Are you considering learning programming and wondering how long it will take to acquire the necessary skills to land your first job?
Learning to code can feel like an exciting new chapter, especially if you’re tired of your current job and dream of a creative, fulfilling, and well-paying career as a developer. 🌟
While it seems promising, many people start learning to code and quickly give up when they encounter their first set of challenges. But don’t worry! If you plan your learning journey and break it down into manageable steps, you can successfully stay on track toward becoming a junior developer. 🚀
Before jumping in, though, there are some essential questions to ask: How long does it take to learn programming? Where should you start? What programming languages are essential? Should you learn independently, attend university, or enroll in a coding bootcamp?
It’s a lot to think about, but I’m here to show you that anyone can learn to code with hard work, consistency, and a love for problem-solving. 🧠💪
How Long Does It Take to Learn Programming from Scratch?
The time it takes to learn programming depends on several factors:
- Learning Method: Self-study, bootcamp, or formal education?
- Time Commitment: How much time can you dedicate daily or weekly?
- Language Choice: What language do you want to learn, and why?
Other factors come into play, but these are the most critical when you’re starting.
Let’s break it down into three main learning paths:
- Self-Learning: (6–18 months)
- Coding Bootcamp: (3–9 months)
- Formal Computer Science Degree: (3–5 years)
The timelines above are approximate and reflect the time needed to acquire basic programming skills for entry-level positions. Naturally, someone dedicating 25 hours a week will reach their goals faster than someone putting in just a few hours on weekends.
Self-Learning
Self-learning typically takes about 6–18 months of consistent effort to reach a level where you can get a junior developer job. The key benefit? You’re your own boss — you decide when, what, and how you learn. 🧑🏫
However, this path requires a lot of self-discipline. You’ll need to carve out time each week for studying, coding, and practicing. There won’t be anyone pushing you to stay on track, so if you thrive on structure and accountability, self-learning might not be the easiest option.
That said, if you’re motivated and organized, this method can work wonders. Plus, it’s a cost-effective way to gain the skills you need. But be warned: It’s all on you, so be prepared for a steep learning curve and occasional frustration. 😅
Formal Computer Science Degree
A traditional computer science degree will teach you many fundamental IT concepts, from programming languages to algorithms and other theoretical aspects. This path provides a comprehensive education, but it’s not for everyone, especially if you’re switching careers and want a faster route.
Degrees take years to complete, and while the knowledge gained is valuable, it’s not always the best option if you're looking to become a programmer as quickly as possible. There are faster ways to break into the industry, and plenty of developers have landed jobs without a degree. 👩💻👨💻
Coding Bootcamps
Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated path, theoretically teaching you to code in as little as three to nine months. Bootcamps are popular because they condense the learning process, providing intensive instruction that often comes with mentorship. Some bootcamps even guarantee a job offer upon completion! 🎓
However, bootcamps aren’t cheap — many cost upwards of several thousand dollars. They require focus, dedication, and hard work, as the pace is fast. But the upside is that bootcamps are highly practical and focus directly on the skills needed for entry-level jobs.
For those who prefer a structured learning environment with deadlines and guidance, bootcamps can be a great choice. But, as I did, you might prefer a combination of self-study and one-on-one tutoring from experienced developers. 👌
My Learning Journey
Here’s what worked for me: I combined self-study with regular tutoring sessions. Self-study doesn’t mean wandering aimlessly from topic to topic. I did my research, selected the best courses, and stuck to them.
Twice a week, I scheduled one-on-one tutoring sessions with an experienced developer. During these sessions, I got to ask all my burning questions and clear up anything I didn’t fully understand.
Why did I choose this path? I compared the cost of a bootcamp — around $11,000 for a JavaScript developer — to the cost of private lessons (around $70 per session). This gave me the equivalent of 157 lessons, or two sessions a week for 18 months! 💡
Do You Need to Know HTML Before Learning JavaScript?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to learn the basics of HTML and CSS before jumping into JavaScript. These languages form the foundation of web development, and understanding them will help make sense of how JavaScript interacts with a webpage.
In web development, HTML structures the content, CSS styles it, and JavaScript adds interactive functionality. Once you're familiar with HTML and CSS, JavaScript is the next logical step for frontend development.
Practice Makes Perfect 👨💻👩💻
How long it takes to learn programming depends entirely on you. Everyone has different circumstances, and time constraints are often a concern. But here’s what worked for me: waking up early and dedicating my mornings to programming. For two years, programming was my top priority, and sometimes, I’d start coding at 4 AM to squeeze in a couple of hours before the day began. 🕓
Developing a daily study routine is crucial. It helps form a habit, improves focus, and makes your learning more consistent. Eliminate distractions like social media and focus solely on learning. The time you spend learning will directly impact your future, so make it count!
I committed to at least three hours of study daily. On some days, I could even go for 10 hours (with breaks, of course). When you truly enjoy programming, you’ll find time flying by, and you’ll be eager to keep going.
Focus on One Language or Path at a Time
Before starting, it's essential to define clear goals, especially if you’re self-learning. Do you want to learn Python? Java? Ruby on Rails? Or maybe JavaScript? These are all questions you should ask before you dive in.
If you’re an absolute beginner, I recommend starting with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and possibly Python. Don’t jump from one language to another too quickly — choose a path and stick with it until you feel confident. 🌟
A Motivational Message for Beginners
Learning to program can be tough at times, but it’s entirely possible. You’ll face challenges and roadblocks along the way, but the key is persistence. Remember that every programmer starts where you are right now — from the very beginning. 🎯
No one is born a programmer, and I like to think of it like learning to walk. If babies gave up after their first few tumbles, they’d never master walking. The same goes for programming or learning any new skill. If you stumble, get back up and keep trying! 💪
Practice and projects are crucial for retaining your knowledge and developing lasting skills. Teaching others what you’ve learned can also be a great way to solidify your understanding.
Progress in learning is not linear. There will be highs and lows, but aim to improve by 1% every day. Over time, these small improvements will add up to significant progress.
Conclusion
Learning programming requires time, patience, and dedication. Whether you choose to learn on your own, attend a bootcamp, or pursue a degree, the journey is uniquely yours. Focus on one language, practice consistently, and don’t forget to enjoy the process!
The key to success is a love of learning and problem-solving, and if you choose to become a programmer, you'll be learning new things every day for the rest of your career. Happy coding! 🎉
