Where to start programming path?

Posted by zeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee8@reddit | learnprogramming | View on Reddit | 25 comments

I am 16 and have 12hrs+ free daily, and i want to start programming but not sure about the best approach. My main goal is to build a WPF apps, so I’m looking to learn C#, along with HTML, CSS, and JS for web-related features.

What is the best way to get started? Should I focus on learning the basics of each language separately, or jump straight into a projects? Also, what are the best resources (courses, tutorials, websites) for learning everything? Where to start?

Would appreciate any advice or roadmaps that worked for you.

I have a big project that i wanna make and have all planned out but problem comes when i try to realise it. I have 0 knowladge about coding and making it possible.

Sorry for my poor english 🥀

[-]

bravopapa99@reddit

Never apologise for not speaking your own language!

Is there a specific reason for WPF i.e. you think this makes money, just curious?

Learn C# then, forget anything but the basics, no UI, no forms, give yourself a good few weeks at getting the basics, until the syntax isn't the thing in your way most of the time.

Then plan a small WPF... maybe a login form? :D

Good luck.

[-]

zeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee8@reddit (OP)

Hi, i mean there is reason why i wanna do wpf or winforms, first of all is my 2 projects.

fivem verificator, user has to be logged in with discord, than there are specific rpf files that user can use on server. also a thing that is cheking if user is mg, basicly if server is hard rp user has to have app opened while playing so it can register if he is in rp voice chat. etc.
app for downloading mods with vip system. so user is also required to login with discord for vip system (vip assigned to their dc id), mod links with direct download are on api so no person can report links so i will not have to reupload them (mod links), website where they can buy vip/unban with paypal and it will just update their vip from 0 to 1 in mysql, same as unban. admin panel where i can add mods and they will be visible in wpf app, also where i can manage mods,ban/unban user manualy,update their vip role,update links,pictures,info,category etc.

For now i only have discord server which i am earning from people buying vip up to 200€ a month. Problem is discord takes down my servers for like no reason and i wanna make my own app for everything.

Beside that i am interesting in making apps for people that are doing some kind of bussines, like weeding managament,hotel management, restourant reservations or something similar to that. Hope i was clear with what i wanted to say :)

[-]

bravopapa99@reddit

Sounds like you are going to do well!

OK, well, C# first, get it learned, then WPF!

[-]

GrannyGurn@reddit

Congrats on your decision Zeee. If you commit yourself to programming you could learn to make amazing things with the time you have.

The world of programming is huge, and whatever set of tools you decide to learn will also have a great amount of variability in their application.

That said, my input here is to emphasize the importance of determining the smallest bites possible to get to practice making things in the real world as soon as possible.

Here's my recommendations:

Don't be afraid to start very small :::: It will be overwhelming; reduce friction wherever possible. KhanAcademy may feel elementary in some regards, but it is an incredibly effective way to learn. See their Computing courses.

Sign up for GitHub :::: Look at what other people your are making and see how they are doing it. Practice what you are learning on KhanAcademy by uploading your examples to GitHub. It doesn't matter how small or partial these commits are, the important thing is developing the skill of using version control and collaborative tools that put you in a situation with other learners of all skill levels. Allow yourself to make mistakes, let others see that you make them, call them out, and then improve on them in the next round.

Remain persistent. I hope your young mind will be less prone to the frustrations of learning that some of us older people have encountered. No matter what, persevere through the difficulty and you will have a life full of very rewarding work.

Congratulations again. Have fun guy.

[-]

Responsible-Style168@reddit

Start with C# fundamentals. Learn about variables, data types, control flow (if/else, loops), and object-oriented programming (classes, objects, inheritance). Microsoft's C# documentation is surprisingly good. Also check out tutorials from C# Station.

Then, dive into WPF. Understand XAML, data binding, and UI elements. A good resource for this is the WPF tutorial on the Microsoft Learn website. At the same time, start dabbling in HTML, CSS, and JS. You don't need to become a web dev expert, just learn enough to integrate web features into your WPF app if needed. freeCodeCamp is great for web dev basics.

Once you have some grasp of these basics, jump into your big project. Break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. Google everything, and don't be afraid to ask for help on Stack Overflow. Also this resource could be useful in terms of creating a personal mini-course.

Good luck, and don't get discouraged. Everyone starts somewhere.

[-]

gm310509@reddit

The best way to start is not with a big project.

Rather break it down into the components needed and learn aspects of each area step by step.

For example, start with HTML. Maybe add in some CSS. Mayne add in some Javascript. Maybe move to a infrastructure (e.g. bootstrap.cs). Maybe you need a database. Start by learning some basics of the different types (SQL and noSQL). Pick one or two and learn the basics. Learn how to integrate your Javascript with the dayabase. Maybe you need an application server. Same thing.

The key is to take it step by step work towards your goal (as opposed to doing your goal). Learn what you need as you need it. Be prepared to backtrack.

[-]

Straight_Practice606@reddit

Search Leon Noel 100devs on YouTube. 30week bootcamp for free. Start there and you’ll be thankful you did.

[-]

AdreKiseque@reddit

https://cs50.harvard.edu/x/

[-]

nickthegeek1@reddit

Start with Microsoft's free C# fundamentals course on YouTube, then jump into a small WPF project (like a calculator or todo app) - having a real goal will keep you motivated and Microsoft's docs are excelent for when you get stuck.

[-]

TechBeamers@reddit

16 or 61 whatever it is, you can and should learn programming, the most satisfying and rewarding profession if done with commitment. You will be able to complete the project but make a plane with milestones first. To start, you just have to learn the coding basics, rest will come with experience through your project journey. Follow the plan you created and track it on a regular basis. I wish you success and support.

[-]

fainishere@reddit

One thing at a time, focus fundamentals, and ONLY use gpt/any other Ai to help you understand, don’t use it to write code.

(6 weeks) Start with HTML and CSS, don’t use libraries like tailwind, free code camp is perfect for HTML and CSS.

(1-2 weeks) After you finish those courses, build out your first project, just make a 2 page website. Focus on functionality/design rather than layout. Include things like a contact form, images, menu, and footer.

(3 mos - 1 year) learn JavaScript from a udemy course, this isn’t free but you can do free code camp for this as well but you won’t dive deep enough into the concepts.

(5 mos - 1 year) expand on your first project with what you’ve learned.

From here it’s up to you where to go, but just focus on the basics and fundamentals, something 99.9% of engineers don’t do, hence why they don’t have a job.

[-]

Funny-Strawberry-168@reddit

Just ask AI to build your app, you will make a ton of money and apps that you ever imagined, with 0 knowledge in an hour.
It's a matter of time it will replace us all so why bother to learn.

[-]

BananaBlast418@reddit

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.

The second best time is now."

[-]

ChiefBullshitOfficer@reddit

This is an odd comment for someone who is 16

[-]

Ignis_V@reddit

"Shoulda started learning programming 4 years before you were conceived"

[-]

zeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee8@reddit (OP)

maybe for a american 16, but not european

[-]

ChiefBullshitOfficer@reddit

Dude starting programming now will make you soooo good when you're an adult it's not even funny. Just do cool/ fun projects for now you'll be a baller

[-]

allium-dev@reddit

I would recommend starting by getting a good beginner's book on one of the languages and working through it. C# would be a safe bet if your primary goal is to build desktop applications for Windows.

IMO you should stick with one language long enough that you're able to write programs from scratch in it, without needing much guidance (but with access to the web for help on specific questions like syntax or libraries).

The benefit of working from a book rather than other resources is that you will get a more comprehensive overview of the language and its environment, and you'll know that there was careful thought put into how the material is taught.

Then, once you've finished the book, you can start building projects. You say you have a big project in mind, so you could start on that. I would actually recommend startinga bit smaller though, I'd recommend you try to envision small related projects and work on them. For example, if your big project was to build a discord replacement, start instead by building an app that lets you record voice memos. That is, take one very small piece, and build just that. Do that a few times, and you'll start to get a handle on what the various pieces look like on their own. Then you can start building the big thing.

[-]