"How I Started Learning Coding in My 1st Semester of B.Tech "

 *When I joined Lovely Professional University (LPU) as a B.Tech Computer Science student, I was full of excitement—but also full of confusion. Coding was completely new for me. I had heard about Python, Java, HackerRank, and Data Structures, but had no idea how or where to begin.

But instead of giving up, I decided to ask questions, search for resources, and take small steps toward learning. In this blog, I’m sharing how I started my coding journey in the first semester, the tools that helped me, and how I stayed active in college activities while building my skills.*

🧠 How I Started Coding

In my first week, I asked my seniors what to do first. Almost everyone suggested starting with Python as it is beginner-friendly. So, I did.

I searched on YouTube and found beginner-friendly channels like CodeWithHarry and Apna College. I followed basic tutorials and practiced small programs.

✅ My First Steps:

Printed basic text with print()

Practiced loops, conditions, and simple patterns

Solved beginner-level problems on HackerRank

Used ChatGPT and AI platforms to clear doubts and understand logic

Focused on consistent practice instead of just watching videos

🧰 Tools & Platforms That Helped Me

YouTube – For free, easy-to-understand tutorials

HackerRank – For practicing Python problems

ChatGPT / AI tools – For understanding errors and writing basic logic

W3Schools / GeeksForGeeks – For quick explanations and examples

> These platforms helped me stay motivated and made learning fun.

🎯 My College Activities (Beyond the Classroom)

Along with coding, I took part in many activities at LPU to build my confidence and resume.

My Involvement:

Participated in hackathons to experience real-world coding

Attended workshops on AI, web development, and tech tools

Joined seminars and webinars to develop soft skills

Collected certificates from competitions and online challenges

> All these experiences made me more confident, communicative, and active in the tech environment.

💡 Lessons I Learned Early

Don’t be afraid to ask for help — Seniors and peers are always ready to support you

Practice more than you watch — Don’t just consume content, apply it

Explore extracurriculars — Coding alone won’t help; soft skills matter too

Use AI wisely — Tools like ChatGPT can save time and build understanding

💬 My Advice to Fellow Students

If you're also in your first semester and feeling lost:

Start with Python

Practice on platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode

Watch tutorials, but also write your own code daily

Attend workshops and tech events — learning happens beyond books too

Track your progress with certificates and small projects

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🌟 Final Words

I’m still a beginner. I make mistakes. But I keep improving.

If you feel confused or behind — trust me, you’re not alone.

All that matters is starting. Take one small step today and you'll be way ahead tomorrow. Coding isn't just about writing programs — it's about thinking better, solving problems, and growing as a learner.

> “The journey of a thousand lines of code begins with a single print().”

Thanks for reading! Let’s learn and grow together. 💻✨