Programmers are more fun to date. Okay, that may not be completely true, and it shouldn't be the sole reason to become a programmer, but it's something to consider. Why do you want to be a programmer?

For one, it could be the most important job in the future. Even though crystal gazing comes with risks, this is one conclusion based on data from sites like LinkedIn. The top 10 skills are all related to technology:

"While some skills expire every couple of years, our data strongly suggest that tech skills will still be needed for years to come, in every industry."

Learn programming logic to get the first foothold. Become a self-taught programmer to stay competitive in any industry. These five Udemy courses in our continuing series will help you have a full understanding of the how and why of code.

1. Learn Flowcharting and Pseudocode. Be a better programmer!

Key lesson: Learn the two major computer programming tools even before you code.

Pseudocode is the essence of a program. It is not the actual algorithm but an informal definition of what will go into the program. Think of it as the map of the city. The "city" is the actual program. And we all know what a flowchart is -- the diagram that shows you the flow of the program. You can make them on paper or use the many free flowchart tools available today.

Learn Flowcharting and Pseudocode

These two skills will go into your toolbox. As the description of the course says, you can use them to take a task or problem, break it down into its parts and accurately present the solution in either flowchart or pseudocode format.

The six-hour course will not ask you to write any code in a specific programming language. It will only make you understand how any problem can be solved with a series of logical steps. The lessons learned will allow you to take on any programming language with confidence.

2. Become a Successful Programmer Without a Degree

Key lesson: How to master professional programming on your own.

You hear news of tweens and teens turning out successful apps. Yes, you don't need to graduate from a top-tier university to become a programmer and get a job. Or dream of a tech career with a liberal arts background. Programming as an industry offers a low barrier to entry but tests you on your ability to solve and devise solutions to real practical problems.

The course is short -- only an hour in duration. But it will give you the direction and a blueprint to work your way into the tech industry. It will also make you think about the reasons you want to be a coder in the first place. The crux of the course is on the concepts you need to master and the entry-level certifications you need to get to fill the gaps in a resume.

3. The Complete 5 Volume Series: If You Can Cook, You Can Code

Key lesson: Understand how programming works (with analogies from cooking).

Programmers should learn to cook. Or cooks should learn to program. Alas, in the real world it rarely pans out like that. But, if you are a good cook and a programming beginner then you will see the similarities. Because both skills need two basic things: ingredients and preparation.

The analogy isn't remarkable. It has been said before. Timothy Kenny has turned it into a course that is a bundle of modules. He is a self-taught programmer so he knows where you are coming from. Start with the basics, then peek into Python. Then, uncover hardware concepts and finally round it off with Big Data and Artificial Intelligence.

More than anything else, this supercourse will tell you where your true interests lie. Then, you can decide which niche to focus on.

4. Fundamentals of Programming

Key lesson: Understand the core concepts of good programming.

There are easy programming languages you can learn. There are also tough ones you need to tackle later on. But all code shares some common concepts, especially when we talk about object oriented programming. You can take a peek into the world of iOS app and game development while learning the basics. You can then decide if Swift is for you or you would prefer an alternative development environment.

The course is short enough to give you the confidence to plunge ahead. But do bear in mind that Swift has moved ahead and the course is awaiting an update. The course is well-rated but there are other Udemy classes you can pick up on Swift programming.

5. The Non-Technical Person's Guide to Building Products & Apps

Key lesson: Launch your product idea cheaply, quickly, and easily.

You may have got the itch to build your own app or online service. You just don't want to put in the effort to learn all the different languages for it. Or you want to add a touch of business acumen to your programming skills. Coding isn't for everyone, but as an entrepreneur, you can take part in its money-making potential. Get some business and startup concepts under your belt.

Build Apps

Learning to code well takes years. Learning to make money with an idea is quicker. This course will show you how to test and launch your ideas without anyone else's help. The 15 hours of instruction are also useful for any fledgling programmer because it will involve them in the economic potential of their skill and any future idea. Startups or even side hustles start this way.

Why Do You Want to Code?

This is the first answer you should seek. After that, everything can fall into place. If you are still undecided, do a few experiments. Take on one of the courses or even the many free lessons on Udemy or try the practical coding projects.

Turn coding a hobby and see if you enjoy the complete learning process, especially the parts where you get frustrated with the logic or a bug. These Udemy courses are not as in-depth as a computer science degree. But they will allow you to learn fast or fail forward so that you can quickly go on to the next thing.

Also, on Udemy every paid course you take comes with:

  • Lifetime access.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Certificate of completion.

What made you fall in love with programming? If you are a beginner programmer, are there any fears holding you back?

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