Here’s what you’ll find in this issue:

• Where to Start with Programming: A Beginner’s Guide

• My Journey to Choosing Programming Languages

• My First Programming Languages: JavaScript, HTML, and CSS

• Mobile Development with Swift

• The Versatility of Java - My Bread and Butter 🙂 

Okay, now that we are secured, let’s dive into our Issue #2.

Where to Start with Programming: A Beginner’s Guide

If you're asking yourself, "What programming language should I start with?"—you’re not alone. Whether you're a high school senior, someone looking to switch careers, or a business owner seeking to bring your company into the digital age, this is a common question. The answer is simpler than you might think: it depends on what you want to create.

Do you want to build websites, mobile apps, or work with databases? Your choice of programming language should align with your end goal.

For instance, if you’re interested in building interactive websites, JavaScript is a must. JavaScript allows you to manage both the frontend (what users see) and the backend (the server-side operations that make everything work behind the scenes). It’s a versatile language and one of the most widely used in the world.

But how do you decide which language to learn? That’s where understanding what each language does becomes critical.

My Journey to Choosing Programming Languages

Back in 2013, like many people, I had ideas for apps and software, but the overwhelming amount of information on different programming languages discouraged me from diving in. I eventually gave up on learning to code—temporarily.

Fast forward to today, and I realize the key to making a decision is understanding what you want to build. Technology evolves rapidly, so making a decision quickly can save you from getting left behind. If you’re looking to work from home or start a tech-based career, learning to code is one of the best investments you can make.

My First Programming Languages: JavaScript, HTML, and CSS

When I revisited programming, I started with JavaScript. But before diving into JavaScript, it’s important to understand the structure of web pages, which is where HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) come in.

• HTML is the skeleton of a web page, defining its structure.

• CSS controls how the page looks, handling everything from layout to fonts and colors.

• JavaScript adds interactivity and functionality, transforming a static page into a dynamic experience.

Learning to use HTML and CSS together with JavaScript was a game-changer for me. CSS, in particular, intrigued me because it allowed me to explore my creative side, designing web pages in a visually appealing way. Once I got the hang of it, I realized how much I enjoyed the process of making things look and function beautifully on the web.

Mobile Development with Swift

My interest in mobile apps led me to Swift, Apple's programming language for building iOS applications. If you’re passionate about building apps for iPhones or iPads, Swift is the language to learn. It’s a powerful and efficient language with a robust library of frameworks that make app development easier.

Like JavaScript, Swift has its own set of frameworks that streamline the coding process. Tools like Vapor and Leaf help in building complex applications without starting from scratch. Though I’m still in the early stages of learning Swift, I’m excited about the possibilities it offers.

The Versatility of Java - My Bread and Butter 🙂 

My language of choosing is Java, a language renowned for its stability and versatility. Java is widely used for web development, enterprise applications, and even Android app development. It’s the language behind many large-scale systems, which piqued my interest in it. Java's object-oriented structure and cross-platform capabilities make it one of the most popular choices for both beginners and experienced developers.

Java’s frameworks, like Spring and Hibernate, enable developers to build robust applications efficiently. The language is also known for its scalability and performance, making it a solid choice to learn after mastering JavaScript or Swift.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a programming language is the first step in your journey, but it’s essential to remember that it’s not the only step. The technology world is vast, and learning multiple languages can significantly expand your job prospects. Whether you start with JavaScript, Swift, or Python, the key is to keep learning and stay curious.

At the end of the day, technology is everywhere, and understanding how it works gives you an edge in any career. Even if you don’t consider yourself a "tech person," learning to code can open up new opportunities and give you the freedom to create solutions to real-world problems.

So, if you’ve ever said to yourself, "I want to create an app that does this!"—now is the time to start learning.

Best,

Adrian!