The IT field is very attractive to many people, and there is nothing surprising about this fact. Programming is very popular for several reasons. First, it does not require specific tools aside from a computer or laptop, which is something owned by the majority of people. Second, programming allows people to touch on specific and inspiring areas in one of the most progressive fields. Last but not least, IT offers quite high salaries and the ability to work around the globe. All of these make programming highly appealing for people who want to change their profession or choose their first position and are the reasons they often search for “best free programming courses.”
Programming is creative
Even though programming definitely belongs to the exact sciences, it can rightfully be called an art. Behind every magnificent painting or piece of music, one can find a system of strict rules which people have to follow to create such a masterpiece. The same principle is relevant to the IT sphere. There, the basis is some particular programming language with its own specific rules and requirements that are important to those typing “learn programming free” into their search engine.
Every language has standards and peculiarities that writers follow to write amazing poems and even whole novels, and the same can be said about programming. Once these rules have been mastered to a sufficient degree, the field for creativity opens up considerably. Just as the same idea can be expressed in different words, the relevant issue in a particular case of programming can have several solutions. People often search for a free beginner computer course or how to learn to code for free to become familiar with the required basics and gain access to the creative side of the IT sphere.
Once again, there is nothing wondrous in the fact that after becoming familiar with the basics, people gladly use their skills in the creative side of programming. People who search for free computer courses for beginners might already have some creative skills, but programming is an approach that can be combined with those skills and help someone acquire a working position related to art in some way. This is especially relevant because programming offers different jobs that can be more or less related to creativity. It all depends on the preferences of the person choosing which narrow branch of the IT sphere to work in.
“Programming” can mean a number of different things
Those who are looking for “free online computer programming courses” may not be familiar with all the different types of work that programming can include. Because of that, we offer you a short overview of several of the most popular programming positions that might be of interest to a person who wants to enter the IT sphere.
Software Engineering
This is probably the desired specialization of a person who is looking for free computer programming courses. Software engineering, as one can understand from its name, is focused on creating software. In the beginning, it was related to computers and laptops. However, with the appearance of mobile phones and smartphones, software engineering gained more specializations. It has a wide range of narrower branches. You need to define which systems you want to work with. If you want to create the programs that allow electronic devices to work, software engineering is for you.
Programming Languages
Such languages are not only tools that can be used in a wider context, but can also provide some work opportunities even for people who are not familiar with other IT tools. Those who are looking for free online beginner computer courses can easily find some resources concerning programming languages, and there is nothing bad about that, because any programming language can be the basis for further career development in terms of obtaining additional skills or just improving your existing knowledge. What is more, a person can not only acquire important programming skills, but also focus on the languages themselves and get to know a few of them.
Information Security
This is a branch that is extremely important nowadays. Everyone knows that it’s much more convenient to save information on electronic media. It takes up less physical space and is far easier to transfer when needed. However, that last point can also become a weakness, as it is often much easier to steal information stored on electronic media than it would be with that same data written on a piece of paper. At the same time, information has always been highly valued, especially when it is of a private nature. Due to that, information security is in high demand on the current job market and can be a good prospect for those looking for “free computer programming courses.”
Game Design
One of the most creative branches of programming is game design. It is harder than playing games but no less exciting, and is often familiar to people who have only just started to look for ways to “learn computer programming free.” As is the case with other programming-related positions, the specifics of a game designer’s work depend on both the company and the project. Whereas some simple games only require one game designer, for projects with wider aims, there can be a team of game designers on which one person is responsible for the characters, another for the levels, one more for locations, and so on. The specifics of the game designer’s duties can also differ depending on the specifications of the game, such as whether it is created with computers or smartphones in mind.
Computer Graphics
This specialization can be related to the previous item, but not necessarily. Truly, computer graphics have an important place in game design. However, it’s no less important for many other branches of programming. If you have searched for free web development courses or something similar, you might know that computer graphics is widely used in many fields of programming. It’s necessary in almost every area that involves visual representation.
Web Development
It is no wonder that people often search for free web development courses with certificates, as web development is one of the prospective branches in programming. A web-developing programmer is one who is responsible for creating sites. This is highly demanded because many organizations appear and/or achieve a sufficient level of development to require a site to represent their services.
The full list of programming specializations is not limited to the ones provided above. If you’re curious about what your ideal programming-based profession would be, go check out the quiz, What IT profession is best for you?
Different programming languages are designed for different objectives
Python . This language is often described as one of the most useful for beginners. Hence, a person who is searching for a place to “learn programming online free” can start their education with this language. In addition, Python is quite universal and can be used for different aims. However, it is most suitable for analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. One more positive point is that one can find online packages and libraries related to this language, which makes the working process much easier.
Java. In contrast to Python, this language is more complex and can be defined as medium level in terms of difficulty. However, it is important to note that this language is required to work with Android. Aside from that, Java is useful for business applications and other projects related to different industries. Those who start by searching for free IT training and choosing Java as the language they wish to learn must prepare for challenging tasks, though their efforts will be rewarded with opportunities to work in a field with a respectful salary.
JavaScript. Even though its name is more similar to the last language mentioned, JavaScript, like Python, is described as one of the easiest in programming. This language is used for web development. Hence, if you are interested in not only the best websites to learn coding for free but also in how you can actually create the best websites with coding, JavaScript is your ideal choice. It can be a good start for those who desire to become involved in the development of web services by learning the requirements of site creation.
C/C++. Actually, these are two languages, but they are related and therefore often seen together. Even though C++ can be considered an extended version of C, both of these languages are still used in programming. One more interesting thing is that C++, which seems to be the more developed one, is in fact considered less complex and can thus be appropriate for beginners, whereas C has a higher level of difficulty. They are often used to create system tools that can be objects of interest for those who search for free online coding classes.
C#. The name of this language is similar to the two previously mentioned, and among them, it is considered to be of medium complexity. The benefit is that this language has a long list of similarities with C++ and Java, which are a bit more accessible for beginners. Hence, those who search for free programming classes and choose to learn the easier languages can further develop their skills and expand their knowledge with C#. This language is useful for creating web content and applications as well.
PHP. This language is also not too complicated and can therefore be helpful for anyone who has only just started free IT courses online. It is often used for web development, particularly for websites and web applications. It is different from JavaScript in terms of its specific capabilities regarding speed and universality indicators.
Skills programmers should have
As you can see from the information above, the prerequisites of programming can be quite varied. Of course, the particular skills a programmer should have depend on the branch of IT chosen and the team (or absence of it) with which a person works. Due to that, there are only a few skills that can be considered ‘necessary’ for a programmer regardless of their chosen specialization. If you have searched for how to learn coding for beginners free, you probably already know that skills may be of the hard or soft variety. The former are directly related to the work itself, and the latter are about communicating with a team and/or customers.
Hard skills
Knowledge of programming languages. As has already been mentioned several times, knowledge is the necessary foundation for working in the IT field. It is the reason people who want to be programmers look for free online coding courses or free coding practice. You may choose any coding language you like, but you have to know it at the proper level to start your IT career.
Mathematics. Very often, programming is about understanding the way all things computer-related actually work, which is impossible without mathematical knowledge. Those looking for “free programming resources available” very often do so in order to find some sources related to mathematics.
Abstract thinking. This specific skill is also important for both experienced programmers and those who have only just started to look for “free programming classes”. It is about understanding complex concepts and the way they can be used in particular cases. This is highly important in coding because of the many specific cases it includes, and while the solutions involved may have broad utility, a programmer has to determine the best way to apply them.
Soft skills
Writing skills. These skills are important because a programmer rarely ends up being the only one dealing with the code being written. Anyone who successfully finds free coding lessons will very likely learn that coding implies leaving comments for those who might work with it further.
Communication skills. These kinds of skills are important for all people regardless of their work or specialty. People need to communicate with the team in which they work or directly with the customer. If you are still in doubt about whether your skills will allow you to become a programmer, you can take the Can I be a coder quiz to become sure of it.
Now you know a little more about programming. We hope that this knowledge will be helpful when choosing the specific direction of your free code courses. If you want to be a coder but don’t know how, we offer a free webinar in tech. Just sign up for it in the form below.
