Pragmatic: dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.

In the world of coding, pragmatism reigns supreme. It’s not just about mastering syntax or memorizing algorithms; it’s about navigating the learning journey with purpose and practicality. Learning to code is like learning the alphabet as a child. Doing so will start a whole new neural pathway in the brain which will keep expanding as we traverse through our journey. Coding teaches us a brand new approach to thinking. It makes us stand out in a group of people who are trying to solve a specific problem.

When a beginner starts learning to code, it’s often suggested they head to YouTube and start binge-watching programming tutorials. While this isn’t necessarily wrong, it’s important to recognize that starting with a blank slate can be daunting. So YouTube is not an entire bad idea. The problem begins when a beginner depends entirely on YouTube. It’s said falling into the tutorial-hell where a person is brain-wired by YouTube’s algorithm to watch more and more tutorials and becomes like a bot that does not know how to make a navbar by himself.

So how do we do it? How do you learn to code in a pragmatic way?

While binge-watching is a bad idea, you could do yourself a little mercy and try to follow up on what the person is doing. Following up will teach you at least how that tutor thinks and solves his problem while teaching you how to.

Or, a better approach. If you want to learn coding, you choose a programming language. Be it Python or Javascript or Fortran (Don’t learn Fortran as a beginner!). Watch a small video about the language. After you have gained enough insights about it, Be your own tutor, explore

resources, build projects, and embrace the iterative nature of learning. As Steve Jobs once said, ‘I think everybody in this country should learn how to program a computer because it teaches you how to think.’ So, you must embrace the journey of coding, not just as a skill to acquire, but as a mindset to cultivate.”

Here are some steps you can take if you are new to programming:

• Learn the basics of a programming language
• Learn github. It is where programmers meet. Learn more about github here.

One of the major questions that beginners have is what to do after learning to code. Programming, as part of computer science, is a vast field. You can choose from various specialties to showcase your coding skills. Just like fine wine, it takes time to mature and develop a good taste. Similarly, in computer science, you need to explore various fields to find your niche.

Commit to trying out various fields like web development, game development, cybersecurity, mobile application development, etc. Explore all these topics, but don’t spend too much time on each one. You have to experience each of these areas to discover what truly interests you.

Key Points:

Clear Goals and Objectives: Setting clear goals helps guide the learning path and keeps focus on what truly matters.

Hands-On Experience: Theory is important, but practical experience solidifies learning. Dive into coding exercises and real-world projects to reinforce knowledge. For instance, building a simple tic-tac-toe game in your chosen programming language can enhance logical thinking and reasoning skills.

Efficiency and Effectiveness: Pragmatic coding is about solving problems efficiently and effectively, not just writing code for the sake of it.