When you learn programming, you’ll have the power to bring your ideas to life. You’ll be able to create exactly how you want your website or app to look and function, then share it with the world. Whether you’re monetizing your project or posting it on an open-source platform like GitHub, it’s gratifying to see your hard work put to good use. Plus, projects keep you motivated and provide clear, tangible benchmarks for your progress.

The first step is mastering a coding language, which is a set of rules and terms that computers understand and follow to perform a task. There are hundreds of different programming languages, and it’s important to pick one that fits your learning style. For example, some are more visual than others and can help you visualize the code you’re writing. Other programming languages have a syntax that looks more like English and are easier for beginners to understand.

Many introductory programming courses focus on Python, which is easy to read and has pre-built functions that can make common tasks much faster. However, if you’re ambitious, you can also start with Java, C, or C++ (a more complex syntax that allows you to build robust applications).

Once you have a grasp of a language, practice coding daily. Like any other skill, it takes time to become proficient. Find a online tutorial that aligns with your career aspirations and stick with it, or consider enrolling in a program at an online university, coding school, or bootcamp.