# Wizard amigos workshops: Intro to coding Author: [@shonsoni](https://twitter.com/shonsoni) --- ## Welcome to the world of JavaScript  ___ What is JavaScript? ![alt text][logo] [logo]:https://static1.squarespace.com/static/522a22cbe4b04681b0bff826/524251f5e4b01481ca554984/5babd004c83025ef41f930d7/1539872999045/bigstock-Real-Java-Script-Code-Developi-217215433.jpg?format=750w JavaScript is a scripting language used to create and control dynamic website content—but that might not make a lot of sense if you’re new to tech. So let’s replace “dynamic website content” with “things that move, refresh, or otherwise change on your screen without requiring you to manually reload a web page.” ___ ## Let's start the journey Programming is like writing essays. Knowing the language doesn’t make you a good writer. Code is written for computer to execute it and for people to read it. Bad code costs a lot, but it doesn't mean that it doesn't work. First we must start learning how to write. JavaScript and Java are two different programming languages and here we are focusing on JavaScript. Bye bye Java  --- ## History and future of programming  The year is 1945 and Alan Turing is practically the only programmer in the world and writes floating point and made a couple statements. Now programmers are doubling every 5 years, so less than half of all programmers at any time ever have 5 years of experience. Hardware has changed tremendously.Software hasn’t. You’d recognize the earliest code, you wouldn’t like it but you’d understand it. Of course, after you learn how to code:-). One day one of us is going to do something stupid that kills many of people and politicians will ask _us_ (programmers) “How did you let this happen?” and if we can’t answer well they will regulate us setting what languages and morals/ethics and taking an oath to follow and some body that can discipline and prevent you from being a programmer. What must change? Discipline. --- ## Motivation Make sure this is actually something you want to do. You want to make money, have a remote job, secure your future and for all that you have to stay motivated and learn. - Have an end goal in mind. - Be realistic about your goals. - Choose consistency over speed. - Build up your willpower muscle. - Avoid burnout and get rest. - Don’t let impostor syndrome get you down. - Find a community of peers. - Get involved with local meetups. - Don’t compare yourself to others. - Stay curious and keep it fun! - Listen to podcasts about programming  --- ## Communication What makes this interesting is that it’s really essential to have good communication methods and skills in software development. Passing information about specifications, requirements, bugs in the code etc. is really crucial for the developer, the product and the business. There must be strong common understanding between the requester and the one actually doing the work. Otherwise you might end up with bad or even completely wrong solution for the problem at hand. Most important thing is that you communicate, no matter what method you use. What comes to the methods you should really try out different things and agree together what works and what doesn’t. Also try to avoid unnecessary interruptions as they will cost you a lot of time (=money).  ___