Learning to Code
This page is slightly different than the rest of my site. This is where I have decided to share my journey to teach myself to code.
I have always had a desire to learn how to program. I took a few computer science classes in college, and I have even attempted to learn how to program apps for iOS by watching videos from Stanford University. I have a reasonable understanding of the basics, but it never went beyond that.
I want to learn to code because whenever I see computer simulations of science and data visualizations, they inspire me. I want to create my own. There is a certain creativity, beauty, and self expression in this type of programming and I want in.
I have tried many different tutorials and books but found them hard to stick with. Recently, I ran across a YouTube channel called The Coding Train and I felt that spark again. As I watch these videos, it feels more like I am watch someone problem-solve and code rather than watching someone teaching how to code. That might sound like a small difference, but I think it is the best way to learn.
Time to learn to code...
Nature of Code
I have recently bought Dan Shiffman's book The Nature of Code and the plan is to work through the book chapter by chapter. Some of the early material may be a bit straight forward and dare I say easy, but since I really have very little formal training in programming I want to go through everything so I can hopefully build a stronger foundation and fill in any gaps that I have.
This is where I will be doing my best to document my progress and learning. The plan is complete the book in 2 months and then move on to some more creative work that I can transfer over to my students and my classroom. All aboard!