Best way to learn Programming in 2025

I started programming in C++ in 2018. I remember that I opened Youtube and searched for Learn C++ Programming

I remember I devoured a 7 hr lecture that walked me through all C++ features as I was taking notes vigorously on a notebook. I still have that notebook but do I still remember anything from that lecture? I highly doubt it.

We think learning programming is like a sprint. The sooner we reach the finish line, the sooner we will be an expert and done with it. But let me share a secret with you and break your heart:

Each day you strive to get better than the day before. There is no end. The fruit is in the journey because there is no destination. It simply doesn’t exist. So what can you do to learn programming?

First let’s discuss what you shouldn’t do:

1. Buy expensive programming courses

2. Watch endless tutorials on Youtube

3. Buy courses on Udemy

Programming is an art. An art needs to be practiced. That’s the only way you can become an artist. So here is my recommendation 😀 

1. Pick a reference book of any language

For C++ it can be

2. Pick a project or implementation book for the same language. If you are learning python it can be any machine learning book in python.

3. Start by reading the project book. Let’s say you encounter the following code in the book:

class Rectangle{
  explicit Rectangle(size_t width, size_t height);
};

You never encountered explicit till now and you want to know more about it. Here is where your language reference book comes in handy. You go to the relevant section and start reading about it. Once you understand it, you continue reading and implementing code and projects in the book.

When you reach that stage, you just need to refer the reference guide time to time. You may also refer the official docs online.

Caveat

The only time you should refer Youtube is when you want to deep dive into a specific concept or you want some ideas on some projects you can implement.

I myself have a Youtube channel that essentially does the same thing. I created it for students to grasp difficult concepts easily and get new project ideas.

If the reference book in unclear, head over to youtube to understand it better but don’t spend too much time on it. Switch over to the book immediately.

Summing it up

I hope this blog helped you get a direction on how to start programming. Stay tuned for more!