How to Start Coding: A Beginner’s Guide for BTech Students

So You Want to Learn Coding? Here’s How I Got Started (And You Can Too)

If you're in BTech—especially in Computer Science or IT—there’s one thing everyone keeps telling you: “You should know how to code.” I used to hear that all the time, but nobody really explained how to get started without feeling overwhelmed.

So, if you're in the same boat I was, let me walk you through the path that worked for me. It's not perfect, and I'm still learning too—but it’s real, and it’s enough to get going.

Why Coding, Though?

Honestly, I didn't care much at first. But over time, I realized that coding isn't just about making software—it’s about solving problems in a smart way. You start to think differently.

Here’s what learning to code helped me do:

• I stopped feeling helpless when apps didn’t work—I could actually understand what’s going on under the hood.
• I could build mini projects just for fun, like a calculator that actually worked (after a LOT of trial and error).
• And yeah, placements, internships, tech interviews… all of that needs coding.

Even if you're not a hardcore techie, basic programming skills make you stand out.

Step 1: Pick a Language (Not All of Them)

I made the mistake of jumping between languages in the beginning—Java one day, Python the next, C++ after that. It just confused me more.

So, here's my advice: Pick one language and stick to it for at least a few months.

If you ask me:

• Python is the easiest to start with. The code looks almost like English.
• C++ is amazing for competitive programming but can be tricky early on.
• Java is everywhere in the job world but takes a bit longer to get comfortable with.

💡 Start with Python. It’s beginner-friendly, and you’ll see results fast.

Step 2: Set Up Your Coding Space (It’s Not That Complicated)

I used to think I needed some expensive setup. But honestly, here’s what worked:

• Download VS Code (Visual Studio Code). It’s free and super powerful.
• If you’re learning Python, install it from python.org. Done.

Too lazy for setup? I get it. I used Replit when I was in a rush. It runs in your browser—no installs, no headaches.

Step 3: Learn the Basics (Without Drowning in Theory)

Focus on stuff you actually use in code:

• Variables and types (int, string, etc.)
• Taking input from users
• If-else logic
• Loops (you’ll use these all the time)
• Functions (once you get comfy)

Don’t try to memorize everything. Write messy code, break things, and figure out why they broke. That’s how you learn.

I used YouTube channels like:

• Apna College
• CodeWithHarry
• freeCodeCamp

Just watch one, pause, try the code yourself. Repeat.

Step 4: Start Solving Problems (Even If It Feels Like a Struggle)

This was the hardest part for me at first. The questions felt confusing. But slowly, it clicked.

I started with:

• HackerRank
• LeetCode
• GeeksforGeeks

Don’t worry about being slow. I once spent 3 hours on one “easy” problem—and that’s normal. Keep going.

Step 5: Build Something. Anything.

You don’t need to wait till you’re an expert. Just start building.

Ideas that worked for me:

• A calculator app (basic, but fun)
• A to-do list in Python
• Rock-Paper-Scissors game (I lost to my own code a few times 😅)
• My own basic HTML/CSS portfolio site

When I built stuff, even if it was small, it gave me confidence.

Also, put your projects on GitHub. Looks great on resumes.

Step 6: Join People Who Are Also Learning

I found a few Discord servers, Telegram groups, and subreddits where beginners like me shared progress, asked dumb questions (yes, I asked a lot), and even got help during debugging.

Places to check out:

• r/learnprogramming
• Stack Overflow (don’t be shy to ask)
• Local hackathons or online ones like on Devpost

Also, follow some coding YouTubers or devs on LinkedIn—it’s oddly motivating.

Final Thoughts (From Someone Still Figuring It Out)

Coding is like learning a new language. At first, everything feels foreign. But the more you speak it (write code), the more natural it becomes.

Here’s what I’d tell my past self:

• Don’t compare your progress.
• Be okay with failing at first.
• One step at a time is enough.

So if you’re thinking “I’m not smart enough for this”—you are. You just haven’t started yet.

Now what?

• Choose your language
• Set up your tools
• Do one tutorial today
• Bookmark this post for later
• And just start.