Learning a New Coding Language

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 Learning Inspo

Over the past few weeks, I’ve felt this itch—like it was time to level up. So I decided to expand my tech toolkit and started learning C++ and Python.

Naturally, I thought, why not turn this into a little guide? So here it is—my personal tips, tricks, and encouragement for learning a new coding language (or two)!

Step 1: Find Your Why 

Learning something new can feel impossible if there’s no passion behind it. Before diving in, figure out what motivates you.

  • C++: I got super interested in robotics and discovered that platforms like Arduino work beautifully with C++. That I could bring my code to life outside of my computer!

  • Python: It’s widely used in the software engineering world, and honestly? It’s elegant and beginner-friendly. My JavaScript background made learning the differences kind of fun—like unlocking secret language doors!

Step 2: Create a Syllabus 

Remember getting a syllabus in school? It broke down everything you’d learn and made the year feel doable. As someone who has learnt a few spoken languages and coding languages it is a big task, one that never really ends.those smaller steps makes it easier to consume.

Whether you use AI to help build one (or make it yourself!), having a syllabus keeps your learning structured and intentional.

Step 3: Schedule It, Sweetheart 

Let’s be real—the hardest part is starting. It’s so easy to sit down with the best intentions, then suddenly be doom-scrolling or deep into a “quick” side task.

Here’s the trick: set a goal that feels gentle. Even just 20 minutes a day adds up to 140 minutes a week—and that’s progress you might’ve missed otherwise. It also lets your brain associate the task as something that can be accomplished which builds that discipline!

Time will pass either way how you choose to spend it is up to you.

Step 4: Learn to Take a Damn Break 

Please. I beg. Get up and walk away every 20–30 minutes. Your brain, just like your old high school laptop, needs a break to reset. Hydrate, stretch, or stare at the sky like the dreamy coder you are.

Step 5: Translate Between Languages 

Once you’ve gotten comfortable, try translating projects from languages you know into the one you're learning.

Think: a calculator, a number guessing game—simple stuff! It helps reinforce how concepts shift between languages, and you’ll start to see the patterns.

Step 6: Use Practice Prompts 

Homework existed for a reason (ugh, I know). But practice really does make perfect.

Ask AI to generate mini challenges, or look up beginner-friendly prompts online. Just make sure you’re coding alongside your learning. Doing > memorizing.

Step 7: Document Everything Like a Boss 

Take notes if it helps you absorb info (personally, I love pretty notes). Then—upload your projects and progress to GitHub.

If you were hiring someone and saw a GitHub full of consistent self-learning? You’d think, “Wow, this person is adaptable, curious, and putting in the work.”

Be that fish. The one who’s swimming laps around the pond with grace, brains, and big Barbie energy.

Final Thoughts 

Learning a new coding language is a journey, not a sprint. Be kind to yourself. Stay curious. And don’t forget to celebrate even the smallest wins (yes, printing “Hello World” totally counts!).

You’ve got this, how amazing of you to be starting something new. 

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