1.
Understand the Basics of Programming
a. Choose a Programming Language
Start with Python: It's user-friendly and great for beginners.
JavaScript: Essential for web development.
Swift (for iOS) or Kotlin (for Android) if you want to focus on mobile app
development.
b. Learn Fundamental Concepts
Variables: Storing data.
Data Types: Understanding integers, strings, arrays, etc.
Control Structures: If-else statements, loops.
Functions: Reusable blocks of code.
OOP (Object-Oriented Programming): Classes and objects.
c. Recommended Resources
Online Courses: Websites like Codecademy, Coursera, or Udemy offer beginner
courses.
Books: "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python" by Al Sweigart is great for
beginners.
Practice Platforms: LeetCode, HackerRank for coding practice.
2. Dive into App Development
a. Choose Your Focus
Web Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript.
Mobile Development: Learn Swift for iOS or Kotlin for Android.
b. Learn the Specific Tools and Frameworks
Web Development: Learn frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js.
iOS Development: Learn Xcode and Swift.
Android Development: Learn Android Studio and Kotlin.
c. Explore Tutorials and Documentation
Web Development: MDN Web Docs, freeCodeCamp.
iOS Development: Apple’s Swift documentation and tutorials.
Android Development: Android Developer documentation.
3. Build Projects
a. Start Small
Simple Apps: Calculator, to-do list, or weather app.
b. Gradually Increase Complexity
Intermediate Projects: Build a chat app, a simple game, or a personal finance
tracker.
c. Showcase Your Work
Portfolio: Create a portfolio website to display your projects.
GitHub: Use GitHub to host your code and collaborate on projects.
4. Get Practical Experience
a. Internships and Entry-Level Jobs
Look for internships or junior developer positions to gain real-world experience.
b. Freelancing
Start with small freelance projects on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
c. Contribute to Open Source
Join open-source projects to learn from others and contribute to real-world
applications.
5. Networking and Continuing Education
a. Join Developer Communities
Participate in forums like Stack Overflow, Reddit’s r/programming, or local
meetups.
b. Attend Workshops and Conferences
Keep up with industry trends and meet professionals in the field.
c. Continue Learning
Stay updated with new technologies and frameworks as the tech industry evolves
rapidly.
6. Develop Soft Skills
a. Problem-Solving
Develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills which are crucial for coding.
b. Communication
Learn to communicate technical concepts clearly, both in writing and verbally.
Summary
Starting from zero coding knowledge, focus on mastering programming fundamentals
first, then move on to specific technologies for app development. Build projects to
apply your learning, gain practical experience, and continuously engage with the
developer community to grow in your new career.
Good luck on your transition to app development! It’s a journey that requires
dedication, but your engineering background provides a strong foundation for
learning and problem-solving in programming.
