How Long Does It Take to Learn Programming?

If you’ve wandered over to this section of our site, chances are you’re already on your coding journey or considering when the best time is to start. You’re probably wanting an exact timeline of how long it’ll take from when you write your first line of code to when you land your dream job. While having that would be really nice, sadly there is no magic number of days, months, or years that it takes before you’ve become a master coder. Everyone learns at different paces. However, if you’re like me, and wish to have everything planned out as perfectly as you can, then here are some tips to help you build a timeline of your coding journey. A little bit of planning in the beginning can go a long way down the road. So, how long does it take to learn programming? Let’s get some perspective.

Choosing Your First Programming Language

There’s nothing worse than an eager new programmer working her way through her first programming language, only to realize she won’t ever use it. One of the best and most productive things that a programmer can do in the beginning of her journey is to put in the time and really study the uses and prospective job opportunities of each programming language.

Which Language Will Help Me Get a Job?

Well, that depends on where you want to work! Are you hoping to work for a major company? Let’s take a look at four of the biggest tech companies’ preferred coding languages. Both Facebook and Google are fans of Python, while Apple uses Objective-C, and Microsoft uses C#. Keep in mind that these are only some of the many languages that each of these companies use. Even if you don’t know a specific language your company is interested in, that doesn’t mean that it’s a lost cause. Have a specific job role in mind? Front end developers usually specialize in JavaScript, while backend developers use Python, Java, Ruby, and more. Want to be your own boss or create your own app? Python, Java, or Ruby could also be for you. 

So, we’ve established that the type of programming language you learn can most definitely affect the kind of job you get!

Which Language Is the Easiest to Learn

I get it, it’s human nature to take the path of least resistance. Learning to code can be daunting, so why not pick an easier language while getting started? There’s really no definitive answer as to which language is easier than the rest. However, many programmers would agree that high-level scripting languages such as JavaScript, Python, and Ruby are easier to learn. These languages were conceived with ease of accessibility and human comprehension in mind. That’s not to say that something like Java or C++ would have to be completely out of the question. In fact, many colleges still use these languages as a starter language for their students. 

How Long Before I Land a Job?

You’re probably thinking “Yeah, this all sounds great…but when do I start making money?” That’s kind of a loaded question, where a lot of factors technically depend on you. I’ve seen several stories where potential programmers will start learning to code and a year later will be in a place where they feel comfortable applying to jobs. The truth is, there’s really no single moment when you’ll feel like you’ve learned everything you need to know. Learning to code is a lifelong process, and most people continue learning long after they’ve been hired. The usual timeline for a prospective coder revolves around building a portfolio of apps that they can then show to potential employers. Once you’ve reached the point where you feel ready to apply for jobs, make sure to take a look at our list of the best tech jobs of 2019!

Where Do I Start?

That’s a good question, and thankfully you’ve come to the right place! Career Karma provides you with the tools to find the best coding bootcamp for you. This also includes a prep course to help get you ready for your chosen bootcamp. We can also introduce you to a group of like-minded peers that can help keep you motivated and on the right track. Wherever your coding journey may take you, remember that Career Karma is always here to help.