“Must-Follow Blogs and Websites to Improve Your Coding” is a comprehensive guide that presents a curated list of 13 exceptional programming blogs and websites. This resource is designed to assist readers in enhancing their coding skills through a diverse array of programming topics and languages, catering to both beginners and advanced coders. Highlighted blogs include Better Programming, Lynda, David Walsh Blog, CSS Tricks, and NSHipster, among others. In addition to providing a list of valuable resources, the article offers essential tips for beginners, emphasizing the importance of mastering the fundamentals, finding a programming partner, and learning through practice. The benefits of running a programming blog are also highlighted, including the potential to enhance technical expertise, build a personal brand, and effectively express ideas. Ultimately, the conclusion stresses the significance of continuous coding practice and recommends following the suggested websites to bolster programming proficiency. “Must-Follow Blogs and Websites to Improve Your Coding” is the go-to guide for individuals seeking to advance their programming skills and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends.
1. Better Programming
Overview of Better Programming
Better Programming is a popular programming blog and website that provides a wide range of articles and tutorials on various programming topics. It aims to help programmers improve their coding skills, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and learn new technologies. The blog covers a wide range of programming languages, frameworks, and concepts, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced developers.
Topics covered
Better Programming covers a vast array of topics related to software development, including web development, mobile app development, data science, machine learning, cloud computing, and more. The blog also features articles on best practices, coding guidelines, software architecture, and industry trends.
Audience
The content on Better Programming caters to a diverse audience consisting of programmers, software developers, and technology enthusiasts. It is suitable for both beginners who are just starting their coding journey and experienced developers looking to enhance their skills or learn about new technologies.
Benefits of following Better Programming
By following Better Programming, programmers can gain several benefits. Firstly, the comprehensive and well-documented articles provide valuable insights and knowledge on various programming topics, helping developers stay updated with the latest industry trends. The blog also offers practical examples and tutorials, allowing programmers to implement newly acquired knowledge into their projects.
Additionally, Better Programming fosters a community of like-minded individuals who can engage in discussions and share their experiences. This community aspect provides opportunities for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas among programmers.
Overall, following Better Programming enables programmers to enhance their coding skills, stay informed about emerging technologies, and connect with a vibrant community of developers.
2. Lynda
Overview of Lynda
Lynda is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of programming courses. It provides an extensive library of video tutorials, covering various programming languages, frameworks, and software development topics. The platform caters to individuals who want to learn programming at their own pace and is suitable for both beginners and experienced developers.
Programming courses available
Lynda offers a vast collection of programming courses, allowing individuals to learn popular programming languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, and more. The courses delve into different aspects of programming, including web development, app development, data analysis, and computer science fundamentals. Each course comprises video lectures, exercises, and quizzes to reinforce the learning process.
Features of Lynda
One significant feature of Lynda is its intuitive and user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to navigate and find relevant courses. The platform also allows users to track their progress, earn certificates upon course completion, and access the content offline through the Lynda app.
Moreover, Lynda offers high-quality video tutorials taught by industry experts, ensuring that learners receive accurate and up-to-date information. The courses are well-structured, with a clear progression path, enabling individuals to acquire programming skills systematically.
How Lynda can improve coding skills
By enrolling in Lynda’s programming courses, individuals can effectively enhance their coding skills. The platform provides comprehensive lessons and hands-on exercises that allow learners to gain a deep understanding of programming languages, frameworks, and concepts.
The interactive nature of the courses fosters active learning, as learners can code along with the instructors and practice their skills in real-time. Additionally, the quizzes and assessments provided in each course help reinforce the knowledge gained and identify areas that need improvement.
Lynda’s programming courses also allow individuals to learn at their own pace, making it suitable for both busy professionals and those just starting their coding journey. With its broad range of course offerings, Lynda enables learners to acquire knowledge in specific areas of interest or diversify their skill sets by learning multiple programming languages.
3. David Walsh Blog
Introduction to David Walsh Blog
The David Walsh Blog is a popular programming blog that covers a wide range of web development topics. David Walsh, a renowned web developer and software engineer, shares his insights, experiences, and knowledge through informative articles and tutorials. The blog aims to help developers improve their coding skills, explore new web technologies, and stay up-to-date with industry trends.
Topics covered
The David Walsh Blog covers a diverse range of web development topics, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, front-end frameworks, server-side programming, and more. The blog also delves into advanced topics such as performance optimization, security best practices, and web standards compliance.
How David Walsh Blog helps improve coding
The David Walsh Blog provides valuable tutorials, code snippets, and practical examples that help developers improve their coding skills. The articles are well-structured and easy to follow, making complex web development concepts more accessible to beginners and experienced programmers alike.
By following the blog, developers can learn new techniques, gain insights into best practices, and discover efficient solutions to common coding challenges. The blog’s emphasis on real-world examples and practical applications ensures that developers can apply the knowledge gained to their own projects.
Community and resources
In addition to the informative articles, the David Walsh Blog fosters an engaged community of developers who can connect, share ideas, and seek assistance. The blog encourages readers to leave comments, ask questions, and engage in discussions, creating a supportive environment for learning and collaboration.
The blog also provides additional resources, such as downloadable code snippets, libraries, and plugins, which developers can leverage to streamline their development process and enhance their projects.
4. CSS Tricks
Overview of CSS Tricks
CSS Tricks is a widely recognized programming blog that focuses on CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) and front-end web development. It offers a vast collection of tutorials, guides, and articles, helping developers master CSS techniques and create visually appealing and responsive web designs.
CSS tutorials and guides
CSS Tricks provides in-depth tutorials and guides on various aspects of CSS, ranging from basic to advanced concepts. The blog covers topics such as CSS selectors, layout techniques, animations, responsive design, and CSS frameworks. The tutorials are well-explained and often accompanied by code examples, allowing developers to understand and implement CSS concepts effectively.
The blog also explores CSS-related technologies, such as Sass (Syntactically Awesome Style Sheets) and CSS preprocessors, providing insights into their usage and benefits.
Community and forum
CSS Tricks fosters a vibrant community of developers who can connect, share their projects, and seek guidance. The blog encourages readers to contribute through comments, providing a platform for discussion and knowledge exchange.
Additionally, CSS Tricks features an active forum where developers can ask questions, seek help with CSS-related issues, and participate in discussions about the latest trends and techniques in front-end development. The forum serves as a valuable resource for developers seeking assistance and inspiration for their CSS projects.
Tips for improving coding using CSS Tricks
By following CSS Tricks, developers can enhance their coding skills in CSS and front-end development. The comprehensive tutorials and guides enable developers to expand their knowledge of CSS techniques, explore new possibilities, and create visually stunning web designs.
Additionally, the active community and forum provide opportunities for developers to receive feedback on their projects, learn from others’ experiences, and stay updated with the latest CSS trends and best practices. The blog’s emphasis on practical implementation and real-world examples ensures that developers can apply the learned CSS techniques to their own projects and build robust and appealing web interfaces.
5. NSHipster
Introduction to NSHipster
NSHipster is a programming blog that focuses on iOS development and provides insights, tips, and best practices for building applications on Apple’s iOS platform. The blog, written by Mattt Thompson, covers various aspects of iOS development, ranging from Swift programming language features to App Store submission guidelines.
Topics covered
NSHipster covers a wide range of topics related to iOS development, including Swift programming language, UIKit framework, Core Data, networking, performance optimization, and more. The blog explores lesser-known features and APIs, providing in-depth explanations and practical examples to help developers improve their iOS coding skills.
Insights and tips for iOS development
By following NSHipster, iOS developers can gain valuable insights, tips, and best practices that can enhance their coding skills and efficiency. The blog dives into nuanced aspects of iOS development, highlighting hidden gems and leveraging the full potential of the iOS platform.
The articles on NSHipster not only cover technical topics but also touch upon the broader ecosystem of iOS development, discussing topics such as app distribution, localization, user interface design, and app marketing. This comprehensive approach provides developers with a holistic understanding of iOS development and equips them with the knowledge to build high-quality and user-friendly iOS applications.
How NSHipster helps improve coding skills
NSHipster’s focus on iOS development and its detailed explanations and examples help iOS developers improve their coding skills in various ways. The blog covers a wide array of iOS-related topics, enabling developers to acquire new knowledge, deepen their understanding of iOS concepts, and discover efficient solutions to common iOS development challenges.
NSHipster’s articles often introduce lesser-known iOS features and APIs that can simplify development tasks, improve performance, and enhance the user experience. By incorporating these advanced techniques into their projects, developers can elevate the quality of their iOS apps and deliver exceptional user experiences.
6. Starting with the Basics
Importance of understanding basic programming concepts
Starting with the basics of programming is essential for individuals who are new to coding or want to strengthen their foundation. Understanding fundamental programming concepts such as variables, data types, control structures, functions, and algorithms forms the building blocks for more complex programming tasks.
By grasping these foundational concepts, individuals can approach programming problems systematically, analyze potential solutions, and write clean and efficient code. It sets the stage for learning advanced programming techniques and allows developers to adapt to different programming languages and frameworks more easily.
Recommended resources for beginners
For beginners, several resources can aid in learning and mastering the basics of programming. Online platforms such as Codecademy, FreeCodeCamp, and Khan Academy offer interactive programming courses that cover introductory concepts and provide hands-on coding exercises.
Books can also be valuable resources for beginners, offering structured learning paths and in-depth explanations of programming concepts. Some recommended books for learning programming basics include “Python Crash Course” by Eric Matthes, “Eloquent JavaScript” by Marijn Haverbeke, and “Head First Java” by Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates.
Examples of programming basics
To demonstrate the importance and practicality of programming basics, let’s consider a simple example. Suppose an individual wants to create a program that calculates and displays the average temperature of a given set of temperatures. By understanding basic programming concepts, such as variables, loops, and calculations, the individual can write code that iterates through the temperatures, calculates the average, and displays the result.
In this example, the understanding of variables enables the storage of temperature values, while loops are used to iterate through the temperatures, and calculations help in finding the average. Mastering these fundamental concepts can empower individuals to solve a wide range of programming problems and build increasingly complex applications.
7. Finding a Programming Buddy
Benefits of having a programming buddy
Having a programming buddy can provide numerous benefits to individuals learning or improving their coding skills. Some of these benefits include:
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Accountability: A programming buddy can help individuals stay motivated, committed, and accountable for their learning goals. By regularly discussing progress, setting targets, and offering support, a programming buddy encourages consistency and prevents slacking off.
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Collaborative learning: Two minds are often better than one when it comes to problem-solving and learning. By collaborating with a programming buddy, individuals can gain different perspectives, exchange ideas, and work together to overcome challenges. This collaborative approach fosters a deeper understanding of programming concepts and enhances problem-solving skills.
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Knowledge sharing: Programming buddies can share their experiences, insights, and resources, providing a broader range of learning opportunities. They can recommend useful tutorials, books, or tools, and point out best practices or tips that they have discovered. This knowledge sharing helps both individuals expand their knowledge base and accelerate their learning process.
How to find a programming buddy
Finding a programming buddy can be done through various avenues:
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Online communities: Joining online programming communities such as forums, social media groups, or coding-focused platforms like GitHub can connect individuals with like-minded programmers. Engage in discussions, seek out individuals with similar learning goals, and express interest in finding a programming buddy.
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Local meetups and events: Attend local programming meetups, hackathons, or coding events to meet other developers in person. These events often have networking sessions or dedicated spaces for individuals interested in finding study partners or programming buddies.
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Course-specific platforms: If individuals are following online programming courses, they can explore platforms that offer community forums or study groups intended for course participants. These platforms encourage collaboration and allow learners to connect with others learning the same topics.
Collaborative learning and problem-solving
Once a programming buddy has been found, individuals can engage in collaborative learning and problem-solving activities. They can set regular study or coding sessions, during which they can discuss concepts, work on coding exercises together, and solve programming challenges.
Collaborative learning provides a platform for sharing knowledge, receiving feedback, and jointly tackling complex problems. Through this process, individuals can deepen their understanding of programming concepts, learn from each other’s experiences, and develop effective problem-solving strategies.
8. Learning by Practicing
Importance of hands-on coding practice
Learning programming through hands-on coding practice is crucial for developing practical skills and reinforcing theoretical knowledge. While reading books or watching tutorials can provide a theoretical understanding of programming concepts, it is through actual coding that individuals truly grasp and internalize those concepts.
Hands-on coding practice allows individuals to apply what they have learned, experiment with different approaches, and encounter real-world coding scenarios. It enhances problem-solving skills, fosters creativity, and improves the ability to translate ideas into functional code.
Online coding platforms for practicing
Several online coding platforms provide environments where individuals can practice their coding skills. Some popular platforms for hands-on coding practice include:
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LeetCode: LeetCode offers a wide range of coding challenges and algorithmic problems that allow individuals to practice their problem-solving skills. The platform supports multiple programming languages and provides a collaborative community where individuals can discuss solutions and learn from each other.
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HackerRank: HackerRank provides coding challenges, competitions, and interview preparation resources. It covers various domains, including algorithmic problem-solving, data structures, and artificial intelligence. The platform features a supportive community and also offers coding contests to test individuals’ skills against others.
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CodeWars: CodeWars offers a collection of coding challenges referred to as “katas.” Individuals can choose challenges based on their desired difficulty level and programming language. CodeWars emphasizes learning from other developers’ solutions and provides a ranking system to track progress.
Solving coding challenges and exercises
Solving coding challenges and exercises is an effective way to improve programming skills. These challenges help individuals practice problem-solving techniques, algorithmic thinking, and efficient code implementation. By tackling a variety of coding challenges, individuals become more comfortable with different problem domains and gain confidence in their ability to write code.
When solving coding challenges, it is essential to strive for optimal solutions, considering factors such as time complexity, space complexity, and code readability. This process helps individuals develop a disciplined approach to problem-solving and enhances their ability to write clean and efficient code.
Building real-world projects
In addition to coding challenges, individuals can further improve their skills by working on real-world projects. Building projects helps individuals apply their knowledge in a practical setting and simulate real-life development scenarios.
By working on projects, individuals learn about project organization, collaborate with others, and overcome challenges that may arise during the development process. The experience gained from building real-world projects provides valuable insights into the practical aspects of programming and prepares individuals for professional development roles.
9. Benefits of Running a Programming Blog
Enhancing technical skills through teaching
Running a programming blog offers individuals the opportunity to enhance their technical skills by teaching others. When explaining programming concepts, individuals deepen their understanding of the topic, foster clarity in their explanations, and uncover any knowledge gaps they may have.
By teaching others, individuals gain a holistic view of programming concepts and reinforce their own learning. This process allows them to solidify their technical skills and build a strong foundation in the programming languages or frameworks they specialize in.
Creating a personal brand and portfolio
Running a programming blog enables individuals to create a personal brand and establish their expertise in specific programming areas. Regularly publishing articles and tutorials showcases their knowledge and builds credibility within the programming community.
A well-established personal brand can open doors to various opportunities, such as freelance work, collaboration invitations, or speaking engagements. It serves as a portfolio of their work and demonstrates their commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Sharing knowledge and ideas
Running a programming blog provides a platform for individuals to share their knowledge and ideas with the wider programming community. By publishing articles, tutorials, and code snippets, individuals contribute to the collective knowledge pool and help others learn and grow.
This knowledge sharing benefits not only readers but also the blog owners themselves. Engaging with the programming community fosters intellectual discussions, sparks creativity, and encourages further learning. Through the feedback and interaction gained from sharing their ideas, individuals can refine their understanding of programming concepts and refine their own skills.
Building a network of fellow programmers
Running a programming blog connects individuals with fellow programmers, creating opportunities for networking, collaboration, and mentorship. As individuals share their knowledge and engage with readers, they build relationships within the programming community.
These connections can lead to valuable collaborations, where bloggers can work collectively on projects, contribute to open-source initiatives, or organize events and workshops. A strong network of fellow programmers provides support, inspiration, and opportunities for professional growth.
12. Conclusion
In conclusion, the list of blogs and websites provided in this article serves as a valuable resource for individuals looking to improve their coding skills. Better Programming, Lynda, David Walsh Blog, CSS Tricks, and NSHipster offer diverse content, catering to programmers at different skill levels and covering a wide range of programming topics.
By following these resources, programmers can stay updated with industry trends, gain in-depth knowledge of programming languages and frameworks, and engage with vibrant programming communities. The recommended tips, such as starting with the basics, finding a programming buddy, learning by practicing, and running a programming blog, further enhance the learning experience and provide opportunities for growth and networking.
Continuous practice, collaboration, and engagement with the programming community are key to improving coding skills and staying relevant in the fast-paced world of software development. Embrace these resources, embrace the learning process, and embark on a journey to become a proficient and effective programmer.