How do I get into coding/programming as a 13 year old?
Posted by AdSufficient3431@reddit | learnprogramming | View on Reddit | 39 comments
- Hi I want to start coding/programming but I don't know where to start and the reason I want to learn programming/coding is because I want to do good in my computer class and I want to gave a successful feature.
Pants3620@reddit
I’m 13 and learned python pretty alright with w3schools. Good site if you’re willing to read
Due_Rhubarb_9329@reddit
I want to make a joke that it is already too late, you are too old. (I am 32 years old and i started programming one year ago)
KerbalSpark@reddit
It's adventure time ! The main mistake of those who start programming is the lack of an achievable goal. To succeed, set yourself an achievable goal and achieve it with the help of programming. A simple goal is to create an adventure video game. Static images, text description of scenes and input of actions from the keyboard.
Example https://www.darkcrystal.com/galleries/dark-crystal-galleries/play/
fortyfourcaliber@reddit
You made this?? Dark Crystal is my most favorite movie of all time
KerbalSpark@reddit
Yes, I also liked Jim Henson's films since childhood - "Labyrinth" and "The Dark Crystal".
Nope. This game was made in the 80s for the Apple II computer. https://www.mobygames.com/game/16877/hi-res-adventure-6-the-dark-crystal/
I made myself a clone of this game on a modern text adventure engine, so that it would be convenient to play on the phone. I want to transfer the full version of the game to my clone. So that all the puzzles and locations of the original game are available.
https://imgur.com/KAGsBVr https://imgur.com/HCQ4aiK
revonrat@reddit
Hi! I started when I was 10 years old, back in the 1980's. So I was (kinda) where you are today. Some tips:
Okay, that's enough for now. Dive in and have fun!
gm310509@reddit
Similar situation for me, but I was about 15 and it was decades ago.
We started by learning the basic syntax (for, if, variables) and produced simple programs (e.g. temperature conversion tables). Then moved on to simple projects. I think the first was a nought and crosses game )tic tac toe) then a higher/lower number guessing game then one we called Mastermind (the computer generates a random 4 digit number you enter a four digit number and it tells you which how many digits are correct but in the wrong place and how many digits are in the correct place).
And so on.
It's a bit like learning to ride a bike. The more you practice the easier it will be. Take it step.by step.
SaroDude@reddit
Similar situation for me. Sub 10, 1980's, Vic20 / C64 Basic, then Assembly. This advice is solid. Just start in an accessible language. JavaScript is cool since it'll run in a browser. Python is popular.
Look at existing code. Understand it. Modify it. Extend it. Have it do something for you. Then start your own from zero.
Just start.
Paxtian@reddit
I started at 8 with just GW Basic and books/ magazines.
Today you can start with a ton of different languages, and sources to learn from. You can use Harvard or MIT's own intro to programming courses. You can also check in with your local library to see if they provide access to LinkedIn Learning. Even YouTube has a ton of great information.
A ton of programming tools like IDEs, editors, compilers, and the like are freely available.
I'd give Scratch, Python, and Java a try. Learn about basics in each like variables, control flow, and functions. Build small things then keep making them bigger.
Between all of that, you have a ton of resources to learn from.
Extension_Anybody150@reddit
you can quickly learn coding at Codecademy and freeCodeCamp
L0RD_E@reddit
Hi fellow learner, I've also started programming at 13 years old. The main issue is choosing a language to begin with:
1- Want a very useful but hard language? Try learning C++ at learncpp.com (most other tutorials aren't optimal), it's a very useful language and what I started with. You won't get to make anything too complicated before 6 months at least probably. If you want to get into game development, it is used for example in Unreal Engine but it will take some time to get used to this language.
2- Want a very useful and simpler language? Try Python. There are plenty of good tutorials out there, just pick what you prefer. You can use Python for just about anything (games, programs, hacking, backend on websites,...)
3- Want to make websites? Try HTML, CSS and javascript. Again, plenty of good tutorials out there. Especially recommend w3school as a reference for when you need help with html and css.
4- Take a course. I can't recommend harvard's CS50 (free) course on EDX enough. It teaches a little bit of: Scratch, C, Python, html, css, javascript and also some other core concepts of programming in a very approachable way for new learners. It's definitely suitable for anyone, but it's also quite challenging, especially during the C part of the course in my opinion. I really recommend this option if you're not sure about what to learn.
Temporary_Practice_2@reddit
What grade are you in? And do you have a Mac or Windows. At your age I would advise to start with mobile development. May be funny to share your apps with friends
dream_nobody@reddit
No need to go direct with "learn X language" resources.
Watch computer science videos in YT, start using Linux and open-source software, etc.
gameplayer55055@reddit
I started in 13 with Arduino and writing computer class prank "viruses"
Thick-Importance843@reddit
Dont even start. AI will take all coding jobs.
Low-Ride5@reddit
I’d also recommend Repl.it and YouTube. Personally I’ve been really liking Bro Code’s content
JustUrAvgLetDown@reddit
Just Dewit
enigmasi@reddit
Learn how your computer works as a starter
met365784@reddit
Python would be a good beginner language for learning to code, and what you learn there can be transferred over to other languages in the future. There are mainly syntax, formatting differences, which once you know the basics, is fairly easy to apply.
TryPsychological2297@reddit
I'd say python
tabacdk@reddit
NVA4D@reddit
Have fun learning Python with any tutorial you find interesting in YouTube, don't recommend spending money on courses, at least not for now ;D
iOSCaleb@reddit
Point your web browser at python.org and then look for the Get Started section. They have a long list of resources for beginners.
spllooge@reddit
Check out codewars if you like a bit of competition/scoring
IndependentFresh628@reddit
Do something else ..AI is eating up softwares anyway.
Schecher_1@reddit
Ich brech weg. Noch so einer, ich kann nicht mehr. Wie Hirnrissig kann man nur sein.
CoffeeMore3518@reddit
The Odin project SHOWS you how to find and use resources to then find answers for your problems and tasks. Freecodecamp is also good!
I definitely learned the most by building my own project. And that’s because when you start building and solving things you want to do, you also start becoming more creative as you go. Then you want to add more «features» to your project and then you push yourself past what ever tutorial you usually start with. And you learn A LOT from this :)
However, you should try to figure out what you want to do in your future. Games? Robotics? Rocket science and space exploration? Super useful websites for millions of people? The sky’s the limit!
You should then try to pick the «most used» programming language for that thing you want. Hopefully you can stick to this language and learn programming concepts. Because these will very often be universal across almost all languages :)
The only difference is the syntax, or wording of what you want the computer to do. Kinda like some words are different in British English vs American English etc.
You can do lots of stuff with just some for-loops and If-statements :)
Khan Academy might have some cool videos, and I used to love watching CodingTrain on YouTube :)
Good luck!
playedandmissed@reddit
I’m teaching my nephew who is the same age as you. We bought 2 courses:
learnprogramming.online Then learnjavascript.online
They are great for learning and not very expensive if you or your parents can help you pay. They both have free lessons at the beginning so you can try and see if you like them before you pay. Definitely worth looking at.
Good luck!
Anon-Builder@reddit
I would spend 15$ on a bestseller Udemy coding course ( javascript, python, c++, rust, etc. ). Perhaps driven by a project you find interesting enough to investigate. What are you interested in? Apps, web, gam dev, else?
Important_Teacher_11@reddit
Maybe "Javascript for Kids" for start?
https://pepa.holla.cz/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/JavaScript-for-Kids.pdf
Impossible-Test-7726@reddit
freecodecamp.org
peno64@reddit
Go for an arduino!
Goto_User@reddit
i can teach you C. Dm me.
domonkos11@reddit
Scratch is good if you know nothing about programming. For more advanced, Mimo smartphone app is good at teaching basics and if you need more you should start with small console apps, search online for courses or maybe ask you IT teacher
captainAwesomePants@reddit
13 is a very normal age to start programming.
Learning to program can be complicated, and it can help to take a class, but you can also learn by following along with books and videos.
Some options:
* Websites like repl.it let you program in a number of languages for free without needing to set up a compiler on your computer or pay any money. Maybe the easiest way to start is to use a site like that with a language like Python (maybe with Turtle) and just try it out.
* MIT's Scratch and Microsoft's MakeCode are good choices for "visual" programming languages, which can make it easier to learn the basic concepts, but they can also make doing more complicated things a bit harder.
* Using JavaScript on a website is also a popular choice, since it's easy to share with other people and because it runs in a web browser, which you've already got.
gazanfergalip@reddit
that’s very brave of you! excellent choice. you can start with scratch.mit.edu where you can learn the way to think as a programmer.
AdSufficient3431@reddit (OP)
Oh alright thanks for the recommendation I'll definitely check it out!
gazanfergalip@reddit
wish you luck buddy!
AdSufficient3431@reddit (OP)
Thanks dude