In a nutshell, coding is computer programming – talking to computers and providing them with a set of clear and logical instructions. Without even knowing it, you’re engaging with code every day of your life in a myriad of different ways. When you send an email, stop at a traffic light or press an elevator button, computers are reading code and executing their prescribed tasks. In fact, coding is vital for almost every aspect of modern life. 

We asked Grigory Punanov to share all his coding secrets. As the co-founder and director of Code4Fun, a Sydney-based programming school that runs courses to help kids and high school students learn how to code, he’s perfectly placed to share a step-by-step guide to the world of coding for beginners.

The Benefits of Coding

Coding and computer programming are great skills to learn as ICT is now one of the fastest-growing industries in Australia.

Computer programmers can write software, produce apps and make programs to educate, entertain and solve problems. From a career perspective, information and communications technology (ICT) is one of the fastest-growing industries today, with an average annual growth of 3.1% in Australia. 

If you’re looking to retrain, coding could be a good skill to learn and add to your arsenal, especially in a post-COVID world, where new technology is needed constantly to help us live, work and communicate safely. 

There are also other advantages associated with learning to code. “Coding is basically applied maths,” says Grigory. “For kids and teenagers, I think coding helps them to get excited about maths and science because they can see the results of their work straightaway.” And for adults, coding can boost problem-solving skills – it teaches you to break problems down into smaller, more palatable parts.

Learn to Code: How to Begin

First up, make sure you’ve got the essential gear to start coding, like a desktop or laptop computer with a good internet connection. We like this HP laptop because it’s sleek and has a large display, and you can literally work on it anywhere. Another great option is this tiny yet powerful MSI Cubi 5 MiniPC – perfect for those short on space. Pair it with this ultra-wide LG gaming monitor and this compact Bonelk LED mechanical keyboard and you’re good to go. 

It might help to brush up on the fundamentals of how a computer works and learn the jargon, so you know your microchips from your CPUs. Books like Getting Started With Coding or Coding for Dummies are great for teaching you the basics. Alternatively, sign up for a coding course online or in-person – there are literally hundreds of options on offer.

The first step in mastering coding is to learn about coding languages – these are used to “talk” to a computer. Many people, kids included, begin by learning Scratch, a free drag-and-drop coding language where you don’t need to type code in. “Scratch looks a little bit like LEGO, with bricks of code,” says Grigory. “To build a program, you choose blocks and snap them together like LEGO. It’s the most popular coding language for children but it’s actually quite sophisticated. A lot of universities use Scratch to explain difficult computer science concepts because it’s very visual and makes things clear and understandable.”

What To Try

Looking for a step-by-step guide to coding for beginners? The Coding for Dummies book is a great place to start.‍

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A Beginner’s Guide to Coding Languages

The number of coding languages out there run into the hundreds, with some estimates even suggesting a figure closer to 9000! Whichever the case, each coding language is different and serves a different purpose. For example, Java was created specifically for the internet and is used to make websites interactive. “Java is a text-based coding language and it’s one of the most popular and most-used coding languages nowadays,” says Grigory. “Our Java course is mainly focused on digital art projects and digital animation (2D and 3D) as it’s very visual.” 

Another popular coding language you may wish to learn is called Python. Considered a general all-purpose coding language, Python is simple and easy to use, so it’s ideal for beginners. “In our Python courses we cover topics like encryption algorithms, cybersecurity, computer modelling and the basics of artificial intelligence,” says Grigory.

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Tips for Beginners Who Are Learning to Code

Like any new skill, the secret to improving your coding is to practise each day. “My advice would be to start with some simple projects and try to build a little project every day,” says Grigory. “Then make the next project just a little bit harder and the one after that just a little bit harder again.”

You could try working with Adobe Dreamweaver to build websites, plus online newsletters and portfolios. The beauty of software like Dreamweaver is that it tutors you through the whole process with a coding engine that offers hints and visual aids to teach you how to edit coding languages like HTML and CSS. 

“Remember, the main challenge with coding is to be super precise because computers can’t guess what you want them to do,” adds Grigory. “Our instructions – our codes – need to be very clear and very specific.” Break things down into small parts and work on your sequencing in order for your coding to be successful.

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Coding For Kids

Many schools include learning how to code in their curriculum as it’s fun and encourages creativity and critical thinking.


Coding is becoming so popular, and considered so beneficial, that many schools are now including it as part of their curriculum. Similar to learning a musical instrument or a language, coding is fun and challenging, while encouraging creativity and critical thinking. 

Coding also prepares kids for the future, guiding them through the digital world and teaching them real skills that they can take into their future studies or careers. Got a kid who’s interested in coding? Enrol them in a course or a workshop, or take a look at the many games and tech toys out there that introduce elements of coding, such as Osmo and Sphero. 

As Grigory points out, “A lot of students start learning how to code because they like games and want to create games themselves. It’s good motivation. Look at the tech wizards of our day – people like Steve Wozniak, Steve Jobs and Elon Musk. They started out by creating their own games when they were 12 or 15 and that’s how they got into coding.” The rest, as they say, is history.

What To Try