What's the best way to learn coding in 2024
I want to learn to code but I'm overwhelmed. There are so many languages, so many courses, so many opinions. I'm a complete beginner with no tech background. Where do I even start?
1 Answer(s)
Stop researching and start building. Here's the exact path I'd take if I were starting from zero today.
Step 1: Learn HTML and CSS (2-3 weeks). Use freeCodeCamp.org — it's free, interactive, and the best place to start. Don't pay for a course yet.
Step 2: Learn JavaScript (6-8 weeks). This is the language of the web. Use JavaScript.info (free) or The Odin Project (free). Build small projects: a calculator, a to-do list, a weather app.
Step 3: Pick a framework. If you want to build websites, learn React. If you want to build anything else (apps, backend, data), learn Python.
The biggest mistake beginners make is "tutorial hell" — watching 100 hours of videos without building anything. After every tutorial, build something on your own without looking at the guide. That's where real learning happens.
Don't worry about choosing the "right" language. They all teach the same concepts. Pick one, commit for 6 months, and you'll be employable. The best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is today.