactive training course for people who want to learn how to code Python.
The syllabus includes the basics, data science tutorials, advanced tutorials, and more.
You will learn about variables and types, lists, basic operators, string formatting, numpy arrays, pandas basics, list comprehensions, and other aspects of Python programming that will turn you from newbie to expert in no time.
LearnCPP
C++ is the grand daddy of programming languages, and remains an important language that every serious programmer should consider learning, right after HTML, CSS, and Java. C++ is used not just for browsers and Web applications, but also for PC games, and animations.
It is one of the most developed languages around, and we owe many of the best games in several generations to C++.
Learn C++ is a free resource for people who want to know more about this programming language. The lessons, which are already laid out in the home page of the website, are divided into chapter and sub-chapters.
You will learn about compilers, linkers, and libraries, and how you can configure these three important aspects of C++. There are also tutorials on the technical aspects of C++, like the statements and structures of a program, and how literals and operators work.
Coding Android Apps
Android apps are actually built using different programming languages, with Java receiving the most support from Google at the moment. Which is not to say that you are stuck with using “just” Java. You can also use the following programming languages, like Kotlin, C/C++, C#, BASIC, Corona/LUA, and PhoneGap.
Kotlin is considered the ‘second best’ language for Android programming, as it also uses the Java Virtual Machine and is lauded for having a system that is easier to read and its code is also more streamlined.
Kotlin is great for people who are just beginning to learn how to code with Java, because it doesn’t even mind if you don’t terminate lines with the semicolon. For beginning programmers, any bit of help is important.
Developers Training
This is one of the best places to get free training on Java and Kotlin, specifically for creating Android apps. You will start with Android Kotlin Fundamentals, followed by Android Developer Fundamentals, Advanced Android Development, and more.
The modules are self-paced, and you can take as much time as you need in each modules if you are a self-taught programmer.
They also have an Android Development for Beginners course, and an Android Basics Nanodegree program that you can sign up for. All in all, the Developers Training page is a pretty neat resource for anyone who wants to create Android apps.
Udacity Android Basics
Udacity is also offering several courses on Android development, including its Android Basics course.
We recommend websites like Udacity (because there are several other online schools that offer similar courses) if you want a very structured approach to learning.
Some people like the freewheeling method of learning, of getting resources from different sources at varying speeds. Others simply don’t thrive with this approach, so if you are one such programmer, then there is no harm in signing up for more structured classes.
BONUS: Apps for Developing Android Apps (What?!)
It was bound to happen of course. There are now apps that help developers code and test their apps.
Open your Play Store and check out the following apps to see which you need right now to get started:
- Android Studio
- ADB (Android Debug Bridge)
- AVD Manager
- Eclipse
- Fabric
- FlowUp
- Gamemaker: Studio
- Genymotion
- Gradle
- IntelliJ IDEA
- Instabug
- LeakCanary
- NimbleDroid
- RAD Studio
- Stetho
- Source Tree
- Unity 3D
- Unreal Engine
- Visual Studio with Xamarin
- Vysor
These are all powerful and useful apps with different uses, and each one contributes to a different phase in Android app development.
