Is coding hard to learn? A beginner’s guide to unlocking tech skills
Is coding hard to learn? Discover why coding is more accessible than you think, with beginner-friendly tips, resources, and career pathways to start your tech journey.
Coding is one of the most talked-about and valuable skills in the job market, but is coding hard to learn? Like any new skill, coding can feel challenging at first. However, with the right resources and guidance, learning to code is well within reach and it can open doors to exciting careers in tech.
Let’s explore what you need to know as a beginner and help you take the first steps towards becoming a skilled developer.
Written by
Polly is a Marketing Executive at Learning People, bringing extensive expertise in professional training and career development, including in-demand fields like data, tech, cyber security, cloud computing, project management, and business skills.
What is coding, and why is it important?
In simple terms, coding is the process of writing instructions that computers can understand. These instructions form the basis of software, apps, websites, and pretty much all the tech we use every day.
Learning to code doesn’t just give you a valuable skill, it also trains you to think logically and solve problems creatively, skills that are highly sought after in the job market.
Is coding hard to learn?
Learning any new skill takes effort, and coding is no different. However, coding is by no means impossible; it’s like learning a new language. Once you understand the basics, things start to click, and you’ll soon see how much progress you can make with consistent practice.
Here’s why coding might feel hard at first—and why you shouldn’t let that stop you:
- There’s a lot of jargon. When you’re new to coding, words like “syntax” or “algorithm” can feel intimidating. But once you get familiar with the vocabulary, everything gets easier.
- It’s problem-solving at its core. Coding often requires troubleshooting. These moments can feel frustrating, but they’re part of the process, and it’ll benefit you to practice patience. Think of them as opportunities to build resilience and learn how to think like a developer.
- There’s a lot to learn. With dozens of programming languages and tools out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the silver lining is that you don’t have to know it all. Start small and focus on the basics.
How to get started
If you’re ready to take your first steps into the world of software development, here are three practical tips to help you get started:
1. Start with the right language
Some programming languages are more beginner-friendly than others. Popular choices for beginners include:
- Python: Known for its simple syntax, Python is perfect for new coders. It’s widely used in web development and data science.
- HTML & CSS: These aren’t full programming languages but are essential for anyone interested in building websites.
- JavaScript: A versatile language for adding interactivity to websites and apps.
2. Use beginner-friendly resources
Learning platforms offer structured pathways for beginners. For example, at Learning People, we provide tailored training programmes that guide you through coding essentials while preparing you for real-world developer roles.
3. Practice, practice, practice
The key to mastering coding is hands-on experience. Start with small projects, such as building a simple website or creating a calculator app. As you gain confidence, tackle more complex challenges to expand your skills.
Common myths about coding debunked
If you’ve been hesitating to start coding, chances are you’ve encountered a few myths along the way. Let’s clear up some of the biggest misconceptions:
- “You need to be a maths genius.”
While coding does involve logical thinking, you don’t need an advanced maths degree to succeed. Most coding tasks are more about creativity and problem-solving than numbers. - “It takes years to learn coding.”
While becoming an expert can take time, you can learn the basics of coding in a matter of weeks or months. Many entry-level coding jobs focus on fundamental skills you can pick up relatively quickly. - “Coding is only for young people.”
It’s never too late to start coding. Many people switch to tech careers later in life, often bringing valuable experience from other industries.
Where can coding take you?
One of the best things about learning to code is the variety of career opportunities it opens up. From software development and web design to cyber security and cloud computing, coding is at the heart of the tech world.
For those looking to upskill or change careers, coding can provide a clear pathway into roles such as:
- Software Developer: Building apps, programmes, and systems.
- Web Developer: Creating user-friendly websites and online platforms.
- Data Analyst: Using code to analyse and visualise complex data.
Plus, the demand for tech professionals is higher than ever. Companies across every industry are looking for skilled developers to help them innovate and stay competitive.
Take the first step with Learning People
If you’re ready to start your journey into coding, we’re here to help. We offer industry-aligned training courses designed to help beginners become job-ready developers. With support from expert mentors and access to cutting-edge tools, you’ll have everything you need to succeed in the tech world.
So, is coding hard to learn? It’s a challenge, but one that’s worth taking on. With the right approach and resources, anyone can learn to code—and transform their career in the process.
Start your coding journey today, and unlock the potential that lies ahead.
Ready to learn coding? Explore our coding courses or get in touch with our expert Career Consultants for more advice.