[eBook Intro] BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CODING: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Do you need a formal computer science education to learn to code? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. My background is in clinical medicine, and I never had the chance to learn coding during my university years. But despite that, I successfully transitioned into a career as a professional software developer. If I can do it, so can you.

When I first had the idea of writing this ebook, I had my doubts:

  Can I write a book about how to become a developer?
  Can I finish it?
  Will it be good enough?
  Will anyone read it?

But then I reminded myself—this book isn’t about being an expert. It’s about sharing my journey and insights with others who, like me, want to empower their lives through coding but don’t have a formal background in the field. I don’t hold a computer science degree, and my only coding experience before starting was a one-week training during my Ph.D. program. In that way, I’m just like many of you—starting from scratch and figuring things out.

I vividly remember what it’s like to be a complete beginner, especially when you don’t have a traditional education background in computer science. That’s why I’ve designed this book for readers who are just getting started—no prior programming knowledge is required. This book aims to make your journey easier by sharing practical strategies and firsthand experiences. I’m not burdened by the ‘Curse of Knowledge,’ so I can clearly relate to the early struggles and uncertainties.

The journey wasn’t without challenges. Early in my coding path, I had my own doubts about becoming a developer. However, I wasn’t discouraged because I had a clear goal—to become someone who could build a digital solution to important problems through coding. The freedom and flexibility that come with being a developer, in terms of location, time, and projects, only fueled my determination. It wasn’t just about getting a job—it was about unlocking new possibilities for my life.

As an ex-doctor, Ph.D., and now a software developer, I wrote my first book, How to Become a Software Developer Without a Computer Science Degree, to share how I made this transition. That first edition combined my personal story with coding tutorials for beginners. In this new edition, I’ve refined the focus to offer a step-by-step guide on how to learn coding as a beginner, land your first developer job, and even beyond a job. I’ve also made essential improvements, adding new details and enhancing the coding projects for beginners.

I’m not positioning myself as an expert—I’m here as your guide. I enjoy coding, and my life has been transformed by it. I’ve since started a startup after leaving my full-time developer job. My goal is to share my journey with you and help you realize that you, too, can change your life through coding.

This book is part of my commitment to building a community—one where we share our experiences, learning journeys, and passions. Coding is an empowering skill that gives you the freedom to choose your path, whether it’s working full-time as a developer, building a startup, or pursuing personal projects. It’s about giving you the freedom to live life on your terms.

Let’s explore the possibilities together. Becoming a developer has been one of the most crucial turning points in my life, and I sincerely believe that you will find life-changing moments through coding as well. Thank you for allowing me to share my journey with you, and I hope this book helps you on your path to becoming a developer.