I get asked all the time, “How can I learn how to code?” It’s a harder question to answer than you might think, because it depends entirely on what your goal is. If you have a specific project in mind, then learning a language that won’t help you finish that project doesn’t make much sense.
This post is an attempt to link to a bunch of different resources, mostly web development-related.
If you want to build a product for the web (and even for mobile, because the web works just fine on mobile devices too), then I highly recommend starting with HTML, CSS and JavaScript. They’re all complementary, and if you go in that order, you’re starting with a markup language first, which is way more forgiving than an actual programming language, like JavaScript.
Baby Steps
- RailsBridge – We hold workshops in Savannah once a quarter, and they’ll all be listed on the site once we’ve announced them! RailsBridge is a friendly environment with helpful volunteers where you can get introduced to coding (we do a bunch of different topics, not just Rails) without any fear or intimidation. It’s fun!
Getting Started with Web Development
- Thimble – Mozilla’s online code editor has a whole list of projects you can remix to learn the basics of web development.
- Interneting is Hard
- Marksheet
- HTML Reference
- Learn to Code HTML & CSS
- Zero to Hero Coding
Ruby and Rails
- Ruby in 100 Minutes
- The Ruby Learning Trail
- Ruby Koans
- The Ruby on Rails Guide – I seriously use this every day.
Everything Else
For any other topic, we have the Internet! Here are some of my favorite places to learn new things for free:
- Coursera – Free open courseware classes. You can pay for the certificate or just audit any class for free.
- Introduction to Web Development
- Full-Stack Web Development
- Ruby on Rails
- Machine Learning
- Stack Overflow – Where the internet goes to debug errors.
Community Resources
- Open Savannah – Savannah’s very own Code for America brigade! It’s a great group doing great things and a great way to get real experience building things alongside professional developers.
- 1 Million Cups – A great place to see what’s going on with entrepreneurs in Savannah, meet them, and get feedback on your product or service.
And, of course, we’re in Slack if you just need someone to point you in the right direction, or need a killer cake recipe. You can request an invite and join the fun!
We also have our Meetup group so you can hang out in person!
