What do you do if you need to grasp programming concepts rapidly?
When you're faced with the task of learning programming quickly, it can seem daunting. Whether you're prepping for a new job, tackling a side project, or simply wanting to expand your skill set, the need to absorb complex information swiftly is a common challenge. The key is to approach this systematically, breaking down the process into manageable pieces, and utilizing resources and strategies that cater to accelerated learning.
Before diving headfirst into learning, it's crucial to define what you need to learn. This means setting clear, achievable goals. For instance, if you're aiming to build a website, focus on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. By pinpointing the specific programming languages or concepts you need, you can create a structured learning plan. This targeted approach prevents wasting time on irrelevant materials and keeps you on a direct path to gaining the knowledge you need.
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Learning new programming concepts rapidly is always interesting, here is an approach that I follow: 1. Start with a basic learning roadmap: Follow up divide and conquer technique; note down the very basic topics that you aim to learn. (You can use open source available documentation and courses to get a right plan) 2. Build a foundation: Start by establishing the understanding of basic concepts. (eg. if you want to learn the concept of looping, first you need to know all basics like variables, scopes, etc.) 3. Jump into it: best way to learn is to actually 'Learn By Doing', start with applying the things and whoever you are stuck look into it and do it again. Additionally, share your learning through blogs and make sure to keep a log.
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1. Define a plan: This step involves breaking down the concepts into smaller & manageable parts and identify what type of learning interests you ( Either interactive or text based ). Have strong understanding on each part before moving into subsequent parts. And importantly be consistent. 2. Read Documentation: There is no place better than the documentation to provide you with all the knowledge. 3. Code Along or Practice: Code along if you're watching a video tutorial or Practice by doing some mini project works. 4. Teaching: Teaching the concept to someone would give you a clear view on your own understanding of the concept and highlights the areas which are unclear. Additionally joining respective coding communities would also help.
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Making the fundamentals clear would help in entire life. Once you understand core concepts getting hands-on with coding solutions for problem statements would be the next step.
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Defining clear learning objectives is essential for effective and focused learning. What specific topic or subject are you interested in learning about? Let's outline your learning goals.
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Embarking on a programming learning journey can be overwhelming given the abundance of online resources. To navigate this effectively, prioritize quality over quantity in your learning materials. Seek out reputable platforms, courses, and tutorials authored by experienced professionals or reputable organizations to ensure comprehensive learning while avoiding information overload. Additionally, actively apply learned skills through practical exercises, projects, and challenges to reinforce understanding and develop problem-solving abilities. Celebrating milestones along the way boosts morale, reinforces positive learning habits, and provides opportunities for reflection and goal-setting.
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I suggest who wants to grasp the knowledge of programming rapidly to check: linkedin: 1- search your related language in post label in linkedin then read the pasted books 2- follow the writers of posts and contact with them to get proper guide about better reference or ask questions Copilot in advance mode: Ask it to give you “an applicable handbook in <x language> with full of examples”
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Get acquainted with a simple and easy programming languages like VBScipt or JScript. As they are interpreted languages, the user will not have to go through the compilation process with probable complexity of errors.
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Having a clear goal is really important to succeed in tasks. When you have a goal, it helps you know what to do next and saves time. For example, I get more done when I make a list of what I need to do for the day. I don't waste time figuring out what to do next after finishing a task. This also works for other things too. Having a goal guides one's step and increases one's chances of succeeding.
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Mastery of the basics Practicing in a practical way Create a new challenge Coding by hand Selection of useful resources Familiarity with debugging Don't be afraid to ask for help Employment as an intern
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I'd say to rapidly grasp programming concepts, start by identifying your goals. Define what you need to learn precisely, setting clear and achievable objectives. For example, if your aim is to build a website, prioritize learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. By pinpointing the specific languages or concepts required, you can create a structured learning plan tailored to your needs. This focused approach helps you avoid wasting time on irrelevant materials and ensures you stay on track to swiftly acquire the necessary knowledge.
Understanding the fundamentals is essential, even when time is of the essence. Start with core concepts like variables, control structures, data types, and syntax, which are the building blocks of programming. You can find numerous online tutorials or interactive platforms that offer bite-sized lessons to help you grasp these basics quickly. Remember, a strong foundation will make it easier to understand more complex topics later on.
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In today's world, a lot of information is available so sometimes people make the mistake of skipping the basics and directly jumping into complex topics. It has a negative impact in a long way and it affects the understanding the complex topics.
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Basics are important. However, once you grasp the basics of one programming language then it will be much easier to grasp the basics of other languages too. It's easy to develop the basic due to the gigantic availability of online resources.
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I follow a different approach regarding these things. So, let's say want to be a car mechanic and don't know how to drive a car. Now if you directly start to understand the very basics of how a car works as a whole - what role thermodynamics play in the engine, how hydraulic break work, how power transmission is down via complex orchestration of gears - that might be too much. Now, consider this, first you learn to drive.. you actually change gears, apply breaks and start the engine. Now you know what minor purpose makes a car.. a car.. now when you will learn about the basics, you will be able to correlate more to whatever you will learn. Write bad code first to apply those concepts, learn to write good code, then see the difference.
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Complete exercises and challenges that focus on the core concepts you're learning, such as variables, control structures, and data types.
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Learning basic and basic concepts, understanding syntax and data structures are very necessary and important in programming. If you can learn the basic concepts of programming well, you will realize in the long run how much a deep understanding of these concepts will help you learn programming faster and better.
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When time is limited, prioritize learning the basics of programming. Focus on fundamental concepts such as variables, control structures, data types, and syntax, as these serve as the bedrock of programming knowledge. Utilize online tutorials or interactive platforms offering concise lessons to swiftly grasp these foundational principles. Remember, establishing a solid foundation in these basics will facilitate comprehension of more advanced topics in the future.
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A solid foundation in the fundamentals is crucial for coding success. Focusing on variables, control structures, data types, and syntax will pay off in the long run. Look for hands-on tutorials and platforms to apply what you learn. Don't be afraid to experiment and make mistakes – that's how you grow as a coder. Resources like Codecademy and Khan Academy are a great starting point. Community is key: Find online coding communities or study groups! Learning with others keeps you motivated and accountable. Celebrate small wins: Every line of code you write is an accomplishment! Broaden your view: Remember, coding isn't JUST about the technical stuff. Problem-solving and logical thinking are skills you'll use in all aspects of life.
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A complex problem is usually just derived from a heap of simple problems. If you're able to break it down in the most basic ways you'll write very elegant solutions. So don't overcomplicate things right away, just keep it simple and take your time to get the basics down, they're what everything else is build on.
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To enhance your understanding of programming basics, consider the analogy of learning a new language. Just as you would start with the alphabet, grammar, and vocabulary, in programming, you begin with variables, control structures, data types, and syntax. These elements are the alphabet of programming, forming the foundation upon which you can construct more complex 'sentences' or code structures. Interactive tutorials can serve as your 'language lessons,' providing the essential practice needed to become fluent. With a solid grasp of the basics, you'll find it easier to tackle many times advanced concepts and solve different kinds of intricate problems.
Practice is non-negotiable in programming. To solidify your understanding, write code every day. Start with simple exercises and gradually tackle more complex problems. Use online coding platforms where you can get instant feedback on your work. The act of coding regularly helps in internalizing concepts and understanding how they fit together in real-world applications.
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There is no easy or “rapid” solution to become a pro in programming. Follow the below steps:- 1. Understand the fundamentals (get familiar with the core concepts like oops, variables, loops, data types, and syntax) 2. Write code as much as possible (hands-on experience is a must) 3. Peer programming (code together with people with similar interests)
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Programming is a skill that requires regular practice to maintain the flow. Once you're in the flow, solving issues and errors becomes easier without frustration.
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From my own experience and learning, I believe that mastering programming is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, consistent effort, and a willingness to engage in continuous learning. Beyond daily practice, immersing oneself in collaborative projects, tackling challenges on platforms like Leet Code or Hackerrank. Also participating in hackathons can greatly enhance one's coding skills and experience in Competitive programming. These activities not only reinforce theoretical knowledge but also provide practical experience and exposure to diverse problem-solving techniques. As someone once said, "Remember, every line of code written is a step forward in your programming journey."
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By making practice a non-negotiable part of your learning process, you'll be able to apply and solidify your programming knowledge effectively.
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A leading researcher on expert performers, Anders Erickson of Florida State University, after years of researching professors in a variety of fields, concluded that what separates top performers from the rest is the amount of time spent on the task. It is called a deliberate act. With his research, Erikson challenged the notions of "brain power" and destiny, instead believing that "the right practice over enough time leads to progress. Nothing else.” Many heavyweights in programming and programming education have cited Ericsson in their charters for programmers to include the practice in their coding education.
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Make coding a regular habit. Practice coding every day, starting with simple exercises and gradually progressing to more complex problems. Utilize online coding platforms that offer instant feedback on your work. Regular coding practice aids in internalizing concepts and understanding their application in real-world scenarios, accelerating your learning process.
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Here are some tips to adopt programming concepts rapidly: 1. Start with fundamentals like variables, data types, and control structures. 2. Practice regularly by writing code, solving challenges, and working on projects. 3. Learn by tackling real-world problems to understand practical applications. 4. Use a variety of resources such as tutorials, courses, books, and documentation. 5. Engage with the programming community for help and collaboration. 6. Review and refactor your code to improve its quality. 7. Stay curious, explore new concepts, and persist through challenges.
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There is no other option than practicing programming regularly. It's not only a must to do, rather lazy people like me can consider it as the only thing to do even to compete with professional programmers. If you don't know the fundamentals, you'll get to know about it during practice while you're trying to solve a problem. Keep in mind the below points, 1. Find a website full of coding problems. 2. Use Google to figure out ideas. 3. Do not directly ask for the solution in Chat GPT. Try first and then ask for solution only a sub part that you are not able to do after some try.
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Regular coding practice is essential for mastering programming. To build a strong foundation, commit to coding daily, starting with basic exercises and progressively moving to more complex challenges. Utilize online coding platforms that offer immediate feedback to refine your skills. This consistent practice not only helps internalize programming concepts but also demonstrates how they integrate in real-world applications.
There's a wealth of resources available for learning programming. Books, online courses, forums like Stack Overflow, and documentation can all be invaluable. Don't hesitate to use them extensively. However, remember to be selective and focus on high-quality materials that are relevant to your goals. Sometimes a well-explained concept in a book or a video tutorial can clarify doubts much quicker than hours of aimless searching.
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Whenever we are going to learn a new skill, the first step is to utilise the resources around us. For example if you don't have a lap but have a smartphone, you should search for an app about that skill and browse the articles regarding that skill. There are plenty of resources available on the internet. Almost everyone has a smartphone today. Learn how to utilise resources.
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BitDegree The first site we will review in this article is BitDegree, which teaches you various fields for free. The training courses on this website are quite standard and you can learn all kinds of programming languages in this way. As you know, programming languages include different types that this site supports all of them, some of these languages are HTML, CSS, PHP, Javascript, JQuery and SQL; You can click on one of them as soon as you enter the site and get training.
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Do leverage a variety of resources available for learning. Explore books, online courses, forums like Stack Overflow, and documentation, as they offer valuable insights. Utilize these resources extensively but be discerning, focusing on high-quality materials relevant to your goals. Often, a well-explained concept in a book or video tutorial can provide clarity more efficiently than hours of aimless searching.
Applying what you've learned by building projects is a highly effective way to understand programming concepts deeply. Start with small projects that reinforce the concepts you're learning. As you become more confident, scale up to more complex applications. This hands-on experience is invaluable and can often be the fastest way to learn, as it forces you to find solutions to real problems.
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This is the crucial long-term aspect of understanding programming concepts. Build Projects. I would add more to this, "Build projects meaningful to you". Don't just build "X" Clone by following some random tutorial on youtube. Build something which you will be using in your day to day life. Build something which others will use in their day to day life, and it will add value to their life. Build something which solves a real world problem which you face or other are facing. Just changing the reason, changes your learning experience, your efforts, your dedication and your mindset towards the project. You will no longer see it as a liability rather you will enjoy it and that will completely change the final output.
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And to add on this it’s vital for your development that you do some personal projects that don’t involve a tutorial. Pick an idea, it could be anything and work toward the goal by utilizing all your resources. You’re gonna face drawbacks and challenges throughout the way but programming is all about solving problems and the only way to develop these skills is to work hands on with a real project.
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Start with small, manageable projects to apply what you've learned and gain practical experience. Document your projects and code samples to showcase your skills and progress to potential employers or clients.
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Building a project helps you learn how to use programming tools and only skip the initial steps, where you can use a loop or define a function, for example, and move on to more advanced topics. Programming is just like a puzzle that you must first get familiar with its parts, but in the next step you need to learn how to use these parts to create a complete puzzle.
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Also prioritize building projects to solidify your understanding deeply. Begin with small projects that reinforce the concepts you're learning, gradually increasing complexity as you gain confidence. This hands-on experience is invaluable, offering a practical approach to learning and forcing you to find solutions to real-world problems. Building projects not only reinforces your knowledge but also accelerates your learning process significantly.
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Theres a process out there that goes something like 'Watch one, Do one, Teach one', or something to that effect. Building projects falls into the 'Do one' phase. If I'm learning something for the first time, I may watch videos, and read documentation as part of the 'Watch one' phase before ever actually trying to get something to work. I do this to understand where I am going. Once I know where I am headed, and can visualize the destination, then I can build something using that new tech/skill/paradigm that solves a real problem outside of the usually fake project used to teach it. Then, I'll do it again, but this time, teaching someone else along the way. And yes, the someone else can simply be the future You.
When you're stuck, seeking help can save you hours of frustration. Reach out to programming communities, find a mentor, or pair program with someone more experienced. Explaining your problem to others can often lead you to the solution and help you understand the concept at a deeper level. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a smart strategy for rapid learning.
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All of this shall help but what's most important is to be able to connect the dots backwards. One should be able to relate with the concept. The more relations you create of past the better you understand a concept. How to do it? Reading books and articles is important but so is reading code written by others. Understand the reason others must be thinking of while writing that code.
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Happy Nkanyane
Software Engineer | Django | Laravel | .NET core | Azure | Design patterns enthusiast
Master basics with Vanilla stack projects to grasp fundamentals. Learn actively by coding, experimenting, building. Break complex topics into manageable parts, understand principles over memorization. Utilize interactive resources like tutorials, challenges, games for hands-on practice with feedback. Collaborate, ask questions in communities for clarity and new perspectives. Consistency and persistence are key - grasping programming rapidly demands solid foundation, active practice, breaking down complexity, interactive resources, collaboration, understanding focus, and sustained effort. Stay dedicated, concepts become clearer through practical application.
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Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a step towards growing and evolving as an individual. You can reach out to people in your network, learn from their journeys and also realize that you aren't the only one facing difficulties while learning. Every professional in the field faces initial hiccups. You can understand strategies that were helpful to others in understanding complex concepts. Also, you get to know of strategies from practical experience rather than just theory, to better understand them.
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To ask for help, you need to see where you are, try other possible solutions, define your problems, and see what you want to achieve. Every single thing you do to seek help will bring you learning opportunities to grow. Seek help and become better.
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Don't feel bad about seeking help. Try seeking help if you have friends or mentors. If you're not lucky enough then you have Chat GPT. However, don't think that someone in your office who does not have expertise may not be able to help. I've seen people not from my domain giving me good ideas that solved my problem.
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When you want to learn programming concepts rapidly the best way to learn is jumping into solving the problem. If you have prior experience of coding in any language you will know what has to be done, only part that you need to explore is how to do that task in that specific language. This way you can learn very quickly and only the items which are important and required.
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Understand the Problem Before Coding. This might involve reading the problem several times and even writing down what you need to do step by step. Break Down Complex Problems If a problem seems too complex to solve, try breaking it into smaller, more manageable parts. Solve each part one at a time. Keep practicing, stay patient with yourself, and don’t GIVE UP. Happy learning!
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It is very important to remember that programming is the process of understanding our mindset and turning our decisions into understandable code for a computer. Based on this point of view, one of the most efficient and best ways to understand a process in programming is to be able to understand problems in the real world separately from computer processes and using other methods, such as modeling, Then by understanding that what process each part of this model produces what output, turn it into an algorithm and then turn this algorithm into code.
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