Gizmos & Gadgets: Want to Write Them Then Start With These Tools

January 16, 2015 – Today’s guest blogger is Stephen Collins. Stephen was born in Phoenix, Arizona and has spent most of his life in the U.S. Southwest playing, he says with “cowboys and aliens.” I’m sure he is referring to sci-fi aliens. He is a lover of sci-fi and fantasy and has been writing from as early in life as he can remember. Currently he is working on his second book.

His topic today is a bit of departure from our usual Gizmos & Gadgets content. But I thought you would find it quite interesting.

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In these days of instant access and the ability to learn anything at any time, just knowing that something works is no longer good enough. People want to know how it works and then many times they want to take it to the next level and create it themselves. This is no more evident than in the world of programming and coding. The sheer number of apps that have been created is incredible. Apple states that it has 1.2 million apps available in the App Store and Android offers 1.3 million.

Many people start their journey into the world of coding by just having an idea. Creators want to make something or change something that can make their own personal lives better. Then they tell their friends about it, who tell their friends and suddenly you have a high demand app without even trying. But where do you start and what are the best resources available to you if you are a true beginner in the world of programming?

Here’s three of the top online resources to help you get your career rolling or advance your skills to the next level:

For Beginners: Codecademy

Founded in 2011, Codecademy has quickly become one of the biggest and most well-known resources for learning how to code thanks to some great press. With lessons available in many of the most common languages including JavaScript, Python and Ruby, Codecademy sets itself apart by also focusing on teaching how to correctly and effectively use the application programming interface (API) provided by companies to grant access to their data.

Keep in mind that Codecademy is a free training program which is great for beginners but it does not offer training in advanced coding or programming.

For Learners of all Trades: Skillfeed

This all-you-can-learn program is designed to be an easily accessible training platform that anyone of any skill level can use to view videos and training material on software, programming and beyond. Skillfeed is a popular go-to resource for people who want to learn more about their trade. With a wide variety of courses available and covering a plethora of programs and coding languages like Java, Skillfeed can help users regardless if they are a first time coder looking to create an app, or a seasoned veteran programmer looking to refine and expand their skills.

For Professionals: Lynda.com

With well over 5,000 video-based courses and growing, Lynda.com is one of the top resources for quick, reliable information and instruction right when you need it. Lynda.com also boasts an impressive pool of experts and teachers that can help users out along their learning journeys and Lynda.com offers lessons to help users of any skill level. Accounts can also be synced across multiple devices and platforms so users can access their resources no matter where they are.

With smartphone and tablet technology continuing to advance, the ability to adapt and keep up with the programming and coding that goes into running today’s technology will be a key factor in staying competitive and sharp in the industry.