As a designer, learning to code is the best thing you can do for your career.
With coding becoming the norm for designers, it's more important than ever to learn how to code. You can teach yourself how to code with online resources and tutorials from companies like Codeacademy, Coursera, Treehouse, and Codecademy.
Not only will learning to code help you get a job faster, but you'll also be able to create your interactive prototypes of websites and apps that you design on paper with HTML/CSS/Javascript before they're built with all the bells and whistles (like CSS animations) so you know what you're getting into and can save time and money on revisions.
So let's get started and find out where you can learn how to start coding.
Benefits of Learning HTML and CSS Basics
The road to learning how to code usually begins with HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and CSS, which means Cascading Style Sheets.
HTML Refers to the skeletal content of a website, while CSS refers to the appearance or design of that content. When you learn how to code with HTML and CSS, you'll be able to create your websites from scratch without having to use any templates.
Some key benefits of learning how to code with HTML and CSS include:
1. Being able to create a website from scratch without using any templates.
2. You'll be able to understand how your designs look and function before they're built.
3. You can have more control over your design options.
HTML and CSS are considered the basics of coding and are recommended for designers who want to learn how to code. Once you have a basic understanding of HTML and CSS, you can then move on to more advanced coding languages like Javascript, Ruby on Rails, and PHP.
It’s Important for Designers to Learn How to Start Coding
Coding isn't just for engineers and developers. In fact, it can be used by designers to create illustrations, logos, and even entire websites. Being able to code will allow you to be more hands-on with your work, and you'll be able to create better, more customized designs.
What are we missing out on if we don't know Coding For Designers?
Designers who don't know how to code often face a few common challenges:
1. They're limited in what they can create because they can't write the code themselves and have to rely on someone else to do it for them.
2. They can't make changes to their designs once they've been coded because they don't know how to code themselves.
3. They struggle to understand how the web works and how their designs are being implemented, which can lead to problems with usability and effectiveness.
4. They can't see the "big picture" of how their designs fit into the overall website or app and lack a holistic understanding of web design.
It can be tough to stay motivated when learning a new skill, especially if you feel like you're struggling and not making progress. Needless to say, coding is one of the few skills that will be worth your persistence.
1. Designers who know how to code are in high demand
Designers who know how to code are in high demand. In an age where technology is constantly evolving, businesses realize the importance of having a designer who can also code. This is because designers who know how to code can create interactive prototypes, build websites and web apps from scratch, and understand how the web works. As a designer, learning to code will make you more valuable and give you an edge over your competition.
2. Learning how to code will make you a more valuable employee
Learning how to code will make you a more valuable employee because it will give you the ability to not only design beautiful visuals but also make them interactive and functional. In addition, coding allows you to communicate with developers and collaborate on projects more effectively.
3. You can use the skills you learn from coding to improve your design work
Designers should learn how to code because it is essential for creating beautiful, functional visuals. Coding enables you to communicate with developers, making it possible to collaborate on projects more effectively. Additionally, the skills that you learn from coding can be used to improve your design work.
4. It's never too late to start learning, even if you're not sure where to begin
It's never too late to start learning how to code, even if you're not sure where to begin. There are plenty of resources out there to help you get started, and once you've gotten the hang of it, you'll be able to create beautiful illustrations and designs that you can use for your projects. So don't be intimidated, and start learning today!
5. Coding for designers can help you better understand your work
When you learn how to code, you gain a better understanding of the underlying structure of your designs. This can help you troubleshoot problems and make changes more quickly. Moreover, if you ever need to make any alterations to your designs, knowing how to code can come in handy.
6. Coding can also help you create more sophisticated designs
In addition to helping you understand your work better, coding for designers can also help you create more sophisticated designs. With coding skills under your belt, you'll be able to add interactivity, animation, and other special effects to your projects. So if you're looking to take your design skills to the next level, learning how to code is a great way to do it.
7. You can learn to code for FREE
Learning to code can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. There are many free online resources that you can explore to get started on your coding journey. One great resource is Codecademy, which offers online courses in a variety of programming languages. If you're looking for something more structured, there are also plenty of paid courses available. But before you invest in a course, be sure to try out some free tutorials and see which language is the best fit for you.
8. You can create more interactive prototypes that can bring your design to life
One of the benefits of learning how to code is that you can create more interactive prototypes that can bring your design to life. With coding skills, you'll be able to add animation, interactivity, and other special effects to your project designs. This can help you better communicate your ideas to others, and it can also make your designs more user-friendly.
So if you're looking to take your design skills to the next level, learning how to code is a great way to do it. With coding for designers, you'll be able to create beautiful and sophisticated designs that are sure to impress.
9. You'll be able to build your websites and web apps from scratch
Making your websites and apps that can showcase your design abilities increase your marketability, which can help you stand out as a designer when applying for jobs (or starting your own business).
10. You’ll have a better understanding of how the web works
When you learn how to code, you're not just learning how to create designs; you're also learning how to develop websites and web apps. And when you know how to code, you can create websites and apps that are both beautiful and functional. This is because coding allows you to control every aspect of your design, from the layout to the functionality. So if you're looking to create a website or app that truly represents your design skills, then learning how to code is the way to do it.
Most importantly, coding for designers can be fun and rewarding, and it's a skill that can be used in a variety of different industries. Once you've learned the basics, you'll be able to create all sorts of amazing things with coding. So if you're looking for a new challenge, learning how to code is a good place to start.
Where Should You Start If You Want to Code
There are many resources out there, both free and paid, that can get you started on your coding journey.
1. Read. Read. Read
Find books, E-books, articles, and blogs about coding. Nothing beats the old-fashioned way of doing the time in the books.
Here are a few Books and Ebooks about How to Start Coding:
- HTML & CSS: Design and Build Websites
- Coding for Kids: A Hands-On Introduction to Programming
Free Resources:
Codecademy. Codecademy offers a variety of free courses in different programming languages.
Udacity. Udacity offers a range of free courses on various programming languages and other technical subjects.
2. Check out Youtube for free training videos
There are plenty of free training videos on Youtube on different coding languages. Just search the language you want to learn and start watching.
Some Great Youtube Channels for Learning Coding:
Once you have chosen the language you want to focus on, start by doing some basic tutorials. These will get you up to speed with the basics of the language.
Once you have a basic understanding of the language, start practicing by creating small projects. This is a great way to get used to coding and to see what you are capable of.
3. Take coding courses through online academies
Subscribe yourself to an online course. If you're serious about learning to code, it might be worth investing in a paid course. This will give you access to more resources and often a more structured learning environment.
Some of the best online sites to learn how to start coding:
Udemy - is an online academy with a range of courses in different programming languages and other technical subjects.
Pluralsight - is an online academy with a range of courses in different programming languages, including Javascript and ReactJS.
Code Academy - offers free coding courses in 12 different programming languages, as well as lessons on website development and HTML/CSS.
General Assembly - offers access to a variety of courses in different fields, including web development and user experience design.
Coursera - offers access to a variety of courses in different fields, including computer science and programming.
SkillShare - offers access to a variety of courses in different fields, including coding and web development.
Some popular paid courses are:
The Complete Web Developer Course 2.0
Code Academy Pro
Front End Web Development with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
AngularJS: From Beginner to Professional
4. Join coding boot camps
If you're looking for a more immersive experience, you might want to consider a coding boot camp. Bootcamps offer short-term, intensive courses in various programming languages and other technical subjects. They're often expensive, but they can be a great way to learn a new skill quickly.
Here are a few coding boot camp groups:
Flatiron School - has been around in the tech industry since 2012. Offering multiple courses in the tech industry.
Thinkful - is a coding boot camp with flexible payment terms
Hack Reactor - is a directory of coding boot camps with reviews and ratings.
App Academy - is an app academy directory with filters to help you find the right program for you.
5. Find a coach and a support group
Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. There are plenty of people out there who are more than happy to help a beginner learn how to code. So if you ever get stuck, don't hesitate to reach out for help.
Takeaway
In closing, designers who learn how to code will be able to create beautiful and functional websites and apps. Coding allows you to control every aspect of your design, from the layout to the functionality. There are many resources out there that can help you get started on your coding journey, including books, e-books, articles, blogs, free resources like Codecademy, Lynda.com, Udacity, Youtube videos, etc. Once you have chosen the language you want to focus on, start by doing some basic tutorials. Take coding courses through online academies and join coding boot camps for an immersive experience. If you're stuck, don't hesitate to reach out for help from others in the coding community!
Now that you're convinced to do some basic coding lessons, head on over to DesignStripe and add flair to your coding project. DesignStripe is a fantastic, easy-to-use illustration design library with a huge variety of hand-drawn art that you can simply modify to meet your preferences. Give it a go right now.
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