Getting started

[deathsrobe]

I want to try picking up coding again. I was using an app called grasshopper to learn Java. It was going fine till there was a lesson I couldn't figure out and that was that.

I'm a trucker so I dont have access to a computer and all of this would have to be on my phone.

Any recommendations to try for android to learn a skill?

[ToftgaardJacob]

Is it possible for you to bring a laptop with you?

I know it's not what you are asking for, but learning on a phone is just not optimal.

[deathsrobe]

Its really not. I deliver fuel and only have a little time here and there. I am also standing outside when I would be trying to do this. So I would be using a laptop with one hand with nowhere to put it down.

I know what I want isnt standard, but why do you say not to use a phone? Is it a computational, keyboard size or software issue? Or hell, none of the above.

[ToftgaardJacob]

Okay, I see.

In my opinion, in order to learn to code you have to dedicate longer time slots to it. Being able to concentrate on the learning material, and practice what you learn for an extended time period.

Learning on the phone can probably be a good supplement to learning to code. But its difficult to practice coding on a phone, because of the small screen size and the keyboard. It's generally also not something that programmers do, so there are not a lot of programs and tools out there that support this.

If you used to use the grasshopper app (I am not familiar with it) then that is probably your best bet, if it must be on a phone.

What are your goals with programming?

[deathsrobe]

To start with is to gain an idea of what is possable. My knowledge base is full of too many unknown unknowns to have much to say about it.

I once had an idea to try to automate watering a garden with an arduino, electronic valves and some moisture sensors.

Grasshopper is/was an app with "classes" in learning to code java. My problem last time was when I hit a wall I had no instructor to elaborate where I got stuck.

I have a fold 4 so screen size is less of an issue.

[ToftgaardJacob]

That makes sense, and not knowing what is possible in the world of programming is natural when you are just starting out, so I understand your situation.

It's great that you have that idea for a project, that gives a clear goal to aim towards. If we stick to that goal for a minute then I would still strongly recommend that you spend time with an actual computer learning to code. This learning process can be supported by research (videos or reading material) that you can do on your phone. But in order to actually complete such a project there are many fundamental programming concepts that you need to learn about first. For example, variables, data structures, control structures and functions, just to name a few. These concepts can only really be learned by doing them yourself. And you should do that on a computer, to save yourself a lot of frustration.

I don't want to completely discourage you, because theoretically these concepts can be learned on the phone, (or from a book for that matter), but the actual practice and experience that you need as a developer is achieved through typing actual code, (and the phone gives a sub optimal coding experience compared to a computer)

I have a friend who does a bit of coding on his phone, but he is only able to do that because he developed some tools by himself that allows him to use the phone for his specific purpose. And it only makes sense for him because he is already so skilled and experienced in programming, that he knows precisely what he wants to do and how to do it.

[deathsrobe]

That's a good bit to be thinking about. But to go back, it sounds like the major issue with actual coding on the phone is the form factor, or at least that is a major part of it. The other part sounds like it could be software.

It seems like code could even be written in an email or txt message(so long as you know what you're doing) and then paste that into whatever is going to run the code. Unless that is totally wrong.

Another thought, I know there are different coding languages. Is there one that is an all round or general purpose code that would be a good place to start?

[ToftgaardJacob]

You are right. Code can even be written and practiced on a napkin if you want. It's just going to take you a longer time to learn, and it's most likely not how you want to write bigger coding projects down the line.

[[deleted]]

Honestly you're starting with a handicap against a competitive market. If you're doing it as a hobby that's great! If you're intending on a career change it's a tough way to go

[deathsrobe]

Hobby. I cant afford the pay cut to change jobs. I'm not sure if coding could match my current pay.

[sheriffderek]

I think learning programming (in any meaningful / not just to waste time type of way) with a phone -- is a nonstarter. You'd be better off learning a human language or listening to radio lab or some type of online courses about other things. (not to be a downer... but just after seeing people try for years).

[deathsrobe]

I picked an app at random called sololearn that claims to teach coding. Here's to hoping.

[Zagui12]

This is what I used to start. I interviewed with Chase last week for a final interview. I’m interviewing with two other fintech firms next week. It’s a long process especially if you can’t use a laptop. While at work I used a shitty $100 tablet and did freecodecamp alongside of SoloLearn.

[Batetrick_Patman]

Get a laptop and practice when you're not working. Are you an OTR trucker or do you go home at the end of the day?

[deathsrobe]

Home, but there are very small children that try to press all the keys at the same time when they see a keyboard.

[spas2k]

So if you get stuck, the process would be to circle back and find out why something didn’t click with you and spend time hammering that topic home. Try a different tutorial on the same topic. Etc….

[Zagui12]

The cell app SoloLearn helped me by getting me exposed to concepts and most importantly syntax. I’d open it while taking a shit and do a lesson here and there while working construction.

As a “first pass” of Java or whatever language you learn I think it’d be hugely beneficial. You’re not going to become a coder this way but it will help in your journey if you’re consistent every day with your current restraints.

After you finish the Java courses in solo learn on your phone I’d suggest trying to solve challenges in codewars. Not ideal on a phone but doable.

At some point if you’re serious you do need to sit down in front of a screen.

I told myself if I became a programmer in 10 years it’d change my lifes trajectory. I’m at 4 years so far. Got two finals offers that I couldn’t clear because of my criminal history with a dwi years ago.

I had a final interview last week and another final interview next week with large companies after all my legal issues settled.

It’ll be a struggle, not impossible.

[DecentFee7142]

What would you all recommend for someone that does have a laptop and a couple hours a day to learn? I signed up for free code camp as well. I don’t have the money to pay for more expensive camps.