Coding
Here you will find resources on learning coding or programming. Coding is the primary way we get computers and computer-controlled things to do what we want them to do.
Coding Overview
A computer program is a set of instructions that tell a computer what to do. In order to have computers do interesting or useful things for us, we have to identify the problem we want them to solve or the task we want them to perform and figure out all of the individual steps required to do that. Then we write that out in a programming language, which is converted to a binary language that the computer can then understand and follow.
A useful tip (that even the professionals use) is that you don't have to reinvent the wheel. If you want to tell a computer to do something, chances are someone else has already done it. There are a number of resources on the web where you can ask questions or, browse previously asked questions and answers. One of such inspired the satirical book cover pictured here. This cover inspired a real eBook on how best to copy and paste code.
Coding in our collections
Coding, Bugs, and Fixes by Call Number: J 005.1 LYONS 2017ISBN: 9781512413595Publication Date: 2016-08-01How do computers know what you want them to do? They receive instructions called code with the specific steps needed to perform a task. Learn how to create codes, what happens when instructions are out of order, and how mistakes are fixed.
Coding Computer Games with Scratch by Call Number: J 005.133 SCRATCH 2016ISBN: 9781465439352Publication Date: 2015-12-01Written for children ages 8-12 with little to no coding experience, this straightforward visual guide uses fun graphics and easy-to-follow instructions to show young learners how to build their own computer projects using Scratch, a popular free programming language.
Coding for Dummies by Call Number: 005.1 ABR 2015ISBN: 9781118951309Publication Date: 2015-02-24Hands-on exercises help you learn to code like a pro No coding experience is required for Coding For Dummies, your one-stop guide to building a foundation of knowledge in writing computer code for web, application, and software development. It doesn't matter if you've dabbled in coding or never written a line of code, this book guides you through the basics.
JavaScript by Call Number: 005.2762 JAVASCRIPT 2015ISBN: 9780071841580Publication Date: 2015-01-27Master JavaScript in 20 lessons--online video tutorials included! Easy-to-follow lessons that feature clear explanations, sample code and exercises, and video tutorials.
- Search for Coding and Programming in the catalogue
Search the Winnipeg Public Library's catalogue for books on computer programming.
Coding Software
- Scratch
Scratch is a programming environment for kids and beginners. Use simple building blocks to build programs, games, or animations. - Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code is a free code editor from Microsoft that isn't as huge or daunting as their full Visual Studio suite. - Notepad++
Notepad++ is a free source code editor and Notepad replacement that supports several languages. For Windows computers. - Sublime Text
Sublime Text is a code editor for Mac and Windows computers.
Streaming video content that can help you with coding
- Coding courses on LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning had many great courses and tips on coding and software development. If you aren't already logged in at LinkedIn Learning you will need to select "Sign in" then "Sign in with your library card" then enter "www.linkedin.com/learning-login/go/winnipegpubliclibrary" as the library ID and finally use your WPL card number and PIN to sign in. - Kanopy - How to Program
Programming is a learnable skill that gives you problem-solving power you can apply in all areas of life. It's also a fun, creative activity that provides insight into how we control the devices that influence virtually every aspect of our lives. The 24 engaging and information-rich lessons of How to Program teach you one of the world's most accessible and powerful computer languages, Python. - LearnCode.academy
The LearnCode.academy YouTube channel offers many videos on different programming languages and skills that apply across all languages. - Khan Academy - Computer Programming
Khan Academy offers a number of courses in various topics for free, including computer programming. - edX - Introductory Computer Science
edX offers University courses for free, including introductory Computer Science. - edX - CS50 Harvard University's Introduction to Computer Science
This is Harvard University's introduction to computer science and programming for individuals with or without prior programming experience. An entry-level course taught by David J. Malan, CS50x teaches students how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently. - CodeNMore YouTube Channel - Beginner 2D Game Programming
Learn how to make a full 2D tile-based game in java from scratch. - The Ben Heck Show
Ben Heckendorn's The Ben Heck Show teaches a number of maker skills, including 3D design and printing, electronic circuit design and soldering, and microcontroller programming.
Coding Online Resources
Trying your hand at coding, but have a problem or question? These resources might be able to help.
- Stack Overflow
Stack Overflow is the largest developer community in the world and an excellent place to ask questions about programming issues that you're experiencing. The moderators can be somewhat prickly about whether a question has been asked before, or is asking the question the wrong way, but usually, some helpful person will have already answered it by then. Still, it's best to search before asking!
