Skip to main content

Learn Programming in a Year

Updated Jul 26, 2019 ·
info

These are compilation of notes that I've gathered researching online.

Notes

You can start learning basic programming in a short time, but becoming really good takes much longer.

  • You can write simple programs in weeks or months
  • Many resources claim you can learn in 21 days
  • Real skill takes years of practice and effort

Learning basic coding is fast. But deep understanding and the ability to build reliable software takes time, mistakes, and continuous improvement.

Getting Started Is Easy

Beginning to code is not hard.

  • Use beginner-friendly tools like visual coding websites
  • Try books or tutorials for a simple language like Python
  • Build small projects to apply what you learn

For example, here’s a very basic Python program:

print("Hello, world!")

Expected result:

Hello, world!

This shows how easy it is to get started. You can write small useful programs in a few days or weeks.

But Mastery Takes Time

Getting hired or becoming good at it professionally takes much more work.

  • Learning your first language is just the beginning
  • Writing safe, useful code is a long process
  • Many people stop at a beginner level

Just because someone knows syntax doesn’t mean they can build real software. Rushed learning often leads to weak skills and buggy apps.

Real Growth Comes With Experience

You’ll grow more when you invest time in learning and building real things.

  • Practice regularly for years
  • Try internships or personal projects
  • Stay curious and keep learning even after school

If you aim to solve real problems with your code—not just copy popular ideas—you’ll stand out. This takes dedication, not shortcuts.