How long does it take to learn to code?

When you're starting out teaching yourself to code, looking at all the resources and paths out there to follow with learning to code, it can feel daunting. Pat DePuydt should know, he was in that boat ten years ago. In this video, Pat runs you through some essential lessons not only from his personal experience but his six years of teaching at coding bootcamps about how long it takes to learn to code, based on your intended destination, and what you can expect along the way.
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[@donnelly5757]

I started learning to code using Python almost three months ago as I am making a career change into data science. I got almost nowhere in two months when just focusing on basics and not doing anything applicable with what I learned. In the past three weeks, I have applied what I learned into actually playing around with some data and am only a few days away from taking on my first data science project in which it will be the beginning of building up my portfolio. At 44 years of age, I encourage anyone to NOT use age as an excuse to pursue a new career and or achieve new goals.

[@rachidrochdi3137]

nice to hear this the same thing for me i am 43 i just started learning coding using html and CSS as a selflearner and i am wondering if it would be difficult for me because of age ...i am planning to apply for coding school ...i am still dont't know if i choose webdeveloppin or data developping ...i hope i can go through next and fullfil my objective.

[@kinstar]

i like your age is just a number brave and inspiring

[@toddboothbee1361]

@@rachidrochdi3137 From what I understand, data science/coding/etc. is coding plus the domain knowledge of data science (statistics, primarily). Same goes for machine learning and AI. You will likely need degrees in those domains in addition to your coding skills. The web development path doesn't require that you have a bachelors or masters in data and statistics.

[@BrendanZhang12345]

I am 18 and trying to learn python as well, any tips for beginners?

[@donnelly5757]

@@BrendanZhang12345 There are many people who are more equipped to help give you more solid advise on learning python being that I am still new at it myself. What has helped to retain what I have learned thus far is repetition. For example, When learning how to make frequency tables using data I continuously go over the steps on how to create a dictionary and then use 'for' loops to iterate over my lists of data. I will often try to find data online and then keep on practicing the steps, but also understanding the logic behind the syntax. You want to make sure you are understanding what you are doing and not just simply trying to memorize syntax. I find that with enough practice you can retain what you have learned and make sure to keep on returning to components that you may have not practiced in a while to keep from forgetting on how to do them. As long as you find a path to coding in which you find useful and enjoyable, you should have no problem learning how to use Python.

[@Gates2Aion]

I used to study around 1 hour a day now its around 3-5 hours a day as I understand more things faster. I only started to understand things better once i saw patterns. Then everything started to open up. :)

[@sagegod009]

I still havent reached there yet i hope i do soon cause with out knowing it my motivation to move on is just getting lower

[@aldinoruswandi]

Thanks for sharing :)

[@jewel56]

“Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” Earl Nightingale

[@BlueShellshock]

Starting learning after being out of school for about ten years. I realized I lost the ability to study. I thought I could just hop in and do 8 hours on my day off, when I realized I blanked out too early. I had to completely relearn breaking up tasks, taking pauses, and reviewing. So yeah, don't get discouraged if for whatever reason you can only do a half hour a day like when I started - doing a 'bite at a time' is far more effective than 'make up for lost time by doing more'.

[@OrthodoxofUSA]

Codeacademy is very helpful. The instructions and information is clear, the hints are relevant, and the lessons are challenging yet not too challenging.

[@ouimetco]

I spent a year learning java. Full time 5-6 hours a day, read code compile fix, read code compile fix, read more, code compile fix. After a year I was pretty decent but it was a serious mental workout.

[@lalawinter4056]

Now im starting again, I'll update in 3 months what will happens. Determination is all that matters..

[@jeevanv8631]

Good luck mate

[@killerqueen9113]

I'll remind you.

[@victoriaking9662]

good luck!

[@ratwitbat7960]

are you still doing it

[@lalawinter4056]

Thank youu guys

[@nemesisghost]

I had my first ah-ha moment two days ago, all thanks to code academy! And Its such an amazing feeling.

[@nathannewton2045]

You are an excellent teacher!

[@wallaceferreira8320]

Great to code introduction. Well done!

[@fawazsalehnagi2703]

Thank you very much Pat, for this video was very informative. Thanks! 😊

[@bearbeast]

This was awesome! I am so excited to hit a milestone! Time to take the first bite of that plane. No elephants harmed in the making of my code.

[@nadeemsamsodien5160]

codecademy rocks with amazing tutors who can motivate you to achieve

[@johnmiller5678]

Great video thank you very much for the insight

[@SilverTheFlame]

Fantastic video! I love the real world approach you guys take on these videos; it's very practical to new learners like myself

[@therealist2000]

I think it really depends on the person, I started learning the basics but I realise that as a slow learner it takes a while to grasp. I don't think programming is difficult, I find the explanations and broad/technical terms difficult to understand and conceptualise

[@thierrykauffmannwriter]

Learning how to code is relatively fast. Learning how to think like a coder or how to rephrase a problem so it is more easily "codable" or how to be mindful of time constraints and try to design the fastest code, all this takes a long time.

[@PlushCreativeDzyneLLC]

This my 2nd time taking c programming. I'm working on getting my certification. However, it takes me countless hours, days if not weeks to implement a simple program. I understand it better when the instructor give real life situations, but when he say "put it in code", I get lost because I still have a hard time comprehending which functions, values, variables, strings, arrays, etc to use and exactly where to place then and when to use these things.

[@TheRANDOMman10]

+ plush furr A part of coding is Patience. It's needed all the time. If you get stuck, don't worry and take a 10 min break and come back. I hope you can benefit from anything i said :)

[@robinroythomas2388]

Try to break the problem down into smaller problems, and try to slowly use and algorithm in words on how you would logically solve those small problems which would eventually add up to solve the main problem. takes a bit of time to map out what the problem is exactly and how to solve it. But once you get that algorithm figured out, then its all about just trying to get that logic into code. At this point you would know where place these things like arrays and functions if you've properly broken the problem down.

[@marsxo655]

Hey, any update on your progress now?

[@MrRichforlife]

great video. thanks

[@husamahmed3549]

Hi, How can I train my mind to think logically and more creative in programming? thanks, dude.

[@castillelarkin]

Great video!

[@studyrunner]

just started with coding, hope I will stick to it :)

[@yesman1696]

Me training csgo 10 hrs a day and still being shit at the game

[@lk_gd5535]

lol me too

[@jordanyan8647]

I hit MG1 in 16 hours total buddy kekw.

[@stephenlee1391]

@@jordanyan8647 cap ur a boosted animal

[@topdayunky4134]

i have 4k hours and I am silver 1

[@meech37]

@@jordanyan8647 no u didn't

[@merritt2014]

Going to start learning pretty soon. Getting closer to the end of my Mechanical Engineering degree, and I just want to have those coding skills with me. Never really considered it, but it is true that needing to how to code is just going to become more and more of a requirement for mechanical engineers. Plus in general, I'd just like to understand it in case of potential career changes. I like the fact that being able to work remotely is much more common with coding jobs. The downside of ME related jobs is that a lot of them are through very old guard companies. Which means always be in person, 40 hour a week MINIMUM with tons, and I mean TONS of overtime that you of course don't get paid for being salary. That type of job structure is just looking less and less appealing to me.

[@andrewc9524]

I work in the mech industry. Fckn brutal and you make crap money until you make partner.

[@merritt2014]

​@@andrewc9524 Idk, where I live the jobs aren't bad for the cost of living. You make probably around 60k out the gate, which is great where I live. Plus there's tons of opportunities for advancements and to branch out into other sectors other than strictly ME work. Idk what you mean by make partner.

[@metaverseplayer]

I graduated with a bachelors in mech last year. Started coding slowly this month. It’ll help you get a master’s in something awesome so you can branch into something higher paying and higher in demand.

[@dabawocks1121]

I am already 3 months old in programming, it has been the most challenging 3 months of my life because of distractions and procrastination😂. But still, i don't give up

[@odiverso4407]

What about now?

[@dabawocks1121]

@@odiverso4407 currently, I already learned 3 programming languages. Javascript, Java, and c. I already made a few really simple website in javascript, not much functionality. I have made a few simple apps in Java like quiz app, some animation etc. I really wanted to focus on Java but I can't right now because I need to learn c because of college. I am currently taking computer engineering 1st year and it requires c in first and second sem. I had a lot of fun in programming so far but school makes it harder :(

[@dabawocks1121]

I also regret not mastering one programming language and it was supposed to be java. But i have no choice these days. Schedule is too tight to insert java in my routine

[@odiverso4407]

@@dabawocks1121 have you got any freelance jobs?

[@dabawocks1121]

@@odiverso4407 I don't think my skills are enough to get a feeelance job right now and even if I do, I don't have time. I am not in a rush to get a job. I just try to enjoy the process of learning programming and creating stuff.

[@_aidid]

🖥 Learning programming has interested me recently as I want to start a tech business in future to affect the world with my skills. The length of time to be proficient in this field makes me feel a mental barrier to start. I watch such videos to get motivation and grasp the learning curve tohave a realistic expectation of me. This is an articulate video 👍🏼

[@jewel56]

“Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” Earl Nightingale

[@dadrewco100]

Thanks .

[@brookdavidson6376]

FYI - it's not just the language but more importantly the environment the developer is working within that makes someone functional. Polling a directory for changes, for example, is something a new engineer may submit as a feature/fix... the more advanced developer will employ a more advanced mechanism, say under Windows, a change notification. This is an example of knowing (or evaluating) your value as a budding developer; the environment you're working within, the platform (e.g. OS), and API available to you should be factored into the length of time you can expect to take before becoming a functional member of a team. In short - learn the OS.. become a master of that. Don't rely on language abstraction but instead strive to UNDERSTAND what happens under the covers and what relies on your code to function properly.

[@Grifffffith]

Oh wow, I know more than I thought.

[@3lusivemike612]

I will be joining Codecademy in a few days. I want to either be a Web Designer or Developer a year from now. Been practicing HTML and CSS in FreeCodeCamp for almost a month. Due to your site's claims, I want to speed up the learning process so that I have a job in that field before I graduate with my degree. Though my degree is to make my Resume look nice, I am determined to get a job in web designing and developing in a year from now. I look forward to joining Codecademy soon.

[@CreativeMediaTV]

Hello, I hope you are doing well. I am also interested in learning how to program and look forward to becoming a full-stack developer. I wanted to ask about your progress in this field. Did you ever get a job? or gain new skills and knowledge?

[@Po0pypoopy]

I am learning Java as a self taught individual changing careers from Biology It is extremely frustrating and a very slow process this way. I recommend a Boot Camp if anyone can afford it because you will be guided and don’t have to spend extreme hours to figure something out. It breaks my spirit not knowing what is going to happen after all my hard work. Will I get a job? Was I too naive thinking I could do it? Am I not blessed enough to continue this?

[@FabledNarrative]

You didn't answer my questions, but you did direct them productively with what I need to know I want to be doing. THAT answer more questions than anything else. :D

[@keiharris332]

What I want to do with coding is create machine learning programs that can test games and figure out the many strategies that exist and rank order them so the developers can properly balance the game in terms of competition/economy

[@xanimelover8090]

Where do I go to after Object Oriented Programming for python?

[@kalemphillips8117]

I work as a derivatives trader. Starting a as a discretionary trader moving towards algorithmic. I can tell you the basic of coding is simple, basic algebra. But solving complex problems, is always difficulty, easy to solve in excel though Shure logic. Not as simple when you program it.

[@zb3645]

great video, just started using CA and i'm looking forward to where this takes me. thank you codeacademy!

[@prestongarvey2285]

My milestones will be and have been finding my first pointer, first time going god mode and getting unlimited ammo, first simple trainer, first time learning to bypass anticheat and vac, making kernel drivers, my own injector, ect

[@wfixie]

Hello friend!!! My name is Wagner, i'm from Brazil and i want to learn Code. But the thing is, i'm 50 years old and got rusted. Also, i'v never had contact with coding. Is HTML a good start? Or do i need to learn some logcs first?

[@versilinux]

hi , nice info

[@Femirates]

Starting my journey now. will be back to share my progress in 365days.

[@soundsuitestudios-b-9723]

You should define acronyms. Beginners such as myself may not know what CSS or API stands for.

[@angelamckinney5537]

Do you provide free tutoring? I am struggling on code academy and can't get any help.

[@yassin8036]

it make sense to want to learn coding just for the pleasure to know that you have this skill (in addition to already known one), not meant to work on it, maybe just for hobby and create thing just for yourself? does it make sense to learn it just for this? or its a waste a time?

[@sidharthchauhan3134]

Hey Patrick, i am Sidharth from India and totally new to coding(not actually) but i really wanted to know that is math really necessary for 'learning to code' at any level , because i am absolute zero to math. Please guide me.

[@cca9837]

Only the basic

[@patbentolilarhythmking]

How do you know the time has come to stop thinking as yourself as a learner & start acting as the developer you work hard to become?

[@luxostucco2772]

My question is, is it cheaper for companies to employ younger coders than older or is it an experience thing ? Saying this as I'm 44 and afraid of starting the learning process only to get knocked back because of age🤷

[@Palestinian100]

You Still Young, age is just a number, In the comments above there is a guy 43 Years old and he learned coding in this age, and have a projects , YOU STILL YOUNG.

[@joshparker1197]

(ability to get a job) = (technical ability) * (schmooze ability) don't neglect either one!

[@malakghalb8280]

hey I'm 16 and I will start learning coding soon because i want to work for google as a programmer this was really helpful THANKS!

[@sebastian-sp6im]

start now

[@gvdheeraj8041]

How and where will you learn Even I want to do the same Can you suggest me some ways

[@samahrouainia8854]

Good

[@nsrksreecharan]

Where to end

[@kf4ldp]

Uh ohh. How well I learn spells trouble. Retaining that info is fuel on the fire. I've got to be more than a professional googler. I'm starting at age 53. Whatever I do, I'll be able to do less physical and work beyond normally planned retirement.

[@nurmuhammadnur6975]

As long as you use handphone or pc . O was in there

[@Orincaby]

By yourself, about a year With codecademy? About a decade

[@emulus4000]

I'm 43 and just starting my journey

[@dennisbugg4983]

56 and beginning my journey

[@jean-lucguerre5575]

This is a life long job to learn coding... as to learn speaking your own native language. You learn your whole life.

[@user-gr2hg7oj7f]

Important rule : you can't memorize something that you can look up

[@Cerberusballs]

I'm a corrections officer who's been stuck at my job for fourteen fucking years. Is it too late to reverse my career and learn this new skill?

[@firasalhilal3528]

Ofcourse no

[@bestboy897]

like anything it takes your entire life

[@BookishMusic1010]

Ah that's interesting I'm probably learning less than an hour a week ;/ so I guess this tells me add to your workload.

[@pk4288]

I don't have laptop but I desperately want to learn coding

[@noobics8015]

You can use your iPad or phone’s browser to access Codecademy or learn from the apps such as Mimo or Sololearn.

[@MEHARIKRISHNAD]

you look a little like the hero in Mr.Robot web series

[@nascentnaomie]

📝📝✅

[@quintin286]

I tried to learn python 10 years ago - no i feel bad to not have done it - i want to change my career and well lets go if i can do and i know coding in 10 years xd

[@mordor4309]

Good luck

[@Ouadjih]

Im 23 years old still i can learn or its to late?

[@jewel56]

Lol 23 is obviously very young and not in the least bit too late lmao you could just as well learn at 43

[@mortalwombat78]

Its like an alien language..but I'm determined to learn.

[@HipHopBeatSource]

I wanna work in crypto. What's the best way to go about doing that?

[@doctordoom1851]

Dont

[@theultimatereductionist7592]

I've been coding since 1981. I took my first community college course in Fortran in summer 1981. Took two courses in C++ in 2005. Earned As in all 3 of them. At sort-of self-taught Python in January 2015. So 39 years of programming. And I'm told by an expert in programming (yes, someone I know, whom I know is a great programmer) that I am a terrible programmer & know nothing about programming (yes, she/he has seen my work).

[@Black.Sabbath]

3:01

[@dennisbugg4983]

Is there?

[@mrrobotxb7352]

I can't speak English Can I learn programming or not? Please reply thank you

[@bx6p166]

Yes there might be courses on KZbin or Udemy with your language.

[@brunomicael9469]

it doesn't have anything to do with english knowledge buddy, just a few words.

[@ryanappenheimer9304]

I'm going to commit a 40 hour week to learn code!

[@dennisbugg4983]

Did you?

[@danielpavlik6269]

Ok so how to mouse

[@genjimccorkle5518]

If you have to ask, then it would be very long.😉

[@mr.expert1784]

Takes 6 minutes to answer a yes or no question lol. This is just a joke don’t take it seriously thanks

[@zacd4476]

Lol bot comments and bot like gj codecademy

[@ciceroaraujo5183]

Not really, sorry to say.

[@w1ck3d01pr]

Gee the intro sucked hipster change that. Everything takes time even watching through this

[@lizflaggswope4747]

I am just starting out, and am interested in developing sites using jamstack. What knowledge should I focus on obtaining, and what should I not focus on? Any advice?

[@maximillionpegasus5654]

Speaking of elephants, Elephants are the only animal to have four forward-facing knees

[@emilyforrester]

This is false. The front legs don't have knees, but elbows.

[@tadtromso8341]

I’m not sure if I hate you or love you. I really don’t know you.

[@uzairgangat]

Sickle I am a weeb

[@joshparker1197]

lmao dem goofy bastards

[@tnmVlog]

I had to stop the video to google it.. but yeah it is true

[@Mcstalker01]

I am taking two courses currently and I remember when I first learned stuff like Math.Pow and Decimal I made a calculator to calculate Pythagoreans theorem and I have to admit it felt AMAZING.

[@RyanMichaels]

Thanks Pat, for someone who has started and stopped with interest in coding but a lack of places to apply it, this video was a helpful piece of encouragement. I ran through most of the free modules a few years ago but bounced around and didn't find a place to apply it. Taking another serious look at things now as I've watched the company I work for continue to struggle with satisfying web development. Thanks for offering your insight and experience as encouragement!

[@yuhceeofficial]

Thanks for this. Very insightful

[@mildredjwashington8036]

Thanks for such a timely and interesting discussion about which language one should choose. Very sage advice and encouraging to hear. :) Millie

[@sinchen1434]

Excellent. Addressed quite a few queries that I had. Thanks a lot.

[@JakhongirUmarov]

Hi there, thank you for clear and easy to follow explanation.

[@damascanalexandru4998]

A very informative and well-structured video, brings a lot of clarity in choosing the path.

[@justicechukwuememka53]

Thank you very much. New to programming and your videos are very helpful.

[@newsentertainment1550]

A Well spoken brother, thank you so much.

[@christinaa126]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@bbsamazon]

Thanks Pat, for this video. If you had given a "pat" answer (no pun intended) I would have been disappointed. However, you did give the various scenarios which learners could fall under and gave an approximate timeframe, so your answer to the question, "How long does it take to learn to code?" was very informative. Thanks! 😊

[@mayarwacomedy2104]

i understand every steps in video thanks you pat for that

[@gamerchikx2938]

Hey there, your video was informative for me, so thank you. I just want to ask what drew you to learn to code and how you decided what you wanted to apply it too and what those applications would be?

[@KatiaIbanez]

Loved the video, specially the milestones. Now I have clear(er) goals and I know when I will be able to say "Hey, I know how to code and can help you". Thanks!

[@SA-247]

Great video I am also looking to do career change myself. I am just starting off but I would like to know what I should focus my attention on if I am trying to get a job working from home.

[@bradroeder167]

this was awesome.

[@Hespiota]

Thank you!

[@paulocabelloacha4195]

I will try the Pro Intensive Web Development course!. I hope it helps me to begin to work as a modern web dev!

[@ItsUSCurrency]

How did it go Paulo?

[@e28a]

Did you finish it?

[@JohnDoe-us7mt]

What’s up homie? I hope you are doing well. Thanks for the info.

[@benderbendingrofriguez3300]

Hello Codecademiy:Can you make a video comparing C,C#,C++,Phyton,Java,Javascrip?

[@lucifer-uc2eb]

If i dont know any thing about the programming but i want to learn it can you help me