How to Learn Programming Online

If you’re starting to learn a new skill, you can find dozens of tips and resources online; learning programming is no different. Programming aims to create a sequence of instructions for automating a computer’s tasks or even its operating systems. The main goal of programming is to solve a problem. If you’ve always wanted to learn programming, 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 is Programming?

Computer programming is writing coded instructions that communicate to a computer, software program, or application you’d like for it to perform a specific task. Programmers write code to create these instructions to find solutions to different issues and ensure that different software programs and apps will operate successfully. This process often involves devising strategies to enhance code to implement organizational initiatives more effectively. Most programmers work with various coding languages, such as Python, C++, and JavaScript.

Typically, Computer Programmers perform various daily tasks: writing code, updating software programs to address security vulnerabilities or fix bugs, writing and testing code for apps and programs, troubleshooting code to spot errors, and translating existing code from one programming language to another. It’s a job that is ever-changing. The field of computer programming continues to grow in popularity as Programmers find new ways to communicate more effectively with computers.

Programming has changed drastically over the past century. Initially, programmers used punch cards containing rows of numbers read by a machine. Now, it incorporates drag-and-drop interfaces and other methods that allow for much faster programming speed. Although some individuals use the terms “programming” and “coding” interchangeably, the two are slightly different by definition. Programming is a mental process that requires creating the instructions given to a computer. In contrast, coding pertains to translating those instructions into a written language understandable to a computer.

Read more about what programming is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Programming?

Computer programming is a versatile skill with various uses across industries and professions. Because we rely so much on computers for daily tasks, those who know how to program have many job opportunities. 

The following are a few items you can do with a background in programming:

• Programmers who know languages such as JavaScript, CSS, or HTML can design interactive websites for clients.
• Individuals with advanced programming skills are needed to create computer games, a popular form of entertainment for many. 
• Mobile apps are more popular than ever as cell phones become more widely used for everyday tasks like banking and navigating. Those who know how to program can create mobile apps to simplify these tasks.
• Repetitive work tasks can take many hours of tedious work to complete. However, with the help of automation, they can be instructed to work independently to complete said tasks. Programming skills make it possible to automate tasks like posting on social media, controlling the thermostat at home, or sending emails.
• Programming with R or Python allows users to incorporate advanced statistical analysis into analytical or research tasks. 
• With programming, it is possible to build or maintain large databases. Programmers use languages such as SQL or PHP to use and maintain extensive databases.
• Those who work in the field of data science rely on programming to perform tasks such as developing models that can make predictions based on data insights.

Live Online Programming Training

Another great way to study computer programming is to enroll in a live online course. Similar to in-person study, online programming classes provide students with access to an instructor in real-time who’s available to provide support and answer questions as they arise. Because students can complete all coursework remotely, those enrolled can study from the comfort of their home or office without having to commute to and from campus in rush-hour traffic or waste time searching for parking. A critical consideration of live online courses is that they still require participants to attend regularly occurring meetings. Thus, meetings or workloads may require individuals to take off work or rearrange their schedules to attend. 

Many excellent live online programming classes are currently available for interested students. Interested learners can select from over 400 course offerings in programming languages like Python, SQL, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. NYC Data Science Academy’s Introductory Python provides an overview of how users can utilize Python for data analysis. Participants in this beginner-friendly class work with NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, and Seborn for data analysis and data visualization. If you want to work specifically with JavaScript, Juno College of Technology’s JavaScript class provides instructions on creating interactive websites with this coding language.

Noble Desktop also has a range of live online programming classes available to learners new to coding and those with more advanced skills. Noble’s Software Engineering Certificate teaches students the skills needed to pursue a career as a Full Stack Developer or Software Engineer. Instruction is provided on working with CSS, React, JavaScript, and HTML for front end development and using Django, Node.js, and Python for building the back end. Noble’s Python Developer Certificate prepares participants to work as Software Engineers, Back End Developers, or Python Developers. In this hands-on program, students receive instruction on performing Python software development using developer tools like Git, SQL, and Django. Noble’s Full-Stack Web Development Certificate is also available in the live online format. This class covers both front end and back end web development. Each of these Noble Desktop certificates includes one-on-one mentoring with tuition.

On-Demand Programming Classes

In addition to live online programming courses, on-demand programming classes are also available. These courses are ideal for those new to programming and interested in an overview or for individuals wanting to learn a specific programming language, such as Python or JavaScript. Self-paced programming classes are generally the most affordable study option; some courses are free. They’re an excellent starting point if you aren’t fully ready to commit to a bootcamp or certificate program. Because all course material is pre-recorded in asynchronous programming classes, you can study at your own pace and complete lessons around other life commitments, like family engagements, full-time work, and travel. Programming videos can be paused, rewound, and rewatched as often as needed to help you retain information and take notes on what you’re studying. 

Although self-paced programming content like online tutorials and YouTube channels is a great starting point in your programming journey, it’s important to remember that these classes don’t provide access to an instructor. You will have to find answers if you have questions about the course material. For this reason, asynchronous programming content is best suited for beginner-level study; mastering more complex programming skills may require the structure of an in-person or live online class. Also, because of the sheer amount of self-paced programming material currently available, it may be challenging to know which is the most up-to-date and which is not current. 

Noble Desktop provides two free on-demand Programming tutorials: Making a Twitter Bot in Python and Exchanging Excel for Python. Both videos are barely over an hour long. They are a great way to learn more about using Python for programming tasks and discover whether Python will eventually replace Excel in industries like finance and marketing. In addition, 160 hours of beginner-friendly content on programming is available from SheCodes Pro. This course track teaches students core JavaScript, CSS, and HTML web development skills and how to work with APIs and AJAX. The cost of the study is $1,390. For intermediate-level programming instruction, Udacity’s Full Stack Web Developer is offered. Participants in this four-month course learn how to create databases using Python and SQL and use Flask while they develop and test REST APIs. A platform subscription is required for this class.

Free Intro Courses & Tutorials

Free introductory programming courses are available online if you want to learn computer programming but aren’t sure about enrolling in an entire course. These courses and videos are designed to help you understand different programming languages before committing to more intensive learning options. 

Noble Desktop offers an hour-long webinar devoted to getting started with Python programming. Intro to Python Fundamentals provides an overview of how to use Python for automating boring or repetitive tasks. This beginner-friendly course is designed for those who may be new to programming and want to know what Python is and how to work with it. Noble also offers Intro to Node.js for those who want to learn about this popular JavaScript framework used for creating web apps. 

In addition to Noble’s free online programming resources, materials are available from other top educators as well. Udemy currently has several free online programming classes, such as Programming 101, designed for those new to working with hardware, networking, licensing, and programming. In addition, Git & GitHub Crash Course: Create a Repository From Scratch is also available. This course is a mere half an hour long and teaches students how to make a Git repository, clone it, and make changes. Coursera also provides a wide range of free programming courses. Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming offers 12 hours of beginner-friendly content on core programming principles in software engineering. Coursera’s C++ Basic Structures: Vectors, Pointers, Strings, and Files includes nine hours of instruction on how to code and run a C++ program.

Read more about free programming videos and online tutorials.

Comparing Online Methods with In-Person Learning 

If you’re interested in studying programming, learning options are available in three primary formats: in-person, live online, and self-paced. 

The in-person format is the most interactive and engaging way to study computer programming. In-person courses provide students with computer labs with the most up-to-date software and tools. In addition, because an expert instructor is available, you can ask questions and receive immediate feedback and professional guidance on creating portfolios. Students in the in-person format also have the opportunity to connect and network. One consideration of in-person programming classes requires participants to commute to and from campus for regularly scheduled meetings. This schedule may be challenging for those who regularly travel for work or hold long hours at the office, and it may require some to rearrange their schedules.

Another engaging learning format to study programming is live online courses. These classes are taught by an instructor in real-time, using a platform such as Zoom. This feature allows participants to ask questions and receive support on complex programming concepts. In addition, because individuals can complete all coursework remotely, you can choose to study from any location, such as your home or office; there’s no need to battle rush-hour traffic to attend class. Like in-person study, live online courses require attending regularly scheduled meetings, which may require taking time off work. Still, they are an excellent learning option for those who don’t want to waste time commuting to and from campus or searching for parking.

Asynchronous learning materials may be a better match if you’re a learner who prefers to study programming at your own pace. Unlike in-person and live online study, self-paced programming courses can be completed anytime, any day of the week, from any location with an internet connection. All course material is pre-recorded, which means you can watch videos as often as necessary to help reinforce challenging concepts, and pause or rewind as often as needed. Another benefit of asynchronous programming material is that it’s generally the most affordable learning option; some are free. However, because there is so much online content available on programming, such as YouTube videos, blog posts, and tutorials, it can be challenging to find the most up-to-date learning materials. In addition, since you won’t have access to an instructor to provide support, it may be challenging in on-demand programming study to find answers to questions. For this reason, self-paced courses are typically a good starting point in your programming learning journey. To master more complex concepts, however, a more structured course may be necessary.

Tips to Succeed when Learning Programming Online

Studying programming online can be advantageous. By heeding a few tips, most individuals gain more from their online studies:

• Establishing clear learning goals is essential to successful online study. If you’re enrolled in a live online course, the instructor and the regular class schedule will dictate the pace. However, setting realistic and obtainable goals is essential for those who work with self-paced material. Instead of trying to learn programming in a week, you may instead want to begin by learning basics before progressing to more advanced coding skills.
• Because programming can be challenging to master, it may be helpful to revisit some core skills that programming is built on before enrolling in a course. Knowledge of advanced mathematical concepts, as well as data structures and algorithms, are essential prerequisites.
• Select a quiet place where you can complete coursework. Finding a quality place may mean using a room in your house as an office or finding a spot at your local library with a good internet connection and a comfortable chair.
• If you choose to study in the live online format, take advantage of having an instructor available. Ask questions as they arise and seek guidance on complex skills. If you wish to enroll in self-paced programming classes, you may need to find support elsewhere since you won’t have access to an instructor. Even reaching out to former professors, coworkers, or others with programming experience is a great way to get some support. You may also consider joining an online developer community like GitHub or Stack Overflow to connect with other Programmers.
• Individuals wishing to work with on-demand programming material should consider selecting the most current content available. The programming field is rapidly changing, making finding the most up-to-date content essential.

Key Takeaway

• Online learning options such as live online courses and self-paced materials are available if you want to study computer programming.
• Live online programming classes meet at regularly scheduled intervals and provide access to an instructor in real-time. On the other hand, asynchronous study materials are pre-recorded and can be completed at your speed from any location.
• Suppose you choose to study programming in an online environment. In that case, you should set realistic learning goals, create a quiet place for study, and take advantage of learning resources such as a live instructor or an online developer community such as Stack Overflow.
• Enrolling in one of Noble Desktop’s in-person or live online courses is a great way to learn about computer programming.

Learn Programming with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop, an educational provider, located in Manhattan, offers a range of programming courses for those new to this field and individuals with more advanced coding skills. Noble’s bootcamps and certificates provide hands-on programming training in the small class setting and are an excellent option for those who want to take their programming skills to the next level.

Those wishing to pursue a career as a Full Stack Web Developer, explore Noble’s in-person and live online Full-Stack Web Development Certificate since it presents a high-level learning opportunity. Instruction is provided on both front end web development and back end programming. Participants in this rigorous course learn CSS, JavaScript, and HTML. In addition, instruction is provided on using Git to track code changes. Those enrolled also create dynamic web apps using Node.js and React. For those who want to study the most widely used programming language, Noble’s JavaScript Development Certificate is for you. This intensive certificate program teaches students how to use JavaSript to design websites, build web applications, and create database-driven apps.

Noble also offers a Data Science Certificate for those interested in becoming Data Scientists. This hands-on program provides mentoring, as well as hands-on training, from industry experts. Instruction is provided on core data science skills, such as creating machine learning models, using SQL to query databases, and performing data analysis using Python. Tuition includes the option of a free class retake for up to one year, as well as one-on-one mentoring.

Noble also offers an in-person and live online Python Developer Certificate for those who want to work with Python. Those who enroll in this certificate receive hands-on instruction on fundamental Python programming skills, like using Django for Python software development and working with Django REST, SQL, and Git. This training is designed to prepare students to become Back End Developers, Software Engineers, or Python Engineers.