Teaching yourself to learn programming? Start Here!

This video is meant for anyone is completely new to programming and want a simple and easy approach to move forward. I cover some basic principles for your gameplan as well as some suggestions on what you should focus on.
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[@AndySterkowitz]

For those of you who are completely new and just starting out, did this help clarify a path to get started?

[@alexboyce8208]

Hey Andy, Great advise. It’s very easy to over complicate the learning plan and course collect. Would love to hear more about the different types of “disciplines” to specialize in (e.g., web dev, front-end, back-end, database, applications, games, others?). What the work looks like to know if I’d like it or not, and if so what next steps would look like after your 3mo plan? Thanks! Alex

[@ez-od9xh]

Yes, this was really helpful. Thank you!

[@wonder8611]

Thx great tips!

[@Dominik2456]

Would you also consider to make a video for backend aswell? And also some roadmap example, for example what was yours roadmap when you started?

[@SidSharma108]

Yes, also, I am going to buy these books you recommended.

[@afshah.7972]

Thank you so much Andy for this super helpful video! My notes from this video: 1. Keep things as simple as simple. (Remove complexity when possible as it can kill you. Do not buy more courses or books) 2. Whichever language you learn make sure you are building projects along with going through your learning resources. Implement what you have learnt. Build projects on the side in your portfolio to make sure that you are using those concepts you are learning. If you are really a beginner make sure you learn these basics of web development: 1. HTML (2 weeks to month- Head First HTML and CSS book) 2. CSS 3. JavaScript (2 months or more Head First JavaScript Programming 4. Git (working on the same code or project collaboratively other people. It is a way to save the state or history of that project over time) 5. Client-server architecture (basic paradigm of how the internet works and how websites work) If you spend 15 hours/week learning you can master the above in about 3 months. * For HTML+CSS: Build project to cement your learning. Use HTML and CSS to build one or two static websites as you learn. (personal or for a friend who has an online business who likes an online presence. Keep it simple. *For JavaScript: Build 2 to 4 projects to paint on your skills and see how quickly you can progress. Keep them dead simple. Build a to-do list, a calculator. Work on the basics and fundamentals. Get better at your problem solving skills to understand programming in general. *For Git: Get comfortable with the git command-line using github, posting projects on github. *For Client-sever architecture: Understand the basis of that. Understand more about HTTP traffic, networking in the internet.

[@chrispeck9941]

I feel like the hardest yet most important part is staying motivated the whole time. Great video

[@kingcogles]

This should be the most liked comment.

[@goatzy_run]

Yeah

[@i-jnked]

currently reading this with my (now abandoned for weeks) personal project in mind :>

[@matrimanuel_791]

3:05 for web development HTML CSS JavaScript Git (work with other people) Client-Server Architecture

[@broctot6006]

I am 13 at the moment, I know nothing, 5 years from now I hope to new more. A lot more

[@alphabeta3528]

Learn a bit math and ur good to go

[@Honkers716]

2yrs later, you still coding?

[@JJN-Studios]

Honestly, you're so genuine, thank you for simplifying this whole journey! We're all very grateful!

[@adamfistler4655]

I've been a dev/devops/sysenginer guy for 20+ years, it's more about knowing concepts and learning to not reinvent the wheel and look around the internet for approaches because someone most likely have come across your use case and has wrote about it or have some library. Don't over complicate things, set limits to your sprints, don't over engineer and don't get caught in the trap of if you can put this feature in then we can do this then we can do that. Set limits to each release and don't promise the moon. Knowing concepts is more important than knowing the specific code off the top of your head, I hop back and forth between bash, python, ruby, c#, and even legacy perl. You just can always google how to implement the concepts in each language its more important to know whats possible and realistic than knowing the specific code.

[@RadoscISlawa7224]

How is Perl any more 'legacy' than Python, Ruby or Bash (the last one isn't even a programming language, by the way)? Perl programs run faster than their Ruby counterparts; the language supports multiple inheritance in OO paradigm (which Ruby doesn't). There are some language specific features which don't seem very intuitive at first glance (like passing named parameters to a function in the hash-form, declaring data categories - scalars, arrays, hashes - rather than data-types or using hashes as objects) but turn out to be very powerful and logical when you get used to them. The only reason for Perl's falling off TIOBE index's first-ten was painful transition from Perl 5 to Perl 6, which caused lots of confusion in Perl community and was finally cancelled due to both languages incompatibilities (Perl 6 was finally renamed to 'Raku' and is now perceived as a separate language, as You probably know).

[@tracylf5409]

Hey Andy? Could you do a video that lays out EXACTLY the steps that YOU took yourself? I mean, from the minute you thought you'd like to do this. How did you start- PRECISELY? I'd be interested in knowing your personal timeline and the projects/languages you decided to go with and WHY. xx

[@dre6714]

Hey I have stumbled upon your channel recently. I am grateful that you create contents like this. Straight to the point, no bull****.

[@ashwinchauhan756]

Bro you just boosted up my learning motivation for web development. Great job. :)))

[@AndySterkowitz]

Love to hear! Cheers!

[@jaimeojeda4780]

How are you doing now?

[@kirsteinwandah]

@@jaimeojeda4780 i wanna know too

[@adeegheniem2328]

@@jaimeojeda4780 I want to know too

[@gavincoulson3900]

How're you doing

[@tequinhoRB]

This video is very helpful, thank you so much! I spent a lot of time trying to learn CSS on video tutorials. Now, I am learning CSS in the "Head First" book and suddenly it becomes easy!

[@Isaiah99002]

More and more value I get from your videos. Thank you Andy

[@ishibam97]

Hey! I am learning JavaScript from HeadFirst Javascript book and I wanna say this book is fantastic. Keep Learning Folks!

[@AdADglgmutShevanel]

Really inspiring video. I gave up trying to learn 3 years ago, but now I'm back into it and taking the simple approach!

[@b.segueda5470]

Thank you for being alive. For being a good teacher.

[@brightorton2941]

I agree with you Andy, Thanks a lot

[@aarongonzalez200]

Thank you very much, your video really let me realize I should focus on learning the basics first with web development regardless if I want to do game development or whatever else. Im changing careers from customer service/collections to something coding and this helps a lot.

[@CodingJourney]

Great content as usual! Keeping it simple is crucial!! 🙂

[@jaydenmoon1165]

Oh no 🙁 I’m a course collector 😩 - thanks for pointing this out - now I gotta clear path to head for!

[@maricelaCA]

Thank you for keeping it real and sharing your experience . Your info is valuable

[@2passportsandpostcards]

Hi Andy, thank you SO much for this video! It was phenomenally helpful!

[@ryanlyle9201]

I've spent days trying to figure out where to start and this has been the most helpful for a complete beginner. Other channels were ok to follow along but this is invaluable information. Thanks!

[@yashaswikulshreshtha1588]

Let me tell you something, I think we get confused about it because we don't even know what programming even is, it is not about language but it's about thinking literally you may know 10 languages but if you don't know how to think it's all trash, so I would highly suggest getting a environment where you can develop algorithmic thinking, it may feel intimidating but you will kinda regret it later on if you decide to just focus on code and not programming, I think a really good way to develop that is by learning game development, game development uses tons of complex logic, algorithms etc. Just download processing and start learning along the way create little projects aiming to make a some pretty neat game at your level.

[@anaclara-sb7rr]

great idea@@yashaswikulshreshtha1588

[@abanumifesochi4147]

I'm a beginner and I have found this video to be very helpful. I was initially intimidated by the volume of courses on programming and software development. This has given me a direction. Thumbs up 👍🏽

[@Nabilo8501]

All other youtubers are telling us to have a fucking jump start into a language like python without having any feedback about any thing or any shit about computers and internet. But your learning line is the only one that convinced me . Thanks man❤

[@vedprakashyadav175]

all this time i was so confused about how to start learning this skills ..........u really solved it...thanxx man

[@demonking4250]

Andy i was course collecting until now,but no more! Thanks for your vid.

[@agustincai]

it is piratebay's fault

[@vrkumar7455]

Nobody talks about: 1) what kind of system/computer/configuration you first need to start or how many screens 2) what you need to Install 3) what is the Environment they talk about 4) what is an editor 5) how to check your work and where 5) how much levels to pass and ideal time to spend. Thank you.

[@crimsonleader8874]

1) depends what you want to make, the coding itself won’t eat up your pc, one monitor is all you need, others are optional. 2) I’d recommend github stuff and visual studio community. It’s what I’ve been using. 3) I believe your referring to the IDE or Integrated Development Environment. This is basically where you write your code, Visual Studio is one. 4) I think that is the same as 3, unless your doing something like games where that could be unreal/unity. 5) I use visual studio, that auto checks your work, does squiggles when stuff is wrong like word, and you can test run it so if it works, it works. 6) that’s very dependent on you, your knowledge and progress, however if your asking where to get like example tasks then I’d second that question cus idk either. Hope this helps 👍🏻

[@aeb1305]

Especially in college. In college its like "here is the textbook. Chapter 1 lab is due next week." - im currently taking the college journey for cs learning java

[@arturogabriel8033]

Thank you very much for this content, I couldn´t find this kind of guide anywhere else. Keep doing it!

[@vannakkeo7453]

I'm super new to the tech world. I'm happy that I found your channel.

[@courtlandkelly8422]

I have been looking for a video like this, THANK YOU

[@Ben-nt1zl]

This is really helpful and I can relate a lot. I've been doing html and css for about 4 months now but I constantly feel overwhelmed and feel as though I don't know enough because i'm always thinking from an employer's perspective. I've been putting off moving onto JS for that reason. Thanks Andy

[@anthonyoliveri4544]

one of the best videos i ever seen thank you for your contributions !!

[@jess8935]

This is super helpful advice. Long story short, I originally wanted to do web development when I first started college but the job market wasn’t great and I needed more job security. Through many twists and turns, I landed in HR and have been in the HR field about 5 years now. I’ve been thinking about switching careers for quite a while and right now is a good time to prep my self for this leap. I’ve just switched roles internally working as an Analyst and I now have more time to focus on “me” time in the evenings. I’ve got 6 months to prepare myself! Thanks the motivation and making these videos!

[@SAMs3piol]

This video is absolutely the best. Thanks Andy

[@heromil]

I have just discovered this channel and I am really amazed about the excellent content you share in your videos. Congratulations!!!! :)

[@hemanshu877]

Great advice build projects and make portfolio ,I just did that and now I got job

[@rajatrai2923]

Thanks for your guidance.

[@diego_villena]

I posted on a previous video, essentially asking for this exact video. Thanks!

[@thatamberchick]

Thanks for this info! Liked/subbed. This makes so much sense and helped a lot! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@AndySterkowitz]

Awesome! Glad to help.

[@hunsonabadeer4209]

Your videos helped me a lot! Thank you so much Mr. Sterkowitz.

[@chrisbrittain3438]

Thanks for all the free info man very helpful. Check back with ya in Six motnths

[@demetrihamilton979]

Andy, thanks for the video. It really boosted my confidence in program development.

[@omar8424]

Perfect, exactly what I was looking for, thank you Andy

[@redeagle9312]

Andy, thanks very much. Your suggestion gave a clear way for my next learning step. Looking forward for more helpful video so I can continue my journey.

[@egocentric222]

Andy, I’m loving your content!

[@isaacronathan1693]

I think somewhere in the past I wanted to start coding because I subscribed. This video gave me the push

[@knw-seeker6836]

thanks for the great advice Andy much appreciated

[@sidneyrodrigues9004]

Really nice video buddy👍🏻 very helpful for me. Keep hustling!

[@shantemonroe342]

I'm actually going to follow these steps. Thank you!

[@IvanManginiLopes]

Thanks for sharing your experience, it's very helpful have some direction or path to go. I'm get starting to learn programing and i want to get into IT career. cheers from Brazil!

[@AndySterkowitz]

You're welcome Ivan. Glad to help!

[@frndstp]

Deu continuidade ao projeto, Ivan? O que você está fazendo agora? Um abraço.

[@upya3813]

well that was probably one of the best yt "beginners" tuts ive ever watched ... about anything. *HUGS*

[@olusolaabiodun3545]

Thanks,, I am encouraged

[@pollyp9328]

Thank you so much.

[@robkriger9095]

Thank you for the advice, I appreciate you man. I know that I am really interested in this field, but found myself doing pretty much everything that you were suggesting to stay away from, and I wasn't getting anywhere... Your advice makes perfect sense. Thanks again!

[@kiwicami287]

Yeah im in the same boat, i decided to start with c# with The c# players guide book but i think i made it harder on myself, i learned things for sure but it also went over my head a bit i think, im gonna start fresh with html and javascript because i really enjoyed experimenting with c# and visual studio even if it was hard.

[@seunakinwunmi5742]

Just about to start Andy.. I've been seeing your video for a while.. I'm ready now.. Thanks for your help

[@michaelbreezywilberforce2646]

I just finished watching this video and I think my mind is now made up. Thanks Andy.

[@kvk2530]

thanks for this vid, exactly what i was looking for.. roadmap simple to follow and practical

[@EricHillAuthor]

Well, just purchased Head First: HTML & CSS!

[@maritessquirona5175]

Thanks for this video, now I know my learning path clearly😊

[@wilderfromero819]

Yes, I am doing this tips right now, build a static website while learning, so I am fully aware on where I am in my studies. Thankyou sir, more power to you...

[@augustogazzera9067]

great video Andy! thanks for your advices :)

[@hanssacosta1990]

Thank u so much for your time man!!!

[@courtneywilkerson6131]

Thank you for this video! I feel like I really have a game plan to start learning.

[@Mentalzz]

How have you done ?? I’m reading this 7 months later hopefully your journey has been successful

[@jasonmugumya548]

Most precise video i have watched. Thanks a lot .

[@milicaandrejic8945]

Thanks for sharing. Really useful and to the point. Would you recommend any particular resources for the points 3 and 4 (GIT and Client-server)? I have learned some things along the way but would really love to get a good, systematic overview of it. Thanks a lot!

[@App_driver_bsb]

This video is pure gold ! Helped me a lot . Decided to become a software engineer and my school starts next month . And I was studying Java lil bit with not much progress but I will first go to html and css as you advices then back to Java

[@aaroncain4452]

Thank you!

[@kaitlynburke1584]

Wow, thanks. No BS advice or flashy editing. 🤙

[@joshuajurado2565]

Thanks Andy, this was the perfect video of what im dealing with right now.

[@kidovatov]

I agree

[@marshmallowpeeps241]

Thank you for uploading this video. This made the world of tech and computers, for a newb, very welcoming and inviting. :)

[@ayanahmed8180]

thank you for clearing my mind......

[@kays3599]

Thanks for reminding people is't a journey (like anything), not an overnight thing.

[@MP-ih9wf]

Just came across this video. Best take away I learned is that I have been course collecting. I need to just pick one and stick with it for at least the 90 days instead of one chapter here and one chapter there. Thank you.

[@jaytothe_]

Yo I’m on chapter 12 of the html book. This is a great place to learn the language. Great video fam! 💪🏾

[@oscarmoreno2438]

Gracias por la info!

[@LouiseLanguage]

Thank you! I love your channel very helpful

[@lawandab.1572]

Thank you.

[@sahilbhalerao6965]

Thank you !!

[@almarwahabobakr5235]

Thank you for this valuable information .

[@AndySterkowitz]

Glad to help 😊

[@moniquenavarro4131]

you are always saving lives !!!!! I just goy my north now! thanks

[@sheramansuerkulov542]

Thanks, Andy, your video is very useful.

[@solomonasiimwe1778]

Thank you for this

[@shakalgeria2786]

Thank you bro. Very good advices. Your videos are short and useful. Whish u the best

[@panilkumarreddy3306]

Thank you 💖

[@depuli27]

Thanks for the inspirational videos you share that encourage newbies like me

[@noneh-b988]

you come at right time friend , thank you so much

[@AndySterkowitz]

😊👌

[@dancodaniel3014]

Your videos are always amazing thanks allot for making it simpler for us new be.. Am type that always download every books I come across related to programming without finishing the one at hand ...

[@BobSmith-zp2kk]

Awesome -- Thank you!!

[@i.s.5192]

Thanks very helpful

[@evelinbaka5847]

It as quite helpful, I really needed some guidance about what should be my first step. You speak very clearly.

[@AzureSymbiote]

Thanks.

[@gritlup2089]

Just Subbed great content. I'm teaching myself Python and JavaScript right now, and I'm getting there.

[@degen3243]

Thanks dude.

[@N3wt199]

Nice video... clarified I’d made the right choice in what to learn as well 😃👍

[@kehcat1]

Gosh thank you so much... your vids are great for me

[@amonechoes8142]

Awesome and educational as always. You have 3 subscribes from my 3 accounts. Keep it up !!!

[@RameenFallschirmjager]

something that I love about you Andy is your sincerity which is obvious in your face and words when you talk about software development. not like some frauds (rafeh qazi) who try to sell their garbage tutorials and pretend if you learn very basics of programming you can earn six figures salaries within a couple of months.

[@AndySterkowitz]

Thanks Ramin! I really appreciate your sentiment. I know what you’re saying about other KZbinrs and at the same time I imagine they mean well. At the end of the day it all works out for everybody. Cheers! 😊

[@leonardtangty]

Thank you

[@shubhamchauhan1893]

Hey Andy, I made up my mind this morning to learn coding and found your videos really wonderful for start. I really want to take this 3 month journey. Can you recommend a resource for learning client server architecture?

[@13RYUUZAKI]

The only thing I add, will be, collabvorate in a public/open project in github when you fell confortable with. Thanks for the advices.