13 Must-Follow Programming Blogs and Websites

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This article titled “13 Must-Follow Programming Blogs and Websites” aims to provide readers with a comprehensive list of 13 programming blogs and websites that are essential for improving coding skills. With a diverse range of topics and languages covered, these resources cater to both beginners and advanced readers in the programming field. Some of the notable blogs mentioned include Better Programming, Lynda, David Walsh Blog, CSS Tricks, and NSHipster. In addition to the list, this content offers valuable tips for programming beginners, such as starting with the basics, finding a programming buddy, and learning through practice. Furthermore, it highlights the benefits of running a programming blog, such as enhancing technical skills, establishing a personal brand, and effectively expressing ideas. The conclusion reinforces the significance of consistent coding practice and encourages readers to follow the listed websites to enhance their programming skills.

13 Must-Follow Programming Blogs and Websites

Table of Contents

1. Better Programming

– Overview of Better Programming blog and website

Better Programming is a popular blog and website that focuses on providing valuable content for programmers of all levels. It covers a wide range of programming topics, including web development, software engineering, data science, mobile app development, and more. The platform aims to provide insights, tips, and tutorials that help programmers improve their coding skills and stay updated with the latest industry trends.

– Topics covered on Better Programming

Better Programming covers a diverse range of programming topics. Some of the key areas it focuses on include:

  1. Web development: This section covers front-end and back-end development, JavaScript frameworks, HTML and CSS techniques, responsive design, and web performance optimization.

  2. Software engineering: Better Programming provides articles on software design principles, best practices in code organization, software architecture patterns, and software development methodologies.

  3. Data science: This section explores topics like machine learning, data analysis, data visualization, and big data processing.

  4. Mobile app development: Better Programming offers insights into building mobile apps for various platforms, such as iOS and Android. It discusses frameworks like React Native and Flutter, mobile UI design, and performance optimization.

– Features of Better Programming

Better Programming offers several features that make it a valuable resource for programmers:

  1. Diverse authorship: The blog showcases articles written by industry experts, developers, and programmers with extensive experience in their respective fields.

  2. Tutorials and guides: Better Programming provides step-by-step tutorials, guides, and code examples that help readers understand complex programming concepts and implement them in their own projects.

  3. Community engagement: The platform encourages community engagement through comments and discussion sections. Readers can interact with authors and fellow programmers to share ideas and seek help on specific programming problems.

  4. Newsletter subscription: Better Programming offers a newsletter subscription option, allowing users to receive curated content directly in their inbox. This helps them stay updated with the latest articles and programming resources.

– Recommended articles from Better Programming

Here are some recommended articles from Better Programming that can help programmers enhance their skills:

  1. “10 JavaScript Tips and Tricks You Should Know”: This article provides useful JavaScript tips and tricks to improve coding efficiency and avoid common mistakes.

  2. “A Beginner’s Guide to Python Programming”: For those starting with Python, this guide covers the basics of the language and provides examples to help beginners get started.

  3. “Understanding React Hooks: useState and useEffect Explained”: This article explains React Hooks, a powerful feature in React.js, and how to leverage them in building reusable components.

  4. “Building a RESTful API with Node.js and Express.js”: This tutorial guides readers through the process of building a RESTful API using Node.js and Express.js, covering CRUD operations and authentication.

By exploring these articles, programmers can gain valuable insights, learn new techniques, and stay updated with the latest trends in programming.

2. Lynda

– Overview of Lynda website

Lynda is an educational platform that offers a wide range of online courses, including programming courses. It provides comprehensive video tutorials and learning resources that cater to both beginners and advanced programmers. With Lynda, users can learn at their own pace and gain practical programming skills in various languages and technologies.

– Topics covered on Lynda

Lynda covers a broad range of programming topics, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Some of the key areas it covers include:

  1. Programming languages: Lynda offers courses on popular programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, Ruby, and PHP. These courses cover both the fundamentals and advanced concepts of each language.

  2. Web development frameworks: The platform provides in-depth courses on web development frameworks like React.js, Angular, Django, Laravel, and Ruby on Rails. These courses enable programmers to build robust web applications using industry-standard frameworks.

  3. Database management: Lynda offers courses on database management systems such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and Oracle. These courses cover topics like data modeling, querying, and database administration.

  4. DevOps and cloud computing: Lynda includes courses on DevOps practices, containerization with Docker, cloud computing platforms like AWS and Azure, and deployment automation using tools like Jenkins.

– Benefits of using Lynda for programming learning

Lynda offers several benefits that make it an effective platform for learning programming:

  1. Structured courses: Lynda’s courses are well-structured and designed to build a strong foundation in programming. They follow a logical progression, starting from the basics and gradually covering advanced topics.

  2. Hands-on exercises: The platform provides practical exercises and coding challenges that allow users to apply what they have learned. This hands-on approach helps reinforce concepts and develop problem-solving skills.

  3. Expert instructors: Lynda’s courses are taught by industry professionals and experienced instructors who provide real-world insights and best practices. Learners benefit from their expertise and can gain practical knowledge that is relevant to their careers.

  4. Flexibility and accessibility: Lynda allows learners to access courses anytime and anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection. This flexibility enables individuals to learn at their own pace and fit their studies into their busy schedules.

– Popular programming courses on Lynda

Here are some popular programming courses on Lynda that programmers can consider:

  1. “Python Essential Training”: This course covers the fundamentals of Python programming, including data types, control structures, functions, and object-oriented programming.

  2. “JavaScript Essential Training”: Learners can enhance their JavaScript skills with this course, which covers the basics of the language, DOM manipulation, asynchronous programming, and more.

  3. “React: Building Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)”: This course teaches how to build Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) using React.js. It covers topics like service workers, offline capabilities, and caching strategies.

  4. “Java Essential Training”: For those interested in Java, this course provides a comprehensive introduction to the language, covering topics like classes, inheritance, exception handling, and file I/O.

By enrolling in these courses on Lynda, programmers can gain practical skills and improve their employability in the programming industry.

3. David Walsh Blog

– Introduction to David Walsh Blog

The David Walsh Blog is a widely recognized programming blog run by David Walsh, a renowned web developer and software engineer. The blog focuses on web development, JavaScript, CSS, and other related topics. David Walsh shares his expertise and insights through informative articles, tutorials, and code snippets that are easy to understand and implement.

– Topics covered on David Walsh Blog

The David Walsh Blog covers a wide range of programming topics, with a particular focus on web development and JavaScript. Some of the key areas it covers include:

  1. JavaScript tutorials: David Walsh provides detailed tutorials on JavaScript, covering various aspects of the language, such as object-oriented programming, functional programming, and JavaScript frameworks like React and Vue.

  2. CSS techniques and tricks: The blog shares valuable CSS techniques, tips, and tricks to enhance web design and create visually appealing websites. It covers topics like CSS animations, responsive design, flexbox, and CSS grid layouts.

  3. Web performance optimization: David Walsh shares insights on improving website performance, including techniques for optimizing JavaScript, optimizing CSS and images, caching strategies, and minimizing network requests.

  4. Browser compatibility and standards: The blog provides guidance on ensuring cross-browser compatibility and adhering to web development standards, including best practices for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

– Features of David Walsh Blog

The David Walsh Blog offers several features that make it a valuable resource for programmers:

  1. Code snippets: David Walsh regularly shares useful code snippets that programmers can directly use in their projects. These snippets cover a wide range of topics and can help save time and effort in coding.

  2. Demos and examples: The blog often includes interactive demos and examples to illustrate concepts and techniques. These demos make it easier for readers to understand and implement the discussed topics.

  3. Q&A and community engagement: David Walsh actively engages with his readers through the comments section, responding to questions and providing additional insights. This community engagement fosters learning and knowledge sharing.

  4. Podcast: In addition to written content, David Walsh also hosts a podcast where he discusses programming-related topics, shares his experiences, and interviews industry experts. The podcast provides an alternative format for consuming programming knowledge.

– Must-read articles from David Walsh Blog

Here are some must-read articles from the David Walsh Blog:

  1. “JavaScript Promises: An Introduction”: This article provides a comprehensive introduction to JavaScript Promises, a powerful feature for handling asynchronous operations in JavaScript.

  2. “CSS Variables: What You Should Know”: David Walsh explains CSS variables (also known as custom properties) and demonstrates how they can be used to create more flexible and maintainable CSS code.

  3. “Creating Sliding Background Effects with CSS”: This tutorial guides readers through the process of creating sliding background effects using CSS animations. It demonstrates how to achieve visually appealing effects to enhance the user experience.

  4. “10 Tips for Writing More Efficient JavaScript”: In this article, David Walsh shares valuable tips for writing efficient JavaScript code, covering topics like reducing memory usage, optimizing loops, and minimizing function calls.

By exploring these articles on the David Walsh Blog, programmers can gain valuable insights, learn new techniques, and enhance their programming skills.

4. CSS Tricks

– Overview of CSS Tricks blog

CSS Tricks is a popular blog focused on CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) and front-end web development. It provides tutorials, articles, and resources related to CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and web design. The blog aims to help web developers improve their CSS skills, learn new techniques, and stay updated with the latest trends in web development.

– CSS Tricks for beginners

CSS Tricks offers valuable resources for beginners who want to learn CSS and front-end web development:

  1. CSS basics: The blog covers the fundamentals of CSS, including selectors, properties, values, and CSS box model. Beginners can start with articles that provide a solid foundation in CSS.

  2. Layout techniques: CSS Tricks explores various layout techniques such as flexbox, CSS grid, and responsive design. These articles help beginners understand how to create responsive and visually appealing web layouts.

  3. CSS animations and transitions: The blog provides tutorials and examples on creating CSS animations and transitions, allowing beginners to add interactivity and visual effects to their websites.

  4. Cross-browser compatibility: CSS Tricks shares tips and techniques for ensuring cross-browser compatibility in CSS. Beginners can learn how to write CSS code that works consistently across different web browsers.

– Advanced CSS tips and tricks

CSS Tricks also caters to advanced web developers who want to enhance their CSS skills:

  1. CSS preprocessors: The blog covers popular CSS preprocessors like Sass and Less, demonstrating how they can be used to write more efficient and maintainable CSS code. Advanced users can explore these articles to optimize their workflow.

  2. CSS frameworks and libraries: CSS Tricks provides insights into popular CSS frameworks like Bootstrap and Tailwind CSS, showcasing how they can accelerate the development process and improve code structure.

  3. CSS architecture and methodologies: The blog discusses CSS architecture principles and methodologies like BEM (Block Element Modifier), OOCSS (Object-Oriented CSS), and SMACSS (Scalable and Modular Architecture for CSS). These articles help advanced users organize and structure their CSS code effectively.

  4. Performance optimization: CSS Tricks shares tips and techniques for optimizing CSS code to improve the performance of web pages. Advanced users can learn how to reduce file size, minimize render-blocking CSS, and optimize critical rendering path.

– Popular articles on CSS Tricks

Here are some popular articles on CSS Tricks that programmers should consider exploring:

  1. “A Complete Guide to Flexbox”: This comprehensive guide explains flexbox, a powerful CSS layout system, covering various properties and use cases. It helps programmers create flexible and responsive web layouts.

  2. “Using CSS Grid: Supporting Browsers Without Grid”: This article demonstrates how to use fallbacks and progressive enhancement techniques to ensure CSS grid layouts work in older browsers that lack support for grid.

  3. “The Shapes of CSS”: CSS Tricks explores the CSS Shapes specification and demonstrates how to create text wraps, image masks, and other non-rectangular layouts using CSS.

  4. “Responsive Images in CSS”: This tutorial showcases different techniques for implementing responsive images using CSS, including srcset, sizes, and the picture element.

By reading these popular articles on CSS Tricks, programmers can gain valuable insights, learn new CSS techniques, and improve their web development skills.

13 Must-Follow Programming Blogs and Websites

5. NSHipster

– Introduction to NSHipster website

NSHipster is a well-known website that focuses on topics related to Apple platforms and frameworks, including iOS, macOS, and Swift. It provides comprehensive articles, tips, and tricks that cater to both beginner and advanced developers. NSHipster aims to explore the lesser-known and more advanced aspects of Apple’s programming languages and frameworks.

– Topics covered on NSHipster

NSHipster covers a wide range of topics related to Apple platforms and frameworks. Some of the key areas it covers include:

  1. Swift programming: NSHipster provides articles on various aspects of the Swift programming language, including language features, best practices, and advanced techniques. It explores topics like generics, concurrency, protocols, and functional programming in Swift.

  2. iOS and macOS development: The website offers insights into iOS and macOS development, covering frameworks like UIKit, SwiftUI, AppKit, Core Data, and Core Animation. Topics include user interface design patterns, architectural patterns, and performance optimization.

  3. Apple ecosystem: NSHipster explores topics related to the Apple ecosystem, including Xcode tips and tricks, Apple developer tools, and app distribution strategies. It provides insights into the latest updates and releases from Apple.

  4. Testing and debugging: The website discusses testing and debugging techniques specific to Apple platforms, including unit testing, UI testing, and debugging tools like LLDB. It helps developers ensure the quality and reliability of their applications.

– Features of NSHipster

NSHipster offers several features that make it a valuable resource for developers working with Apple platforms:

  1. In-depth articles: NSHipster provides detailed articles that dive deep into the technical aspects of Apple programming languages and frameworks. These articles offer practical insights and real-world examples.

  2. Weekly updates: The website is updated weekly with new articles, ensuring that developers can stay up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in Apple’s ecosystem.

  3. Code examples: NSHipster includes code examples and snippets that help developers understand and implement the discussed topics. These examples provide hands-on experience and facilitate learning.

  4. Book recommendations: NSHipster occasionally shares book recommendations related to Apple programming, covering topics like Swift, iOS development, and software design. These recommendations can further enhance developers’ knowledge and expertise.

– Recommended posts from NSHipster

Here are some recommended posts from NSHipster that developers can benefit from:

  1. “Swift Generics: The Right Way”: This article explores advanced techniques and best practices for working with generics in Swift. It covers topics like type constraints, associated types, and generic algorithms.

  2. “Dark Mode in iOS 13”: NSHipster discusses the implementation of dark mode in iOS 13, covering API changes and design considerations. Developers can learn how to support dark mode in their iOS apps.

  3. “URLs and URIs in Swift”: This article explains the differences between URLs and URIs, and demonstrates how to work with them using the Foundation framework in Swift.

  4. “Understanding Optionals in Swift”: NSHipster provides a comprehensive guide to understanding optionals in Swift, covering unwrapping, optional chaining, and optional map, flatMap, and compactMap.

By exploring these recommended posts on NSHipster, developers can gain valuable insights, learn advanced techniques, and strengthen their proficiency in Apple programming.

6. Starting with the basics

– Importance of starting with the basics in programming

Starting with the basics is crucial in programming as it lays a strong foundation for further learning and growth. By understanding the fundamental concepts, syntax, and principles of a programming language, beginners can develop a solid understanding and problem-solving skills.

– Recommended resources for learning programming basics

There are several resources available for beginners to learn programming basics effectively:

  1. Online tutorials and courses: Platforms like Codecademy, Coursera, and Udemy offer interactive tutorials and courses on various programming languages. These resources provide hands-on exercises, quizzes, and real-world projects to reinforce learning.

  2. Books: Programming books, such as “Learn Python the Hard Way” by Zed Shaw and “Eloquent JavaScript” by Marijn Haverbeke, provide comprehensive introductions to programming concepts and languages. They offer detailed explanations and examples to enhance understanding.

  3. Video tutorials: Video tutorial websites like YouTube and Pluralsight offer programming tutorials that cater to different learning styles. Visual demonstrations and explanations can help beginners grasp concepts more easily.

– Popular programming languages for beginners

Some popular programming languages for beginners include:

  1. Python: Known for its simplicity and readability, Python is widely recommended for beginners. It has a large community and extensive documentation, making it easy to find resources and support.

  2. JavaScript: As the language of the web, JavaScript is essential for front-end web development. Beginners can start with JavaScript to create interactive websites and learn basic programming concepts.

  3. Java: Java is a widely used programming language known for its platform independence and object-oriented programming (OOP) principles. It is often taught in academic settings and provides a solid foundation for learning other languages.

  4. C#: Developed by Microsoft, C# is commonly used for building desktop applications or games using the .NET framework. It is beginner-friendly and has a strong integration with other Microsoft tools and technologies.

By starting with these popular programming languages and utilizing recommended resources, beginners can establish a strong programming foundation and set themselves up for success.

13 Must-Follow Programming Blogs and Websites

7. Finding a programming buddy

– Benefits of having a programming buddy

Having a programming buddy can bring several benefits to programmers, including:

  1. Learning and knowledge sharing: Collaborating with a programming buddy allows for the sharing of ideas, techniques, and problem-solving strategies. Two minds working together can often find solutions faster than one.

  2. Motivation and accountability: Working with a programming buddy can provide motivation and accountability. Setting goals together and sharing progress can keep both individuals motivated and on track.

  3. Code reviews and feedback: With a programming buddy, there is an opportunity for code reviews and feedback, helping programmers identify areas for improvement and learn from each other’s code.

  4. Collaboration and teamwork skills: Working with a programming buddy enhances collaboration and teamwork skills, which are highly valuable in professional settings.

– Platforms to find programming buddies

There are several platforms available to find programming buddies:

  1. Online communities: Websites like Stack Overflow, Reddit, and GitHub have active communities of programmers who are willing to collaborate and help each other. Participating in discussions and seeking collaboration opportunities can help find a programming buddy.

  2. Meetup groups: Local programming meetup groups often organize events and workshops for programming enthusiasts. Attending these meetups can help establish connections and find like-minded individuals for collaboration.

  3. Coding bootcamps and classes: Joining coding bootcamps or taking programming classes allows individuals to meet fellow learners who are at a similar skill level. Collaborating with peers can lead to finding a programming buddy.

– Tips for effective collaboration with a programming buddy

To have an effective collaboration with a programming buddy, consider the following tips:

  1. Define clear goals and expectations: Agree on the purpose and goals of the collaboration. Define the scope and expected outcomes for better alignment.

  2. Establish regular communication channels: Decide on the preferred communication channels, such as chat platforms, video calls, or project management tools, to facilitate effective communication.

  3. Share progress and setbacks: Regularly update each other on progress, achievements, and challenges. Being transparent about setbacks allows for shared problem-solving.

  4. Set milestones and deadlines: Break down projects or learning goals into smaller milestones with achievable deadlines. This helps keep both individuals accountable and ensures progress.

By finding a programming buddy, programmers can enhance their learning experience, improve collaboration skills, and accelerate their growth in the field.

8. Learning by practicing

– Importance of practicing coding

Practicing coding is essential for improving programming skills. By actively writing code and solving problems, programmers develop the ability to think analytically, understand algorithms, and gain hands-on experience.

– Online coding platforms for practice

There are several online coding platforms available for programmers to practice their coding skills:

  1. HackerRank: HackerRank provides a wide range of coding challenges and competitions across various domains, such as algorithms, data structures, and artificial intelligence. Programmers can solve challenges in different programming languages.

  2. LeetCode: LeetCode focuses on technical interview preparation. It offers a large collection of algorithmic and data structure problems that are frequently asked in coding interviews.

  3. Codewars: Codewars offers a collection of coding challenges called “katas.” Programmers can solve these challenges in their preferred programming language and compare their solutions with others.

– Tips for effective coding practice

To make the most of coding practice sessions, consider the following tips:

  1. Start with small exercises: Begin with small coding exercises and gradually increase the complexity. This helps build confidence and ensures a steady progression.

  2. Analyze and understand solutions: When practicing coding challenges, take the time to analyze different solutions, even if you have solved the problem yourself. Understanding different approaches improves problem-solving skills.

  3. Solve real-world problems: Look for coding challenges or projects that simulate real-world scenarios. This helps bridge the gap between theory and practical application and builds problem-solving skills applicable to real-world situations.

  4. Collaborate and seek feedback: Engage in coding challenges or code reviews with peers or experienced programmers. Collaborating and receiving feedback helps identify areas for improvement and exposes programmers to different perspectives and coding styles.

By incorporating regular coding practice into their routine and utilizing online coding platforms, programmers can enhance their problem-solving skills, become more efficient coders, and stay up-to-date with industry standards.

13 Must-Follow Programming Blogs and Websites

9. Benefits of running a programming blog

– Enhancing technical skills through blogging

Running a programming blog offers several benefits for programmers. By regularly writing articles or tutorials, programmers enhance their technical skills and deepen their understanding of programming concepts. Explaining complex topics to others requires a comprehensive understanding, leading to a deeper mastery of the subject matter.

– Creating a personal brand

Running a programming blog allows programmers to create a personal brand and establish themselves as experts in their field. By consistently sharing valuable content, they can gain recognition and credibility within the programming community. A strong personal brand can open doors to new job opportunities, collaborations, and speaking engagements.

– Improving communication and writing skills

Writing programming articles helps programmers improve their communication and writing skills. Articulating ideas, explaining concepts clearly, and organizing information effectively are essential skills for effective communication. By practicing writing, programmers can convey their thoughts more accurately and concisely.

– Connecting with the programming community

Running a programming blog facilitates connections with the programming community. By sharing insights, tutorials, and experiences, programmers can engage with like-minded individuals, receive feedback, and build relationships. It provides a platform for networking, collaborating on projects, and staying updated with the latest industry trends.

Conclusion

Continuous coding practice is crucial for programmers to improve their skills, stay updated with industry trends, and advance their careers. The 13 programming blogs and websites mentioned in this article offer valuable resources, tutorials, and insights that cater to programmers of all levels. From Better Programming and Lynda to David Walsh Blog, CSS Tricks, and NSHipster, each platform covers a diverse range of programming topics and provides unique features. By exploring these resources and following their recommended articles, programmers can enhance their coding proficiency and unlock their full potential in the programming world.

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