High school coding classes for beginners

If you are looking at a high school coding class, you are likely a novice programmer looking to understand the basics and get your first taste of the world of computer science. If that sounds like you, you might also be a bit uncertain about where to begin and what kinds of options are available to you, given that computer science is such a wide field and there are so many different ways for beginners to start their training. This article aims to help early-stage programmers learn what options are out there and what they need to know to get started.

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Is coding beginner-friendly?

While it is going to vary from person to person, coding is a relatively beginner-friendly skill to pick up, but it has a steep learning curve at the very beginning. Learning a coding language is a lot like learning a foreign language, both in that you will need to learn new grammar and syntax, and in that you’ll need to start small and work your way up to more complex lessons. Some of the toughest aspects of learning to code come right at the start, particularly when you are just getting your bearings on how to write and read code. This means that learning to program is going to seem very, very difficult at first glance (when you are writing your first “Hello, World” script or its equivalent in the programming language you are starting out with), but it will get easier and easier as you get more comfortable with the language and the process of reading and writing code (much like a foreign language gets easier and easier the more of it you know).

The other aspect of programming that can be difficult for beginners is learning how to approach problems and challenges with the eye of a programmer. Computers are hyper-literal, and therefore, you can’t cut corners or expect them to understand the intention of your program if it isn’t written perfectly. This means learning how to think like a programmer and approach the problem you are facing with an understanding that you have to work within the limitations of the coding language. This can be a relatively tough first step for students, but like other aspects of the process, it becomes significantly easier with practice.

What do I need to get started?

One of the best aspects of learning to code is that almost every major language (and every language recommended for beginners) is free and open source, and almost all code editing applications have robust free versions (or are completely free). This means that no matter what kind of training you end up pursuing, it won’t cost anything upfront, which also means that you can get started with free lessons and experiment on your own relatively easily. It also means that if you are interested in enrolling in a training course, you won’t have a lot of materials or applications to sort through in order to find the right tools for your future training program. This will give students even more opportunities to start their training early and get a good early education in the more challenging aspects of computer programming. 

How can I make learning to code as a high schooler easier?

The best way to learn any new skill is to receive guided training from a live instructor who can provide you with support and feedback on your work. By enrolling in a summer coding course, like the ones offered through NextGen Bootcamp, you can start to get this vital training early and you can get the help you need on the earliest aspects of the process. These courses also provide structured lessons that are designed with beginners in mind, helping to ensure that students have the right foundational training that they need in order to move on to more complex and challenging coding lessons.

These coding classes for high school students are hands-on experiences taught by experts in their fields, and they are perfect for beginners looking to take their first dive into the world of computer programming. These courses aim to help students with no prior programming training prepare for AP exams, college admissions season, or even finding a new job upon completing the program and they all focus on practical, real-world programming lessons aimed at ensuring that students leave the course with an understanding of the foundations of computer science.

What kind of programming will beginners learn?

One of the main questions that novice coders often need to consider is what programming language they are going to start out with and what kind of programming skills they are going to pursue. Since computer science and software engineering are so ubiquitous across so many different fields, there are a number of different paths that you can opt to pursue when you are starting out. This, in turn, means that you’ll likely be able to find summer courses that are aimed at providing the specific kind of education that you are seeking.

If you are interested in learning web development or software development skills, it is easy to start with HTML and CSS and move on to JavaScript as your first programming language. Hypertext Markup Language and Cascading Style Sheets are the bedrock foundation of all modern websites, though they are fairly limited in their functionality. Thus, most programmers who want to create their own webpages are likely to learn JavaScript alongside these two foundational skills.

If you are interested in learning more theoretical programming skills, both Java and Python are excellent choices. Java is a great all-purpose programming language that will teach you essential skills associated with object-oriented programming, making the language ideal for anyone who is unsure of where they want to take their programming training after the basics. Python is best suited for students who want to either work on data-related tasks, such as those involved in finance and marketing or who want to become acquainted with the basics of AI and machine learning skills since Python is vital for anyone working with machine learning algorithms.