How to Learn Code Editors Online

If you’re just starting to learn a new skill, you can find dozens of tips and resources online; learning how to use code editors is no different.Code editors are a tool Software Developers use to facilitate the writing of error-free code. If you’ve always wanted to learn code editors, there are plenty of options at your fingertips. From free tutorials to live classes, your options are outlined here so you can decide how to learn in a way that works best for you.

What are Code Editors?

A code editor is a type of developer tool, widely used by programmers to facilitate their writing process. It’s a standalone program that developers will write their code in before entering it where it will ultimately be executed. Code editors provide features that make coding more efficient and give the programmer more clarity about how their code functions. Code editors have been in use since 1985, when IBM developed the first one. 

Prior to the invention of code editors, coders generally wrote in a word processing program before transferring their code to be executed. The importance of code editors is that they are specifically designed for writing programs efficiently. Unlike a word processing program, the creators of a code editor build all of its features with this purpose in mind. Standard features of a code editor include live parsing, syntax highlighting, automatic indentation, auto-completion, and expandable code snippets.

One of a code editor’s most important features is color-coded syntax highlighting. The code editor parses the code in real-time to identify its key elements—such as variables, commands, and functions—and highlights them in different colors to help the programmer see the code’s structure more clearly. Another aspect of code editors that clarifies structure is the automatic indentation of code that runs inside functions or loops, so the coder can see that this code is subordinate to the larger structure of the program.

Code editors typically include built-in error-checking, which allows coders to avoid tedious debugging by hand. Like search engines, code editors also have an auto-complete feature, which saves time by anticipating and suggesting what you might want to write next. Another time-saving element of most code editors is the ability to use built-in code snippets to execute the same code repeatedly. Some editors let you create custom code snippets for your specific projects. Many of them can also work with plug-ins that increase their functionality. 

On a higher level, code editors make it easier for a Developer to navigate code files and resources as they work. Today, almost every Developer uses a code editor. For beginners, the most popular code editor is Visual Studio Code. Other beginner-friendly code editors include Atom, Notepad++, and Sublime.

Read more about what code editors are and why you should learn them.

What Can You Do with Code Editors?

Code editors allow a Developer to write error-free code more efficiently. They come equipped with features that facilitate the coding process. These features include syntax highlighting, automatic indentation, error-checking, autocomplete, and code snippets. That’s why their use is practically universal among developers today.

Color-coded syntax highlighting allows the coder to see the structure of their code. The code editor identifies in real-time what type of coding element the programmer is using, and uses color highlighting to mark variables, commands, and functions in the code. The live parsing that makes syntax highlighting possible also allows code editors to provide automatic indentation. Sections of code that are subordinate to the overall program, like those within functions or loops, are indented to show the relationship they bear to the rest of the code.

Another aspect of code editors that increases developer efficiency is the error-checking function, which allows the coder to avoid hours of tedious debugging. Many code editors have an autocomplete function, just as search engines do. This saves you time by anticipating and suggesting what you may want to write next. Code snippets also speed up your process by allowing you to avoid typing the same lengthy bit of code over and over again.

Live Online Code Editors Training

Though in-person training remains the most common learning method, virtual training has grown in popularity over the last several years. Taking a course in a live online format allows the student to avoid the drawbacks of a commute to class, while also keeping the advantage of working directly with an expert instructor. If you take a course live online, you’ll still get the benefit of real-time clarification, feedback, and guidance on your work. Some students may also find it easier to focus in their own homes than in a classroom. At home, you can set up your study space however you like it, and learning from home also helps you avoid potential distractions that might arise from being in the same space as your classmates.

If you find social interaction motivating, however, you may miss that element of learning in-person. Technical issues can be a problem with live online training as well, as a crashing computer or shaky internet connection can interrupt your access to instruction. Also, the quality of your equipment may not be as high as that of the resources you’d have access to when training in person.

To study coding and code editors live online, you could do a certificate program through Noble Desktop. If you’re looking to become a Data Scientist, the Python Developer certificate program might be a good option for you. An aspiring Web Developer could look into the certificate in full stack development, front end web development certificate, or certificate in JavaScript development. You can also learn code editors live online through live online coding classes and bootcamps from Noble, or other providers including Digital Crafts, Ironhack, or Tech Elevator.

On-Demand Code Editors Classes

Depending on your own situation, self-paced on-demand training in code editors could be the best choice for you. This is typically the most cost-effective learning method. If you’re studying the basics, you can often find free materials such as video tutorials or explainers.

To take your studies in-depth, however, you’ll probably want access to some paid on-demand materials. Skillsoft, Udacity, and Treehouse are among the providers that offer self-paced coding courses. The other advantage of choosing to learn from paid materials is that you can be confident they will be high-quality and up-to-date, which avoids the difficulty of filtering the available free materials to determine what is actually useful. And even though you will make some investment, paid on-demand materials are still substantially cheaper than live instruction.

On-demand training is also a particularly good fit for those with a busy schedule. Not only do you avoid a commute, but you have even greater flexibility because you can learn at any time, whenever you find a moment.

A drawback of choosing on-demand training over live instruction is that you won’t have access to an expert instructor who can answer questions or provide feedback on the work you’re doing. You’ll also need more self-discipline if you choose this route, as you’ll have to keep yourself on track without the external structure of schedules and deadlines that live instruction offers. Confident that you can stay focused and fit your studies into that busy schedule? In that case, a self-paced course might be perfect for you.

Free Intro Courses & Tutorials

Perhaps, as you read about code editors, you’re thinking that this sounds like an interesting skill, but you’re not quite ready to start a full coding course. If so, you may simply want an overview of code editors, which you can generally acquire for free online. Noble has a free tutorial on the Visual Studio Code editor to get you started with that program. If you want to learn more about code editors in general, there are some courses available at Udemy that will take you through how code editors work and what you can do with them. Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare all have courses on the use of specific code editors.

Read about more free videos and online tutorials on how to use code editors.

Comparing Online Methods with In-Person Learning 

Whether you choose to study code editors in-person, live online, or using on-demand materials, the method you select will have its particular advantages. Most students find live instruction a more engaging way to study code editors because it is more interactive. Expert instructors can provide real-time answers to your questions, feedback on your work, and guidance as you proceed in your studies. Some also find that learning along with others motivates them in their studies. Live instruction often makes it easier to stay on track, too, as it provides an external structure of schedules and deadlines. Yet for some students, usually self-starters with busy schedules, self-paced study using on-demand materials can be a better fit.

Does social interaction tend to give you more energy? If so, an in-person study of code editors might be the right choice for you. The classroom experience of bonding with your teacher and classmates can be a motivating force for some students, and it also offers great networking opportunities. You’ll also avoid the potential for technical difficulties to get in the way of your learning process. Many in-person courses also provide up-to-date equipment and industry-standard software, which could make your studies easier and, in that respect, more affordable.

If you happen to live in an area without access to in-person classes where you could study code editors, the best instruction method for you might be live online training. This could also apply if you are too busy to commute to classes. The social aspect of in-person training is also distracting for some students, who may find learning from home helps with their focus. However, the limited social interaction offered by live online courses may make them less stimulating for others. With studying online but in real-time, there is also the possibility of a computer or internet issue getting in the way of your work.

In general, the most affordable option for training in code editors is on-demand study. This makes it a good way to learn the basics. It can also be a good choice for those who are especially busy, as it allows you to pursue your studies on your own schedule. The drawback is that it lacks the aspect of real-time access to an instructor whose expert guidance can ease and expedite your learning process.

Tips to Succeed when Learning Code Editors Online

A vital tool in your online study of coding and code editors will be self-awareness. There are a few questions you need to ask yourself before you start.

• What’s the best fit for my life?: Would having a specific timed obligation help you stay on track in your studies? Or is your schedule so packed that it would be hard to complete work on a set timeline or make it to class on a specific schedule?
• What’s my learning style?: Do you learn best by reading? Or are you a visual learner who finds videos more engaging?
• Am I a self-starter?: Do you need the external motivation you’d get from a live online course with specific deadlines and a schedule set by someone else? Or are you confident that you have the personal discipline to use on-demand materials to teach yourself at your own pace?

Your answers to these questions will help you decide whether a live online training format or self-paced course will be the best option for your and your situation. 

Whichever training format you choose to pursue, you can also employ certain strategies that can help you succeed after you have decided how to go about studying coding and code editors online.

• Find a mentor: You’ll have an easier time learning to use a code editor if you can find someone to work with who is an expert. Working with a mentor allows you to get guidance, feedback, and clarification. A live online course provides a built-in expert instructor, but if you are pursuing your studies through on-demand materials, you’ll still want to seek out a mentor to ease the process.
• Join a study group: Many students find encouragement in connecting with other learners working to pick up the same skill. And you can still have access to that resource even if you study online. As with programming languages, code editors have forums that can help you connect with others studying them.
• Learn by doing: While you can learn some basic concepts from reading or watching tutorials, coding—and therefore using code editors—will remain mostly inaccessible to you unless you do it yourself. So when you watch a tutorial, make sure to follow along with it as well, pausing and rewatching as often as you need to.

• Come up with a specific project you want to code: As you study coding and code editors, you can motivate yourself by conceiving of a specific program you want to write with the code editor’s help. This goal will serve as a concrete reason for you to practice your coding regularly.

• Practice: Regular practice is essential to the study of coding and code editors. Your learning will be rapid and thorough if you establish and stick to a steady practice schedule. This is especially true if your course is self-paced, as you won’t have the built-in class times or the motivation of deadlines to keep you moving forward.
• Be patient: As with any skill, applying a healthy dose of patience to your studies will make it easier to push through the inevitable sticking points in your learning process. This will be especially important if you are not able to find a group of fellow learners to work along with in your online studies. If you have enough patience, you’ll be able to move past the hiccups and continue building your skills.

Key Insights

• Code editors allow programmers to write their code more efficiently
• Standard functions of a code editor include color-coded syntax highlighting, automatic indentation, error-checking, autocompletion, and expandable code snippets
• Live online instruction provides access to a built-in expert who can provide clarification, feedback, and guidance
• Self-paced study may be better for those with a busy schedule
• You can begin with free introductory video tutorials but will need to make a financial investment if you want to go in-depth
• Before you choose a method of online learning, ask yourself:
• What’s the best fit for my life?
• What’s my learning style?
• Am I a self-starter?
• To succeed in learning coding and code editors online, there are several strategies you can apply some or all of:
• Find a mentor
• Join a study group
• Learn by doing
• Come up with a specific project you want to code
• Practice
• Be patient
• You can receive comprehensive training in how to use code editors through a live online course with Noble Desktop

Learn Coding with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

When you study coding at Noble Desktop, the expert instructors and small class sizes will expedite and enhance your learning process. Noble’s varied training formats allow you to choose the type of training that will work best for you, whether that’s in-person or live online. Once you’ve finished a Noble course, you can retake that class for free, which can be helpful if you’d like to learn even more about coding. Coding courses at Noble include the use of code editors and other vital developer tools.

Noble has several certificate programs in coding. Your choice of program will depend on why you want to learn the skill. If you’re interested in becoming a Web Developer, you might want to enroll in a certificate in full stack development, unless you’re exclusively interested in front end work. In that case, the front end web development certificate program might be for you. Noble’s certificate in JavaScript development is also a good option for aspiring Web Developers. Students looking to become Data Scientists may want to check out the Python Developer certificate program.

If you’d prefer to start with an individual class before leaping into a certificate program, you can study coding in-person or take live online coding classes.