Madhav Malhotra and Avneet Kaur
In this blog post, we are going to discuss how to get started with computer programming.
What is Computer Programming?
At the simplest level, programming is the act of giving instructions to a computer to finish a task.
Computers are extremely powerful, but they are also extremely literal. They don’t “guess” what we mean. They execute instructions exactly as they are provided. This is why programming requires both:
- clarity (being precise about what you want), and
- structure (breaking work into steps the computer can follow)
A useful way to think about it is:
Programming is writing a clear set of steps (instructions) that transforms inputs into outputs.
For example:
- Input: a list of names
- Instructions: sort them alphabetically
- Output: the sorted list
Or:
- Input: a number
- Instructions: calculate tax using specific rules
- Output: the final tax amount
In real-world work (jobs, businesses, personal life), we use programming to:
- automate repetitive tasks
- process and analyze information
- build websites and apps
- create tools that other people can use
What are Programming Languages?
A programming language is the medium we use to write instructions in a structured way that computers can interpret and execute.
Different programming languages exist because different communities built different tools for different goals:
- some are great for beginners because they read more like English
- some are designed for high performance systems
- some are designed for web development
- some are designed for mobile apps
- many are used across multiple domains
How to Start Programming in a Beginner-Friendly Way?
Below is a practical list of beginner-friendly languages along with their official websites. These are good starting points because they have strong learning ecosystems and long-term usefulness.
Disclaimer: There are many other excellent programming languages available. The ones listed below are chosen purely for clarity, accessibility, and long-term usefulness for beginners.
1. Python
Why beginners start with it:
Very readable and beginner-friendly
Common uses:
Automation, data analysis, AI, scripting, backend development
Official website:
https://www.python.org/
Official beginner tutorial:
https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/
2. JavaScript
Why beginners start with it:
Runs in the browser with instant feedback
Common uses:
Websites, web applications, backend development
Official website:
https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript
Official beginner tutorial:
https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Guide
3. C#
Why beginners start with it:
Clean syntax and excellent learning resources
Common uses:
Windows applications, game development, backend systems
Official website:
https://learn.microsoft.com/dotnet/csharp/
Official beginner tutorial:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/csharp/tour-of-csharp/
4. Java
Why beginners start with it:
Widely used and commonly taught worldwide
Common uses:
Enterprise software, Android apps, backend systems
Official website:
https://www.oracle.com/java/
Official beginner tutorial:
https://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/
If you are just getting started, your goal should be to build the core habit of programming:
- Write a small instruction set
- Run it
- Observe what happens
- Refine the instructions
- Repeat
If You Want to Learn More
If you’re interested in going beyond self-study and want a more structured, guided learning experience, QurioSkill runs instructor-led, cohort-based workshops focused on practical skill building.
Our workshops are designed to:
- help beginners build strong foundations
- encourage learning through interaction and discussion
- provide accountability through a cohort-based format
If this sounds like something that would support your learning journey, you can register your interest here: https://forms.gle/Mjs5pAbJD4gpFv179
We use this form to understand what learners want to learn next and to notify them when relevant workshops are launched.