How to Become a Programmer in 90 Days

Programming is one of the most valuable skills to have in today’s tech-driven world. But for many beginners, the thought of learning to code can feel intimidating. Where do you even start? What if it’s too hard? The good news is that with the right approach and a well-structured plan, anyone can learn programming in just 90 days.

Whether you’re completely new to coding or have tried before but gave up, this guide will show you how to succeed.

Learning programming is not just about memorizing syntax or writing code. It’s about understanding how to solve problems, think logically, and build projects that work.

In three months, you can go from zero knowledge to writing your own programs and even preparing for job opportunities as a programmer. The key is to break your learning into simple, manageable steps and focus on consistent daily practice.

This roadmap will guide you through what to learn, which tools to use, and how to avoid common beginner mistakes. You’ll discover which programming language is best for you, how to practice effectively, and ways to keep yourself motivated throughout the journey. We’ll also highlight free and affordable resources you can use to learn without breaking the bank.

By following this plan, you’ll develop real programming skills, confidence, and a strong foundation to keep growing as a coder. So, don’t worry about your background or experience whether you’re a student, a working professional, or simply curious about coding, you can become a programmer in just 90 days. Let’s take the first step together and make this goal achievable.

Day 1–30: Mastering the Basics

Step 1: Choosing the Right Programming Language

The first decision you’ll make is which programming language to learn. As a beginner, you want a language that is:

1. Easy to learn: The syntax should be intuitive and close to plain English.
2. Versatile: It should have applications in various domains like web development, data science, and automation.
3. Efficient: It should allow you to write clean and concise code quickly.

Python is an excellent choice as it meets all these criteria. It is beginner-friendly, widely used, and has extensive libraries for diverse applications.

Step 2: Learning the Fundamentals

Start with a structured resource to learn Python basics. A great free resource is learnpython.org, which offers interactive lessons that teach key concepts like:

• Variables and data types
• Conditional statements
• Loops
• Functions
• Basic data structures (lists, dictionaries, sets)

Focus on completing the beginner lessons and practicing the exercises provided. Avoid diving into advanced topics like data science or machine learning at this stage they can be overwhelming and irrelevant for your current level.

Step 3: Avoiding Common Beginner Mistakes

Many beginners fall into the trap of learning by watching others code instead of practicing themselves. Watching tutorials without coding creates a false sense of progress. Instead, follow a “learn by doing” approach. Write code, debug errors, and solve problems yourself.

Step 4: Setting Up Your Development Environment

Download an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like Visual Studio Code (VS Code). Setting up VS Code for Python involves installing Python extensions and creating a workspace for your projects. This will make writing, running, and debugging your code seamless. Spend time getting familiar with the IDE’s features, as this tool will be integral to your journey.

Day 31–60: Building Projects

Step 1: Guided Projects

Once you’ve grasped the basics, start working on beginner-level projects. Follow the “12 Beginner Python Projects” tutorial by freeCodeCamp.org on YouTube. This tutorial walks you through creating projects like:

• Mad Libs generator
• Tic Tac Toe
• Minesweeper

Follow along actively by writing and testing the code in your own IDE. Completing these projects will reinforce your understanding of Python concepts and give you hands-on experience.

Step 2: Transitioning to Independent Projects

After completing guided projects, challenge yourself by building your own projects. Think of ideas that excite you or solve a problem you care about. Here are some suggestions:

• A web crawler to gather information from websites
• An alarm clock application
• A script that fetches and displays the Wikipedia article of the day
• A to-do list app with a simple user interface

Working on independent projects will:

1. Mimic real-world programming challenges.
2. Build a portfolio of work to showcase to potential employers.
3. Boost your confidence as you solve problems on your own.

Host your projects on GitHub a platform widely used by developers to share code. Include links to your projects in your resume to demonstrate your skills to recruiters.

Step 3: Exploring Popular Python Libraries

During this phase, begin exploring some popular Python libraries that enhance productivity and add functionality to your projects. For example:

• Requests: For making HTTP requests and working with APIs.
• Pandas: For data manipulation and analysis.
• Flask: For building web applications.

Incorporating these libraries into your projects will improve their quality and make them more impressive to recruiters.

Day 61–90: Preparing for Job Interviews

Step 1: Learning Data Structures and Algorithms

To succeed in technical interviews, a solid understanding of data structures and algorithms is essential. These concepts form the backbone of most programming interview questions and are crucial for problem-solving in real-world scenarios.

Fortunately, Google offers a free course on Udacity that’s an excellent starting point for mastering these topics.

The course covers a range of essential subjects, including sorting and searching algorithms, trees, maps, graphs, and the fundamentals of time and space complexity. These topics may sound intimidating at first, but the course explains them in a beginner-friendly way, making it easier to grasp the concepts.

Consistency is key to getting the most out of this course. Dedicate time each day to work through the lessons and exercises, as completing these will help you solidify your understanding.

Don’t just watch the videos actively practice coding the algorithms and solving the problems presented in the course. Hands-on experience is the best way to learn and retain these skills.

By finishing this course, you’ll be better prepared for technical interviews and have a strong foundation comparable to someone with a formal Computer Science degree.

It’s a smart, accessible way to build your knowledge and improve your confidence in tackling coding challenges concepts will help you think logically and solve problems efficiently key skills for any programmer.

Step 2: Practicing Coding Questions

Leetcode is a popular platform for practicing coding questions asked in technical interviews. Start with the “easy” category and solve questions in the following areas:

• Arrays and strings
• Linked lists
• Hash maps
• Recursion

Gradually progress to “medium” level problems as you improve. Aim to solve each problem within 45 minutes. A premium subscription on Leetcode allows you to filter questions by company, so you can focus on problems relevant to your target employers.

Step 3: Mock Interviews

Practice mock interviews with peers or through platforms like Pramp or Interviewing.io. These sessions simulate real interview scenarios and provide valuable feedback. Mock interviews will help you:

1. Improve your problem-solving speed.
2. Gain confidence in articulating your thought process.
3. Identify and work on areas where you need improvement.

Step 4: Tailoring Your Resume

A strong resume is essential for landing interviews. Ensure your resume highlights:

• Your programming projects (with GitHub links).
• Technical skills like Python, data structures, and algorithms.
• Relevant coursework or certifications.

Craft a concise, professional resume that aligns with the job description of the roles you’re applying for.

Step 5: Handling Rejections

The job application process can be tough, and rejections are a natural part of the journey. It’s important to stay focused on what you can control and not let setbacks discourage you. Every rejection is an opportunity to grow and improve. Here’s how you can handle them effectively:

1. Keep Practicing: Continue working on coding problems and sharpening your skills. Use platforms like Leetcode or HackerRank to solve challenges and focus on areas where you struggled in previous interviews.
2. Learn from Mistakes: After each interview, reflect on what went well and where you can improve. Note down any feedback you receive and use it to refine your preparation.
3. Stay Positive: Maintain a positive mindset and remind yourself that rejection doesn’t define your abilities. Remember, even the most successful programmers faced numerous rejections before landing their dream jobs.
4. Avoid Overthinking: Don’t dwell on past interviews or take rejections personally. Focus on the next opportunity instead. Overanalyzing will only drain your energy and confidence.

By staying consistent and resilient, you’ll increase your chances of success. Remember, persistence and a growth mindset are key to navigating the job hunt and achieving your goals. Keep moving forward, actions personally. Remember, persistence is the key to success.

Bonus: Expanding Your Knowledge

Exploring Advanced Topics

Once you’ve landed your first job or feel comfortable with the basics, explore advanced topics such as:

• Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
• Working with APIs
• Introduction to databases (e.g., SQL)
• Web development using Django or Flask
• Basics of cloud platforms like AWS or Azure

Joining Communities and Events

Engaging with programming communities and attending events like hackathons or coding meetups can be a game-changer in your journey as a programmer. These gatherings provide a platform to connect with other developers, share knowledge, and learn from their experiences. Networking can also open doors to job opportunities, collaborations, and mentorship.

Hackathons, in particular, offer hands-on experience in solving real-world problems, which can enhance your skills and confidence.

Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals helps you stay motivated and inspired. Whether online or in person, being an active part of the developer community is an excellent way to grow and succeed.

Continuous Learning

Programming is a field of continuous learning. Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies by following blogs, reading books, and taking online courses. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Pluralsight offer a wide range of courses for professional development.

Conclusion

Becoming a programmer in 90 days is an ambitious yet achievable goal if you follow the right approach. By mastering the basics, building projects, and preparing for interviews, you can fast-track your journey to landing a programming job. Remember, the key is to focus on practical learning, stay consistent, and never give up. Good luck on your path to becoming a software engineer.

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