What Is Programming? from Pluralsight

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This is an accessible, language-agnostic course on the fundamentals of programming. Learn how to get started programming - in any language.

If you want to begin programming, start here. In this fast-paced and entertaining course, What Is Programming, you'll learn the fundamentals, the essential ideas, and the concepts for success in any programming language. First, you'll learn how to write a computer program and learn how to get the computer to understand it. Next, you'll learn all about the syntax - or rules of programming languages. Finally, you'll explore how to make real-world programming easier, from libraries to frames, to SDKs and APIs. By the end of this course, you will not only be on your way to becoming a software developer, but will also have learned how to work with them, manage them, or live with one.

Basically programming is writing instructions that tell a computer what to do and how to do it. There are several languages that can be used for programming, such as JavaScript, C, and Python, each with their own specific set of rules, but also following many universal programming principles.

Programming can be used for an almost endless list of things, but ultimately it helps automate tasks and perform them quickly, effectively, and accurately. Programming languages are used to develop softwares, websites, applications, and so much more.

In this programming basics course you will learn about:

This course is for absolute beginners to the world of programming! If you've never written a line of code in your life, this is the place to start. Also for those who just want to review the basics of programming.

Absolutely not! This course assumes zero prior knowledge of or exposure to computer programming. Start learning basic computer programming here!

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Introduction

The Rules of Programming Languages

Working with Data

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores core programming concepts and rules, which is standard in software development

Provides a comprehensive introduction to programming regardless of language choice

Taught by Simon Allardice, who has extensive experience in teaching programming

This course is suitable for absolute beginners with no prior knowledge of programming

Develops foundational understanding of programming, which is a valuable skill for both personal and professional growth

Reviews summary

Fundamental programming concepts for beginners

According to learners, this course is a largely positive introduction, specifically designed for absolute beginners and those with zero programming background. Students frequently praise its clear and concise explanations and its effectiveness in demystifying programming concepts. Its language-agnostic approach, focusing on universal programming principles, helps build a strong conceptual foundation before diving into specific languages. However, some learners noted a lack of hands-on exercises and expressed a desire for more practical coding challenges or examples, finding parts of the course occasionally too abstract. It's also considered too basic for those with prior experience.

Ideal for novices; potentially too basic for others.

"Perfect for beginners! I finally feel like I can approach learning a specific language now."

"It's okay for a very basic overview. If you've tinkered with any programming language before...you might find this too slow."

"This course is for absolute beginners...I've tried other intros and got lost. This one sticks to the basics."

Focuses on universal principles, not specific syntax.

"It's truly language-agnostic, which means I didn't get bogged down in syntax for a specific language."

"This course sticks to the basics in such an understandable way. It really focuses on the universal principles."

"The course delivers on its promise of being language-agnostic and beginner-friendly. I appreciate the conceptual approach."

Provides highly accessible and foundational understanding.

"This course is exactly what I needed as someone with absolutely zero programming background. The concepts were explained clearly and concisely."

"Absolutely brilliant for demystifying programming. I finally understand the core logic behind it all."

"It really explains the 'why' behind programming. I came in with zero knowledge and now feel I have a solid grasp."

Learners desire more hands-on coding and application.

"I wish there were more hands-on exercises or small coding challenges to reinforce the learning. I learn best by doing."

"Too abstract. I was hoping for something more hands-on, even if it was just pseudocode exercises. It felt like a long lecture series."

"My only minor critique is that I felt the 'Programming in the Real World' section could have had a few more practical examples."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in What Is Programming? with these activities:

Review basic math concepts

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Strengthen your understanding of math concepts to support your programming skills.

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Review basic arithmetic operations
Practice solving algebraic equations
Try some basic geometry problems

Read 'Head First Java'

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of Java programming concepts.

View Head First Java: A Brain-Friendly Guide on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow a copy of 'Head First Java'
Read the chapters and complete the exercises
Take notes and highlight important concepts

Build a programming resources collection

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Organize and expand your programming knowledge by gathering valuable resources.

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Create a digital or physical notebook
Collect links to helpful articles, tutorials, and documentation
Organize the resources into categories or topics

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

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Join a study group or online forum

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Connect with other learners to discuss concepts, exchange ideas, and get feedback.

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Find a study group or online forum
Introduce yourself and share your goals
Participate in discussions and ask questions

Follow online tutorials on programming basics

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Supplement your learning with interactive tutorials to reinforce concepts.

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Find reputable online tutorials
Follow the tutorials step-by-step
Practice the concepts covered in the tutorials

Practice writing simple programs

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Get hands-on experience writing code and experimenting with different programming concepts.

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Choose a programming language and environment
Write a simple program to print 'Hello, world!'
Experiment with different data types and variables

Create a presentation on a programming language

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Deepen your understanding of a programming language by explaining it to others.

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Choose a programming language to present on
Research the language's features and capabilities
Create a presentation outline
Develop the presentation content
Practice presenting your presentation

Build a simple website

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Apply your programming skills to create a small web application.

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Choose a website idea and design
Set up a development environment
Build the website's structure and layout
Add functionality and interactivity
Test and deploy your website

Participate in coding challenges or hackathons

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Test your programming skills and learn from others in a competitive environment.

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Find coding challenges or hackathons that align with your skill level
Register and participate in the event
Collaborate with others or work independently
Submit your solutions

Career center

Learners who complete What Is Programming? will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Developer

Software Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining computer programs. They work on a variety of projects, from small personal applications to large enterprise systems. A course like What Is Programming? can provide a solid foundation for Software Developers, as it introduces the fundamentals of programming and the essential ideas and concepts necessary for success in the field. By learning the syntax of programming languages and how to make real-world programming easier, students can develop the skills needed to succeed as Software Developers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. They work with a variety of technologies, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and server-side languages. A course like What Is Programming? can provide a strong foundation for Web Developers, as it introduces the fundamentals of programming and the essential ideas and concepts necessary for success in the field. By learning the syntax of programming languages and how to make real-world programming easier, students can develop the skills needed to succeed as Web Developers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain computer programs. They work on a variety of projects, from small personal applications to large enterprise systems. A course like What Is Programming? can provide a strong foundation for Computer Programmers, as it introduces the fundamentals of programming and the essential ideas and concepts necessary for success in the field. By learning the syntax of programming languages and how to make real-world programming easier, students can develop the skills needed to succeed as Computer Programmers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to help businesses make informed decisions. They work with a variety of tools and technologies, including programming languages, statistical software, and data visualization tools. A course like What Is Programming? can provide a strong foundation for Data Analysts, as it introduces the fundamentals of programming and the essential ideas and concepts necessary for success in the field. By learning the syntax of programming languages and how to make real-world programming easier, students can develop the skills needed to succeed as Data Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use programming, statistics, and machine learning to extract insights from data. They work on a variety of projects, from developing predictive models to creating data visualization dashboards. A course like What Is Programming? can provide a strong foundation for Data Scientists, as it introduces the fundamentals of programming and the essential ideas and concepts necessary for success in the field. By learning the syntax of programming languages and how to make real-world programming easier, students can develop the skills needed to succeed as Data Scientists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design, develop, and deploy machine learning models. They work on a variety of projects, from developing new algorithms to creating machine learning applications. A course like What Is Programming? can provide a strong foundation for Machine Learning Engineers, as it introduces the fundamentals of programming and the essential ideas and concepts necessary for success in the field. By learning the syntax of programming languages and how to make real-world programming easier, students can develop the skills needed to succeed as Machine Learning Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

IT Manager

IT Managers plan, implement, and manage an organization's IT systems. They work with a variety of technologies, including hardware, software, and networks. A course like What Is Programming? can provide a strong foundation for IT Managers, as it introduces the fundamentals of programming and the essential ideas and concepts necessary for success in the field. By learning the syntax of programming languages and how to make real-world programming easier, students can develop the skills needed to succeed as IT Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for software and hardware products. They work with a variety of technologies, including programming languages, operating systems, and software applications. A course like What Is Programming? can provide a strong foundation for Technical Writers, as it introduces the fundamentals of programming and the essential ideas and concepts necessary for success in the field. By learning the syntax of programming languages and how to make real-world programming easier, students can develop the skills needed to succeed as Technical Writers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Product Manager

Product Managers plan, develop, and launch new products. They work with a variety of teams, including engineering, marketing, and sales. A course like What Is Programming? can provide a may be useful for Product Managers, as it introduces the fundamentals of programming and the essential ideas and concepts necessary for success in the field. By learning the syntax of programming languages and how to make real-world programming easier, students can develop the skills needed to succeed as Product Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, team members, and vendors. A course like What Is Programming? can provide a may be useful for Project Managers, as it introduces the fundamentals of programming and the essential ideas and concepts necessary for success in the field. By learning the syntax of programming languages and how to make real-world programming easier, students can develop the skills needed to succeed as Project Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes and systems to identify areas for improvement. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including business leaders, IT professionals, and end users. A course like What Is Programming? can provide a may be useful for Business Analysts, as it introduces the fundamentals of programming and the essential ideas and concepts necessary for success in the field. By learning the syntax of programming languages and how to make real-world programming easier, students can develop the skills needed to succeed as Business Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test software and hardware products to ensure that they meet requirements. They work with a variety of technologies, including programming languages, operating systems, and software applications. A course like What Is Programming? can provide a may be useful for Quality Assurance Analysts, as it introduces the fundamentals of programming and the essential ideas and concepts necessary for success in the field. By learning the syntax of programming languages and how to make real-world programming easier, students can develop the skills needed to succeed as Quality Assurance Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems. They work with a variety of technologies, including programming languages, operating systems, and software applications. A course like What Is Programming? can provide a may be useful for Systems Analysts, as it introduces the fundamentals of programming and the essential ideas and concepts necessary for success in the field. By learning the syntax of programming languages and how to make real-world programming easier, students can develop the skills needed to succeed as Systems Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers design and develop user interfaces for software and hardware products. They work with a variety of technologies, including programming languages, design tools, and user research methods. A course like What Is Programming? can provide a may be useful for User Experience Designers, as it introduces the fundamentals of programming and the essential ideas and concepts necessary for success in the field. By learning the syntax of programming languages and how to make real-world programming easier, students can develop the skills needed to succeed as User Experience Designers.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Information Technology Specialist

Information Technology Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems. They work with a variety of technologies, including programming languages, operating systems, and software applications. A course like What Is Programming? can provide a may be useful for Information Technology Specialists, as it introduces the fundamentals of programming and the essential ideas and concepts necessary for success in the field. By learning the syntax of programming languages and how to make real-world programming easier, students can develop the skills needed to succeed as Information Technology Specialists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Specialist