5 Ways To Get Started With Coding

Want to start at the beginning? Like, right at the beginning? Here are five points from which you might choose to kick off your career in coding.

Learn to code online

Love working at your own pace? An online-only course may be the ideal way for you to kickstart your coding education with the maximum level of independence.

The best parts: You can squeeze in some coding whenever you’ve got the time and you’re feeling inspired, whether that’s the middle of the night, between classes, or while your baby naps. Perhaps the biggest plus for most people is that this is a cost-effective option!

The potential bad bits: It can be a little difficult to keep motivated when you don’t have anyone checking in on you, but you probably know by now whether that’s a level of self-discipline that you’ve got going for you. A bigger problem is likely to be that as you progress, you’re likely to need to ask some questions, and it’s difficult to beat assistance from a real person who’s gone through the same steps that you have.

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Learn to code at a part-time coding class

A traditional favourite of those looking to upskill themselves or learn further about something that fascinates them, night and weekend classes have earned their reputation for changing lives.

The best parts: Learning to code in bite-sized, well-planned modules is great for anyone who enjoys a structured approach to tasks. You’ve got experts on hand to help you out when you get stuck, as well as classmates who’ll share your struggles (and triumphs). The potential bad bits: If you were the kid who always read ahead of the rest of the class, or you Google how the movie ends when you’re only halfway through it, you may get a little frustrated by the time between classes. Try to think of it as extra time to practice, ok?

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Learn to code with the coding community

Need some support as you’re learning to code, but don’t have the time or desire to join an in-person class? Online coding communities are happy to help – and don’t underestimate the value of getting involved in hackathons, even when you’re new to coding.

The best parts: You’ve got expert advice from just about every corner of the coding community at your fingertips, and the sympathetic ears of those who’ve suffered the same getting-stuck struggles that you have. They’re there to help you through, and celebrate with you when you crack it.

The potential bad bits: You’ll need either a little tech knowledge or excellent communication skills in order to understand the advice and guidance that you’re being given – nothing really beats help from someone who can point to stuff on your screen when you’re just starting out.

You could try these:


Learn to code by doing

Hackathons and open source projects will allow you to gain knowledge as you work, so that you’ll find out what your real challenges are, how to ask the right questions, and all of the things you never thought of when learning in theory. Click through to learn more about why beginners benefit from open source projects.

Learn to code at a full-time coding class

Not one to wait around? Want to get the basics done and dusted as soon as possible? A full-time class is probably what you’re looking for.

The best parts: If you’re the all-or-nothing type and love to immerse yourself in a new interest, a full-time course should be just what you need to absorb the basics of coding. As with a part-time in-person course, you’ll have real-life instruction, assistance, and company.

The potential bad bits: As is the case when learning anything new, you might feel a little overwhelmed after day one – but not to worry, you’ll soon be feeling like top tech talent when you master a few sky skills. Of course, you also need to have a sizeable chunk of time available to complete full-time classes.

You could try these:

Study software development online as part of a full-time or part-time class

With CodeSpace Academy, you can learn to code online alongside other students going through the same Software Development program with you. You’ll work your way through our curated industry-relevant curriculum with the support of expert code coaches and your peers. Choose between our part-time or full-time options, depending on your schedule. Learn more about our coding courses here.