[Complete Guide] 5 steps to self-study programming for beginners and liberal arts majors | A learning method that can also be used for side jobs and career changes

programming

"I'm interested in programming, but I don't know where to start."

"I'm a liberal arts student and I have no experience, so I might not be able to do it."

Do you feel that way and can't take a step forward?

In this article,A 20-something working adult with a liberal arts background and no prior experiencebut,Five steps to learning programming on your own and successfully starting a side job or changing jobsWe will explain it in an easy-to-understand manner.

Avoid using technical terms as much as possibleWords that elementary school students can understandDon't worry, we'll explain it to you.

• What should we learn?

• What materials should I use?

• How do I continue?

• What kind of work can you use this for?

We will answer these questions one by one.

After reading this one article, you will be able to start learning programming without any hesitation.

What new programmers should know first

What is programming?

conclusion

Programming is "how to give instructions to a computer".

reason

Even if you are from a liberal arts background, there is no need to worry.

Just like with Japanese sentences, it is important to write in an orderly manner.That's why.

Examples

You can also perform operations such as "changing the color when you press a button" or "displaying an image when you click on a page."

It all runs by program.

reassertion

Don't overthink it, just follow the order and rules. That's programming.

Why liberal arts students are suited to programming

conclusion

Humanities students who are able to think logically are best suited to programming.

reason

When programming, it is important to think "Why? → Therefore, we do this."

this isIt is the same as the "ability to construct sentences" used in Japanese language and social studies classes.

Examples

Those who can write explanatory texts in Japanese,

The flow of the code becomes easier to understand.

reassertion

Programming can be used by not only science students, but also humanities students.

Clarify learning objectives and goals

Why do we need a purpose?

conclusion

Learning without a purpose will not last long.

reason

If you start studying without having a goal, you will lose track of why you are doing it halfway through.

This leads to lack of motivation and frustration.

Examples

"I want to earn 30,000 yen a month with a side job" "I want to change jobs in six months"

People who have a specific goal find it easier to focus on their studies.

reassertion

Putting your goals into words is the first step to successful learning.

How to decide on your goals and how to visualize them

conclusion

Express your objectives in numbers whenever possible.

reason

Numbers such as "money," "number of days," and "number of productions" are

You can visualize where you are heading.

Examples

• Create a web page using HTML/CSS within 3 months

• Earn 50,000 yen a month in side-job income

• Study for 30 minutes 3 days a week

reassertion

Just writing down your goals on paper and sticking them up can make a big difference in your mindset.

Best programming languages for beginners

What is a programming language suitable for liberal arts students?

conclusion

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are ideal starting languages for liberal arts students.

reason

These languages are:Immediate changes in appearance and behaviorThis makes it easier to feel a sense of accomplishment and to learn.

moreover,Immediately useful for web production and side jobsIt's also a practical skill.

Examples

HTML is responsible for the structure of the page, CSS is responsible for the design, and JavaScript is responsible for its behavior.

for example,Operations such as "change the image when clicked" can also be easily implemented using JavaScript.

reassertion

For those without experience, it is most effective to start with the three languages used for building websites.

Points to consider when choosing a language

conclusion

Choose a language based on what you want to create.

reason

A programming language is a tool.

You can learn efficiently by choosing the language that best suits your purpose.

Examples

• Want to create a website: HTML/CSS/JavaScript

• Want to work with data: Python

• I want to create an app: Swift or Kotlin

For liberal arts students,"Web production that is fun to see and touch"I recommend starting with.

reassertion

There is no right answer when it comes to choosing a language, but the best thing is to choose one that you can enjoy and keep learning.

Steps to successful self-study

How to Plan Your Study

conclusion

Having a plan will greatly increase your chances of success.

reason

If you haven't decided what you're going to do today, you'll get lost and your hands will stop moving.

On the other hand, if you know exactly what you need to do, it's easier to take action.

Examples

"This week we'll learn the basics of HTML," "Next week we'll learn CSS design," and "The week after that we'll learn the basics of JavaScript."

It is a good idea to plan your schedule roughly for the next three months.

reassertion

It doesn't have to be a perfect plan, but make sure you have a guidepost.

Recommended learning materials and methods for beginners

conclusion

You can learn efficiently by using standard teaching materials for beginners.

reason

The key to avoiding giving up when studying on your own is to choose study materials that are easy to follow.

Examples

• Progate (Learn the basics through pictures)

• Dot Install (short videos)

• Book: "Easy to understand HTML & CSS basics"

reassertion

The key to continuing your studies is "easy-to-understand teaching materials" and "a little bit every day."

Try a hands-on project

conclusion

Knowledge becomes real when you "use" what you have learned.

reason

Knowledge alone is not enough,By "trying to make things with your hands," you will gain a deeper understanding.

Examples

• Create your own profile site

• Create a page to introduce your favorite products

• Create a simple quiz app

reassertion

The quickest route to improvement is to repeatedly put in output.

Creating a portfolio to utilize for side jobs and career changes

Why do you need a portfolio?

conclusion

A portfolio is a way to visualize your achievements and serve as evidence of your skills.

reason

For those without experience, a portfolio is a way to say, "I can make this."credit materialis.

Companies and clientsWe care more about what you can create than what school you went to.

Examples

Mr. F published three self-made websites on GitHub and presented them during interviews for side jobs.

I got the job on the spot.

reassertion

Having a portfolio will affect the number of opportunities you have.

Three things to include in your portfolio

conclusion

As for the content, it is sufficient if it is consistent in terms of appearance, technique, and intent.

reason

Not only beauty,Why did we configure it that way and how does it work?Your argument will be more persuasive if you can explain this.

Examples

• Top page design (HTML/CSS)

• Contact Form (JavaScript)

• Product list page (with easy search function)

reassertion

Rather than having flashy content, it's important that it's easy for anyone to understand.

How to publish a portfolio?

conclusion

Use free web services.

reason

No upfront costs,There are lots of easy ways to get published.

Examples

• GitHub Pages (free public space)

• Run WordPress on your own domain

• Created using Notion or Canva + posted as a link collection

reassertion

Your value can increase dramatically depending on how you present your achievements.

How to stay motivated to continue learning

Why is continuity the biggest hurdle?

conclusion

Even if people are motivated at first, most don't continue.

reason

In the early stages of learning, it is difficult to see results and there are many errors.

There are many times when you feel like "this might not be possible for me."

Examples

Mr. G almost lost motivation after a week,

By posting my daily progress on Twitter, I was able to make friends and continue for three months.

reassertion

As long as it becomes a habit, anyone can continue.

How to stay motivated

conclusion

It’s important to have a mechanism for continuing.

reason

If you rely only on motivation,I give in to tiredness and being busy.

However, if you prepare the time and environment, you will be able to continue studying naturally.

Examples

• Set aside 15 minutes in the morning for “programming time”

• Share your learning log on social media and get support

• Write down what you accomplished each week on paper.

reassertion

Creating a mechanism that allows you to continue without trying too hard is the shortcut to success.

Leveraging community to prevent loneliness

conclusion

Having a study buddy significantly increases the chances of continuing your studies.

reason

Just by sharing your worries and concerns,It gives you peace of mind knowing that you're not alone.

Examples

• Newbie Programmers Group on Discord

• LINE Open Chat

• X (formerly Twitter) interaction using # Today's Stack

reassertion

Just having friends to study with doubles your ability to continue and your learning effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can a non-science major really learn programming by themselves?

Yes, it is possible.

Even if you are a liberal arts student, you will be able to learn it if you study in an orderly manner.

What's important is not whether you're in the science field or not, but rather that you continue doing it a little every day.

Q2. How long will it take to reach a level where I can use my knowledge in my work?

The average time is 3 to 6 months.

It takes about three months to master HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and be able to create a simple website.

After that, with more practice you may be able to take on a side job or change jobs.

Q3. Which is better: self-study or a programming school?

I recommend trying it on your own first.

Use the free learning materials to see if you can continue, and if you find it difficult, consider joining a school.

Before you spend any money, it's important to know which learning method works best for you.

Q4. I don't know which language to learn...

If your goal is web production, HTML/CSS/JavaScript is the best choice.

If you want to develop apps or do data analysis, Python is a good place to start.

Once you have a clear goal, the language you should choose will become clear.

Q5. Can I study while working?

Of course you can learn.

Even just 15 minutes a day is fine.

"15 minutes in the morning" or "video learning during the commute"Making the most of your free time is keyis.

summary

Even if you are not a liberal arts major or have no experience, you can learn programming.

If you follow the correct five steps (understand → goal → language selection → study → practice), a side job or changing jobs is a realistic option.

The key to continuing is to have a system and make friends.

You don't have to aim for perfection at first, just start with 15 minutes a day.

Your desire to try is the biggest driving force.

A new future awaits just one step away.

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