When it comes to getting started with programming, there's one piece of advice that I always give: find a project that you're passionate about. It doesn't have to be related to technology or programming. It just needs to be something you care about.

When you're working on something that you care deeply about, it makes the coding process much more enjoyable. You'll be motivated to keep working on your project, even when things get tough (and trust me, things will get tough).

The first step in coming up with a programming project is to choose something that interests you. Whether it's building a website, creating a game, or developing a mobile app, find something that you're passionate about and would enjoy working on.

How to choose the project

First, think about your hobbies and interests. Do you love sports? Consider creating a sports statistics tracker or a fantasy league website. Do you enjoy cooking? Maybe you could create a recipe organizer or a meal planning app. The key is to find a project that aligns with your personal interests.

Second, think about problems you face in your daily life. Is there something that frustrates you or that you wish could be improved? Maybe you struggle with time management and would like to create a task manager app. Or maybe you have trouble remembering important dates and would like to create a reminder tool. By finding a project that solves a problem you face, you'll be motivated to see it through to completion.

Third, think about the kind of impact you want to make. Is there a cause or issue that you're passionate about? Maybe you could create an app that raises awareness or helps people in need. By using your programming skills for a greater good, you'll be able to make a real difference in the world.

Start small

As a beginner, it's essential to start with simple projects that you can complete quickly. This will help you build your confidence and develop your programming skills gradually. For example, if you're interested in building a website, start with a basic site that has a few pages and simple functionality.

An MVP, or minimum viable product, is a great way to start small and create a project that is functional and useful, without overwhelming yourself with too many features or complexities. Here are some tips on how to create the most MVP possible:

1. Focus on the core features. What is the primary goal of your project? What features are absolutely necessary to achieve that goal? Start by identifying the core features and focus on building those first. For example, if you're creating a to-do list app, the core feature might be the ability to add and complete tasks.
2. Prioritize simplicity over complexity. Keep your MVP as simple as possible, with a clean and user-friendly interface. This will make it easier for you to code and test, and it will also make it easier for users to understand and use.
3. Function over form is key when it comes to creating an MVP. It's more important to focus on the core functionality of your project, rather than worrying too much about the aesthetics or design. Focusing too much on design will lock you in terms of functionality, which leads to the last point:
4. Iterate. Don't be afraid of deleting stuff and starting over. Remember you are doing this to learn, and every time you start over you don't start from zero, you start from experience.

The purpose of tutorials

When it comes to using tutorials for programming projects, it's important to remember that they should only be used as a guideline. While tutorials can be a great way to learn the basics and get started on a project, it's crucial to take the time to properly understand the code and concepts being presented. Blindly following a tutorial without understanding the reasoning behind the code can lead to issues down the road, especially when it comes to debugging or adapting the code for your own project.

For example, let's say you're following a tutorial on building a simple website using HTML and CSS. While the tutorial may provide you with all the necessary code, it's essential to take the time to understand how the code works and why it's structured in a particular way. By doing this, you'll be better equipped to troubleshoot any issues that arise during the project and adapt the code to meet your specific needs.

Additionally, by understanding the concepts behind the code, you'll be able to apply the knowledge you've gained to other projects in the future. Programming is an iterative process, and being able to adapt and modify code to meet your specific needs is a valuable skill that will serve you well in your programming journey.

Find your path

Coming up with beginner programming projects can be challenging, but it's essential to start with something that interests you and to work on simple projects that you can complete quickly.

The learning process for programming is very personal, and each person's journey will be unique. While it's important to understand the different options and resources available for learning, it's also important to recognize that not all of them will work for everyone. Some people might prefer a structured course or bootcamp, while others might prefer to learn through online tutorials or books. Some people might benefit from working with a mentor or joining a coding community, while others might prefer to work independently. The key is to experiment and find what works best for you, and to recognize that your learning process may change and evolve over time. By staying open-minded and adaptable, you'll be able to find the resources and strategies that work best for your individual needs and goals.