Q&A: Advice for a complete beginner to programming?

Thanks everybody for reaching out to me on Facebook, Twitter and in the comments. Today's question is from Jonathan who basically asks what my advice would be for a complete beginner.
While it resembles a lot of the advice I gave in my other video talking about my story, I tried to add some very actionable steps.
Did this video help clarify anything for you? Let me know in the comments!
** Coaching **
Want to work with me personally to elevate your career and become a software developer in the next 4 months? If you consider yourself an action-taker who is fully committed to kick-starting your career as a developer then book your free Career Strategy Session with me by going to andysterkowitz.link/call-00004
** Social Media **
Catch me on social media:
Twitter: @andysterks
Facebook: / andy.sterkowitz

[@TJS1028]

I am so glad I found your channel. As someone who has been in IT for 20 years, but is just now getting into coding, your advice has been incredibly useful.

[@codysoutherland4265]

Just started watching your videos recently. You definitely seem like the most genuine KZbin programmer that I have seen and you answer and get right to the questions that people really want to know about!

[@broglang9102]

I love how much you help us beginner's brother and how you really care to answer peoples questions. Youe a cool dude!

[@patricia7149]

Hi Andy! New subscriber here. I really enjoy your videos. Please keep making more. All the best to you in the new year.

[@XiaaLa]

Thank you so much for this video! I love how you always speak so honestly and patiently and sound incredibly genuine in the advice you give beginner programmers. I really respect you for not holding back on sharing the pearls of wisdom you’ve gained through experience and not just focus on making yourself look good, it’s seriously refreshing. These videos are very supportive and reassuring to watch during my learning journey an armature developer. Look forward you sharing more!

[@ryansteffens367]

really good man; im beginning and this helped me figure out how to get started, thank you.

[@jetsonherrera7538]

You are so awesome keep doing your thing Andy ! Thank you!!

[@jfur5881]

As someone who is just beginning to write my own apps, I’ll confirm that going from learning the foundational concepts to writing a real application is hard! Must keep going!

[@dawsondrg]

I liked and subbed because of the last 30 seconds. Stay humble, thanks for putting yourself out there to help us!

[@valdius85]

I`ve watched most of your videos, starting from the most recent ones. You improve really fast. The advices are good. Regards from Tokyo

[@Alexandra-jz4cd]

such a great video Andy, great actionable advice! I am at the beginning of my journey, getting into coding, and you are such an insiration to me! Thank you!

[@AndySterkowitz]

You're very welcome Alexandra. Let me know how I can help.

[@dc0413]

Hi Andy, Wow, another awesome video blog! Thanks so much for taking the time to crank these out, your advice and candor has been super helpful over the past two vids you've uploaded. I have stepped up my pursuit on becoming a no-previous-experience programmer by deciding to chase after a Python programmer position and I think I would like to someday work towards being a software security specialty. Keep up the good work...your projects are having an impact!

[@AndySterkowitz]

Thanks DF! I am goin to keep putting stuff out there specifically for someone like yourself. Like I mentioned in my previous video I was lucky to have a mentor so if I can pass on that information to others I would feel pretty blessed. As always let me know how I can help!

[@maureento5435]

Here’s my honest opinion on your videos: I think they are absolutely amazing because they are to the point, they are sometimes humorous, and you are encouraging. I actually like your videos better than any other software dev-based KZbin channels because they are crisp, clean, and genuine. 👍🏼

[@organicapple4341]

Thanks Andy !

[@jamesh.4375]

I know this is like 9 months, but just wanted to say thanks for this and all your vids. Really helpful and motivating!

[@judeemeka6300]

Pppppppppppppppppp

[@Failureisnotanoptionever]

This is why I love KZbin.... useful videos.... thanks for making this video... highly inspiring!

[@mahmoudsayed9602]

Thank you Andy , you are my mentor

[@mgus353]

This is the first video I watched here in your channel and I think it is really helpful! I'm also trying to change careers from marketing into programming and decided to start with Java

[@laurengroombridge2]

Thanks for the video! I got contacted by someone who used his recruitment experience to understand that there's a shortfall in the amount of programmers/developers (hes self taught too and has worked as a developer) and he contacted me about a scholarship for his boot camp (it's like £6000 which I couldn't afford!) I have my interview today so I'm really hoping I get in, have only really looked at java, html and css so far. Just wanted to say I've found your videos super helpful along this process!

[@acedjgaming6779]

you should be a teacher. you are great at explaining things clearly.

[@AndySterkowitz]

Thank you 🙌

[@abdharr3761]

Not a school teacher, programming is less painful

[@haSHAH1]

@@AndySterkowitz you already are andy. Done ever be a teacher teacher.

[@MBXD001]

Correct

[@ryza1014]

Yo Andy, I’ve been devouring most of your videos when I have time. I ordered Head First JavaScript and will be getting the book in the mail tomorrow. I will be burying my face into that book and already here at work I’ve been thinking about the rudimentary concepts of Python that I was tinkering with yesterday. Honestly you should expand your mentoring into a true business you have the insight, charisma, honesty, and experience to pass on to many people. If people are curious about this work I will definitely point them to your videos.

[@keithhunt8]

Appreciate your videos. I'm 42yrs old and hoping to learn some programming this winter in the off season from my lawn business.

[@FaLkraydz]

How's that going?

[@keithhunt8]

@@FaLkraydz Not well. Working too many hours. I decided to get into WordPress website creation. Did a new one for my lawn business and have a few people willing to pay but dragging thier feet. They have no presence online. Google doesn't even know thier businesses exist. Its a n-brainer. Unfortunately I'll be probably doing this on top of my other jobs. As things pick up for web design and SEO work (adding that too, seems even more needed), I will start studying web development much more. If I continue with WordPress, which os great so far, PHP will be super useful to know. Thanks for asking.

[@FaLkraydz]

@@keithhunt8 good luck buddy, I've been learning JS for one year, built my portfolio, but still no professional experience. I'm Still learning JS properly. It's a hard path, but I believe everything will turn out ok. Wish you good luck, man. 👍🏼

[@keithhunt8]

@@FaLkraydz Best of luck tobyou. Too, man. We'll get there. Just need to stay focused. I'm exhausted most of the time right now. Its tough.

[@yourfellowhumanbeing2323]

@@keithhunt8 How it is going mate!?

[@alexhawthorne9509]

Thanks Andrew, really good content, thank you for posting. 😀

[@AndySterkowitz]

You’re very welcome and thank you for watching!

[@cahmaa12345]

Love this! (And your other vids) keep posting :)

[@AndySterkowitz]

Thank you maacah! New video coming out today :-)

[@ph3x388]

As someone that just started learning the very basics this is helping me much thx for the info

[@PavonDunbar]

Great video! Appreciate the content. Subscribed.

[@petarJK]

Another great video!👍

[@milar9161]

Great Advice. Basic beginner action points covered.

[@carmeister_]

Just discovered your channel!!! Awesome stuff!!

[@AndySterkowitz]

carmeister thanks for watching! Are there any topics you’d like to see me cover?

[@rondagatts8960]

GREAT tips! 9:42 - 9:55 I came to this realization even before watching your video. Now hearing you say it just confirms it more. Nice.

[@bentegoranson7865]

Didn't you watch the video ?

[@tiagotaquelim1776]

Thank you so much, and keep it up.

[@AndySterkowitz]

Such kind words...thanks Tiago!

[@mitchellcorporations1136]

This was really cool thanks!

[@WhatTHEDEUCElod]

Andy, thank you! You really motivate me with your videos to sit my lazy backside down and learn C sharp)))

[@danielwertz8724]

Good video man, I hope you get more subs. I am a .net developer but i love hearing other developers stories/advice :)

[@AndySterkowitz]

Thanks Daniel! I hear ya...I love being in this field and am always eager to hear other people’s experiences. Hopefully I can interview other devs to give a spectrum of opinion and experiences.

[@cuff38mac]

Hi, this was a great video. I recently completed a second bachelor degree program but felt I didn't gain what I thought in end so I started a udemy subscription to refresh my memory but came a rut as to how to move forward in getting a programming job. This video helped in giving me the perspective of working on my plan with actual timeline and milestone and create apps.

[@jadenelsonbuhaya4733]

Thanks for this..

[@SteelerY360Nation]

Good advice about not worrying, in the beginning, about being a front or back end Developer. Start building about 5 SMALL Applications for your Portfolio too. I got a bunch of Head First Books, because of You! 🙏 I have a 1 to 2 year plan cause I don’t wanna rush, and not have a Solid Foundation. As a newbie, I work at nights, so it gives me a lot of opportunity to study after 7am. I make sure I lie & rest in Bed after each hour of Studying, so I can think about the info I’m learning. I’m am an Insomniac, so I can’t sleep when I get off work, for hours. I live by myself with no distractions. This Technique helps Me

[@otiswhite902]

Thanks this really helps.

[@dec23]

Great video, Andy. Very helpful. Just in time as I decided to search for jobs! Earlier than I thought. :) I'm ready!

[@AndySterkowitz]

Congrats Alexandra. Keep me posted! (For realz)

[@fityetty]

Thank you

[@imranhaque8169]

Hi Andy! Thanks a lot for motivating us. I really need your suggestion. I'm in situation where I have to learn c#. I have no experience in coding but I really need to learn it. One of my friends suggested to start with C, then move to C# .I have started watching KZbin videos on C and I'm really enjoying it . By now I have covered very basics like overviews of how cpu ,memory etc works, variables , data types, input out put instructions ,few operators. Now I can sense it will take time to move from C to C#. Please suggest how can I move to C# without knowing C. Could you please suggest me any books or tutorial or anything.

[@mathewnet123]

Hi Andy, Did you know you talk truth......... Thank post more. You are giving hope to the someone who need it. you are making difference keep the good work

[@AndySterkowitz]

Appreciate the kind words!

[@zefzaf_pharmacy]

Thanks Andy, keep on such amazing motivating videos. You lights up the road for beginners like me Thank you so much dear 👍🏻👏🏻🙏🏻

[@AndySterkowitz]

So glad to hear Ahmed! I’ll keep trying to put out videos 😁

[@TitanUnleashed7]

I’ve thought about it for awhile now been a computer and tech enthusiast for awhile but I never really got into learning what goes on inside tech (software development etc). I noticed you said to make sure to take it seriously but since I’m still in highschool I’ve tried to keep consistent in studying it but I just keep getting caught up in my actual required studies for school that it’s like I gotta start from scratch each time

[@mtt4639]

Hi im 18 and im self taught programing im doing this near my school for 8 years and now I know c ,c++ ,html,css ,java ,... and lot of more languages this video was to helpful and i was experienced those things you mentioned and this video give me so much hope thanks for publishng this video

[@alistairmerryman1210]

Hey man great job. I'm doing a deep dive into full stack this year more of a personal goal. It's great to hear your journey! Just be yourself brotha

[@AndySterkowitz]

Thanks Alistair! Wait so are you currently a developer or you are saying you are looking to dive into becoming one?

[@alistairmerryman1210]

I'm not a developer but I have a business interest in becoming more technical because I am working with developers in a PM capacity...so it makes a lot of sense for me to invest time in looking at life from their point of view. I also I just enjoy it :-)

[@AndySterkowitz]

Right on. Well good luck and keep me posted on how things are going.

[@barryadrianallen]

Love the channel. Very motivational to watch when doubt creeps in and I think I'm never going to learn this stuff. I'd love for you to do a video on JS frameworks/libraries/CMS. More specifically, when I browse the job listings, I routinely see React/Angular/Drupal etc. Will a portfolio demonstrating the use of the 3 basics, HTML/CSS/JavaScript be enough for an employer or are frameworks essential? If so, what do you recommend? What is your experience of this from the inside of a web dev company? Are they generally happy if you have the core fundamentals? Is learning a framework on the job, a daunting task? It'd be awesome if you could do a video discussing this. Cheers. Keep up the good work.

[@thegenjutsuuser]

this is a very similar situation I am in right now. going for a front end developer and I am working my way up slowly but steady.

[@AndySterkowitz]

Nice!! So you are looking for your first job right now or you already employed?

[@justinarbiol390]

This channel needs more attention than it currently has

[@AndySterkowitz]

Thank you! It's slowly coming along :-)

[@rondagatts8960]

Good tips.

[@ritahinabukenyaiii838]

Damnn!! That’s encouraging

[@robdaniels7841]

very nice video thank you

[@rafaelmassiah3210]

Thanks for this good vídeo

[@OldMovieRob]

Not sure if this has been covered, but I'd like to see a sample of what a portfolio should look like.

[@_pushshove]

Very inspiring

[@AndySterkowitz]

Thanks Chris :-D

[@hyzelfadhil5691]

Looking at this video (awkward) VS looking your 2020 videos (confident and eloquent)... Reminds me of the age old saying. Practise makes perfect

[@AndySterkowitz]

Agreed 😊

[@adamoto1927]

Hi Andy, I have a question. It mentions in the intro of the book you recommended that its not for you if you haven't covered the Head First HTML/CSS book. Is that necessary? Thanks.

[@mikebrownbassist802]

Do I need to learn multiple languages before applying for my first job or would just learning Python be ok?

[@davidrodriguez894]

Hi, so i have a few dollars and i wanted to start programming, i was looking into the headfirst books. Do you recommend i start with headstart html and css? or javascript? thank you. @ Andy Sterkowitz

[@nevilholmes5900]

Thanks

[@user-ke3cp6et2l]

ayy lmao I like the fact your videos may encourage someone. Keep on sharing your thoughts

[@bkosimi]

Thanks for sharing some good content, Andy! Do you think after completing 5-10 projects basically following step by step guides available online will someone be ready for real life jobs? Appreciate your thoughts on this. Take care, be safe out there.

[@mohammed_haddad]

Did you code your first app right after finishing learning " Head first Java Script" or learned something after that?

[@bravenick]

Thank you for such inspiring video! I’m also started my journey. But decide to go first with “C” language so in future I can switch to C++.

[@AndySterkowitz]

You’re welcome! Wait so you are learning C as your first language? That is pretty bold!

[@bravenick]

Andrew Sterkowitz Yeah I know that it’s tough. My goal is to transition my self from QA Tester to a developer. So C is the first step to learn C++ and then start creating experiences with Unreal engine.

[@AndySterkowitz]

Brave Nick badass man! It sounds like you know exactly what you want to do.

[@mihailodukic601]

You provide us with truth. You are live the Fox Mulder of Programming.

[@AndySterkowitz]

Lol never thought of it that way but I’ll take it

[@prettyflower9]

Being self taught, should I go into cybersecurity or software development/engineering?

[@patd5280]

Forgot to ask, my school started us out on C++, is there another language that would make it easier for me to learn classes easier? Thanks

[@djnuro5973]

The Tetris game you built, did you build it completely from scratch on your own or follow a tutorial? If you followed a tutorial would you still put it in the portfolio?

[@Complexanxiety]

More q&a videos

[@Blaqity]

So cool, I'm a cell phone salesman. Also just work in Home Internet. I want to expand my knowledge. I want to focus on making a really cool and interactive Twitter application. Where should I start?

[@nanobritech2631]

I just started an online school for CS software engineer is math a big thing in being a software engineer and if so, then what kind of math is used

[@icreator_websites]

How do I learn Java fast if i am complete newb in this field? Just got to dig in to computer field, so far it is fan but soo much data out there

[@tiaelise74]

Is there a good programming language, if you want to focus on accessibility?

[@YourFriendlyInsuranceAdjuster]

New subscriber here. Your videos would work more for me if they were in playlists! I want to watch them all but looking for particular topics first.

[@georgenwuya3417]

What do you think of someone with a degree in electrical and electronics engineering, working as a network tech for 3 yrs, with very very basic programming knowledge trying to go into programming? I am quite confused, pls advise

[@keegancan]

Hey, any idea if learning programming would help me learn how cellphones, warehouse scanners work?

[@mariamonk2592]

How to program a slot machine? Thanks

[@chancerowland5585]

hello sir, Are you from Columbus OH? I just saw you mention devry in a past video and just wandering haha. saying this at the beginning of the video.

[@sabry8484]

Hey, I'm a software developer, stumbled upon your video here. I don't fully agree that every language would do to start; some languages have more structure than others, some are more complex than others, some are more required by the market, some give you a better background on developing ex. object oriented programming, design patterns, data structures. In my opinion it's better to start from something easy, not everything is easy. Just a thought. Also... I had to answer questions in interviews about for loops and basics of the language. Difference between for and while loop, for example. People want to know how deep your knowledge is. Maybe where you live it's different.

[@micjakes1]

Do the codecademy tutorials on C# or Python, or even javasript help advance your chances of getting a job? Do they get you job ready?

[@cesmora]

I thought you spoke well, and the video to be very informative. I'll be noting these things down

[@madzyadzy07]

I just picked up Head First: Learn To Code 2018.

[@skete1338]

It is worth it?

[@aweirdperson.864]

What is the best way to transition from weekly pay to salary?

[@patd5280]

Hi Andy, you mentioned that developing is a lucrative career but I wonder... is it still? I remember reading in a book that accounting was extremely lucrative because there weren't that many people but in time, when more chose that for a career, the starting salaries declined. With so many people becoming developers, do you see that happening now? I ask because I have wanted to program for a long time but haven't been able to first reasons that are too long to explain, now that I am recovering from a surgery (my last of 12 surgeries in the last 4 yrs on my shoulders, arms, hands) am I finally going to be able to study again but now wonder...have salaries started to decline? Also, I was studying C++ when I was in school back in 2013 before my surgeries started cause of a huge accident, and as much as I loved C++ for some reason, my weakness was classes. Is there a way that I can learn classes....be it a book, video.. anything that you would recommend? I would greatly appreciate it.. thanks

[@EmadApple]

Do you think mobile ios dev is dieing? Shout i start with the web dev first?

[@naolkebede321]

I don't know anything about coding or programming but I have an idea for an app and I can't afford to hire a developer or programmer so I want to make the first version and maybe I will hire developer for updates

[@FaLkraydz]

Is this normal? I've been studying JS for almost a year and I still get stuck in projects for long time, I don't know how to organize an app so I can create it without making a mess in my code. And because of that, I get stuck and need to Google things for days and sometimes more than a week. I get stuck for too long and it makes me wonder if I know the language, or if I could go to an interview and create something that they ask me to create. Almost a year studying and I only know how to create something if I follow a video. PS. My wife gave me the Head First book in February, I'm gonna make a plan and start on it tomorrow. Really hope it will help me to create a mindset to program or think like a programmer, because I don't think I'm able to do it. And it's funny cause I've created 2 games, one with video help, and the other one I actually did on my own. I do have my portfolio. But I still don't feel confident, I don't feel I've learn to the point I am confident to say I can build everything, cause I get stuck to easy.

[@wixom5469]

has anything changed? improvement?

[@fiddlewidmatoe8310]

I am learning C and school syllabus forces me to learn it .... But hell imma ditch C and and learn js and py instead.....

[@mcrcoating]

HI can someone tell what machine type I need pc desktop like a i5 Samsung 1tb 8gb ram will help

[@AndySterkowitz]

What programming languages do you plan on learning? Typically most of the beginner languages don't really need that powerful of a computer setup.

[@stickmanbattle997]

Im man im 16 yrs old 2 month beginner in Programming i study c 4-6 studying coding a day and also 1 hour for math is that good enough ?

[@theVoyager2080]

In ur thumbnail... what is the name of ur Mac?? Is it available it store or Amazon?? I want to know the name of that product!! If anyone knows then tell me!!

[@raymeester7883]

Is that a Text Editor? Atom?

[@reshumahobiya5656]

Correct

[@mohamadnozari115]

Great

[@Destroymaster100]

whats an ideal amount of hours to study a day when you are learning a language as a beginner?

[@robbieroberts1261]

Hey I am wanting to be a computer programmer and I have had over 500 hrs. In C.A.D.D., and i have done all sorts of construction all my life I’m 32 now and I would like to start but I am clueless I heard you mention the head first book and I will go to the library to check that out but I am in a tough spot I don’t even have a desktop computer I have a cheap laptop from Walmart but I don’t even think it could keep up with everything that would need to be done I also don’t have internet and I know I might be rambling and sorry if I am but I literally am stuck at a 500 way crossword it feels and not sure how to line things out to start making progress in the right direction

[@fantagaming2190]

Hello, I am a graduating student, my course is education major in literature and it is quiet far in computer world, I've decided to practice how to code and how to play with codes. At first it is so very hard, it is just like I'm in pre-school and trying to understand the sonnet of Shakespeare but after 3 days I learned some basic codes, of python, I've learn how to use the modules, class, functions, str, int, float and etc and after 1 week of studying I attempted to make calculator and grading system with the concept of making restaurant system management fortunately it's running well.. And I decided to make a website with django, without any stack knowledge I am just looking for tutorial and eventually I understand some functions and how it works, and that way I learned something in html and css, and also I tried to understand the data science with the help of matplotlib, numpy, scipy for graphing and opencv for object recognition.... And this is my 1st 3 weeks of studying on how to use python.My question is do I need to learn all of that? developing website, making software/system/moblie app, data sciences, games? and now I'm trying to make my own voice command. thanks.

[@Fabian-cr7mf]

Your videos are very informative thank you so much for your content

[@joshuajurado2565]

What are the courses you took sir?

[@DragonboltBlastter]

This video did not only learn me the steps to start learning programming but also HOW to learn (the general things in life).