Here are the Fundamentals
Over the last two and half years that I have been writing codes, I have realized that the skeleton of programming languages is the same. There could be a difference in their names but the concepts are the same. Therefore, in this article, I am going to share with you the simple hacks that I use when I am learning new programming languages – to save time, energy and resources (like internet bundles). You can use the same hacks to learn any programming language 10 times faster!
If you want to pick up a new programming language to learn , here are the most fundamental concepts you should learn:
1. Syntax
You cannot not miss on this one. This is the grammar of programming languages – just like human languages have their own grammar. Every programming language has rules that govern how you write programs or codes using the language. This is what we call the syntax. For example, some programming languages like SQL require you to put a semi-colon at the end of every code you write. Others like PHP have all their codes enclosed inside question marks. That’s their syntax. Don’t get confused if you have never had these names.
You should always look at knowing the syntax of every programming language you are learning. Like human languages, missing out on grammar means making errors while speaking. In programming, this means errors on your codes – which further translates to your programs crushing. If you do not want to waste time writing codes that are not working nor bringing any output, learn the syntax of the language FIRST.
2. Data Types
Every code you are going to write will involve a data type. The smallest unit of a computer program or system is a data type. Let me explain. I believe you use (or have heard of) an ATM banking system. Every time you are doing a transaction, the system can ask you to choose your preferred language. It can ask you to put a value or number that you want to transact. ‘Choose your preferred language’ is a sentence in human language. The specific language you will choose, say ‘English’, is a word in human language.
Machine and programming languages, however, have a different way of understanding this. In programming,…the sentences, the texts, the numbers that make that large programs or systems…they fall under smaller categories of values called data types. For example in a Python program, a value that is a number is said to be a numeric data type. A text is said to be a string or character data type. Therefore, it is important for you to understand the concept of data types if you want to learn and master programming languages faster and easier.
3. Data Structures
The next concept you should learn is the concept of data structures. A combination of multiple data types form a complex structure, called a data structure. In Python, for example, when numbers are arranged together, they form an array of numbers. An array is therefore a data structure in Python. Learning data structures will help you understand how large programs work. It will also help you write large programs yourself!
4. Functions
The concept of functions is what will promote you from being a mere coder to a respected programmer. In programming world, a function is a group of codes that work together to perform a particular task. If you want to become a real programmer, you must learn how to create and define functions using the particular language you are learning.
5. Control Flows – for loops, while loops etc
Another thing that qualifies you as a programmer and not just a coder, is the concept of control flows. Programming in simple terms involves combining conditions and logic (or sense) to perform or execute a particular task. This is where the concept of control flows comes in. Learning the concepts of if statements, while loops etc – will get you into real programming. Therefore, you must always learn these concepts if you want to improve your programming skills.
6. Declaring Variables
As you progress and improve with coding and programming, you will want to refer to some values in your program from time to time. You will want to use a certain number or text more than once. OR you will want to use it later in your program after you have written certain large number of codes. This is where the concept of declaring variables becomes important. In programming, variables are like containers for storing your information or data.
You must learn how to assign values to variables. In Python language for example, a variable is declared using an equal sign. In some other languages, it might be an equal sign plus a question mark. Learn how to declare variables right when you begin running your first code using the programming language you are learning. It will help you through going forward.
These are the 6 most important concepts that you should always look to learn to get the best. It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or intermediate or expert. If you put these tips into practice and keep learning – you are going to be a better programmer in any language !