< Back to all blogs

How Many Hours to Learn Coding?

September 1, 2022

Blue laptop showing a code of a developer who enjoys learning to code

Introduction: How Many Hours to Learn Coding

In today’s world, coding has become one of the most in-demand skills. With the rapid advancement of technology, coding has become a valuable asset in many industries. Luckily, coding is a skill that can be learned by anyone with the right motivation and resources. So, how many hours to learn coding? 

A coding page of a man learning to code

The Basics: What You Need to Know to Get Started

How many hours to learn coding? This is a question that is often asked by those considering a career in programming. The answer, like most things in life, is it depends.

There are a number of factors that will affect how long it takes you to learn coding. These include your previous experience with computers, how much time you are willing to dedicate to learning, and which specific programming language you want to learn.

If you have no prior experience with computers, it will likely take you longer to learn coding than someone who has some experience. However, even if you have never used a computer before, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started. There are dozens of free online courses, as well as books and other materials that can help you learn the basics of coding.

Guy coding and wonders how many more hours he needs to learn coding

How Many Hours to Learn Coding: My Experience

How many hours to learn coding? Well, it really depends on what you goal in the industry is. In my opinion, I believe the easiest barrier to entry would be general web development, especially for an agency. So, if you are somebody who does not have any programming background, you should focus on the basics of html, css, and JavaScript. I personally went this route and landed a job within 3 month. I was coding for an average of 20 hours a week while working full time.

So, how many hours to learn coding? Well, I learned for about 240 hours before getting employed. Did I feel useful? Absolutely not, I was basically a child who knew nothing. There was so much more for me to learn and I really feel that working for someone else will teach you a lot. Of course, at this point you may feel like you are not employable yet. But do not fret! Being personable, easy to work with, & communicative will lower your bar to entry of employability.

A bulb representing an idea like learning to code

How Many Hours to Learn Coding: The 500-Hour Mark

It takes the average person 500 hours to learn how to code proficiently. In my experience, the 500 hour mark seems to be a really good spot. By this point, you know a decent bit and it is just enough to be dangerous. So, how do you get to this milestone? Well, this number can be broken down into smaller increments of time, such as 10 hours per week for 50 weeks, or 20 hours per week for 25 weeks.

The amount of time it takes to learn coding depends on the individual’s level of commitment and dedication. Those who are able to devote more time to learning will progress at a faster rate than those who only dedicate a few hours each week.

Coding is a skill that can be learned by anyone with the desire to do so. With dedicated practice and plenty of patience, even the most novice coder can become an expert in the field.

Man with two computers learning how many hours to learn coding

How Many Hours to Learn Coding: The 1000-Hour Mark

Coding is a skill that can be learned by anyone with the right motivation and resources. However, the reality of becoming a software developer is often different from the expectations. So, how many hours to learn coding? It takes more than just a few hours of coding to become a proficient developer. In fact, while 500 hours is a good milestone to reach, your main goal should be to achieve 1000 hours of coding. So, if you plan to work for a company doing more software development and you need to know react or other libraries/languages, definitely expect to be more on the 1000 hours and up range.

Coding Is a Lifelong Learning Career

Even once you are proficient in coding, you will likely continue to learn everyday. After all, the skills required for software development are vast and constantly evolving. New programming languages, frameworks, and tools are released every day. To keep up with the latest trends, developers need to continuously learn new things and keep their skills up-to-date.

The most successful developers are those who are passionate about coding and consider it a hobby, not just a job. They are always learning new things and experimenting with different technologies. They enjoy solving complex problems and thrive in fast-paced environments. 

Overhead image of a man using Split View while coding

Basic Guidelines

While there is no one answer to the question of how many hours to learn coding, there are some basic guidelines you can follow. Generally speaking, it will take about 2-4 hours a day for three to six months to learn coding basics. This is assuming you have some prior experience with computers and programming.

If you are starting from scratch with no experience, it will likely take longer. You may want to start by taking an introductory course or two to get a feel for the concepts before diving into more complex material. In addition, there are many resources available online and in libraries that can help you learn at your own pace.

The most important thing is to be patient and consistent in your efforts. Like anything else worth learning, coding takes time and practice.

Two people learning how to code

Tips for Learning to Code

Although a lot of people think that you need to dedicate countless hours to learning coding, that is not necessarily the case. You can become proficient in coding with just a few hours of dedicated study each day. Here are a few learning tips to help you make the most of your time:

  1. Set realistic goals for yourself. If you only have a few hours to dedicate to learning coding each week, don’t try to accomplish too much. Set small, achievable goals so that you can make consistent progress without getting overwhelmed.
  2. Make use of online resources. There are plenty of great online resources available for learning coding, so take advantage of them! Make sure to find tutorials and articles that are geared towards beginners so that you can learn at your own pace.
  3. Get some hands-on experience. This may mean applying to a job once you feel ready! I applied at the 240-hour mark. Mentorship is a great way to learn as you get to see the process of other coders. 
Up close of code as one researches how long to learn coding

Conclusion: How Many Hours to Learn Coding

In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how many hours to learn coding. The amount of time required to become proficient in coding will vary depending on the individual’s starting point, learning style, and commitment level.  However, with some dedication and a willingness to learn, you can start coding in as little as a few hours.