Easy Guide to Becoming a Coder as an African Freelancer

Freelancing has transformed the working culture in Africa, and the most promising career opportunity of the day is becoming a coder.  Coding is no longer a skill reserved for Silicon Valley tech companies; that was a long time ago. It’s now a global talent, and African freelancers are using it to land clients from around the world.

Regardless of whether you want to build websites, build applications, or apply technology towards solving real-world issues, understanding how to be a coder will make you viable in the freelance market. The best news is that the bar is lower than most understand, so much so that younger children now learn simple coding. With dedication, an internet connection, and the appropriate tools, you can start coding today.

This article takes you step by step through the process of becoming a coder, specifically as an African freelancer who wants to build a career online.

Why Coding is a Game-Changer for Freelancers

Coding isn’t just code-writing; it’s an ability that provides freedom, creativity, and earning potential. Here’s why becoming a coder matters for African freelancers:

1. Worldwide High Demand: Every business now needs digital solutions, from websites to mobile apps. Coders are very much in demand across all industries.

2. Anywhere Work: Coding can be done online, enabling African freelancers to take opportunities on global platforms.

3. Multiple Niche Areas: You can specialize in niches like web development, app development, or software engineering.

4. Competitive Pay Rates: Experienced coders are likely to earn more per project compared to many other freelance jobs.

How to Become a Coder: The Major Steps

If you’re serious about how to become a coder, your first intentional step is to understand what it means. Coding is simply giving instructions to a computer to perform tasks. These instructions are written in programming languages like Python, JavaScript, or C++.

Here’s a simple way to get started

• Pick a Programming Language: Beginners often start with Python because it’s simple and widely used. JavaScript is also popular for web development.
• Use Free Resources: Websites like FreeCodeCamp, W3Schools, and Codecademy offer free lessons on the basics of coding. 
• Practice Daily: The secret to learning to code isn’t books; it is more in practice. Code daily, regardless of size.
• Create Small Projects: Start with small applications, like a calculator or a to-do list. These small projects will enable you to implement what you’ve learned.

Becoming a Coder From Home

Accessibility is really the most empowering aspect of knowing how to become a coder from home. What do we mean? You won’t have to attend a physical coding bootcamp or university. Many African freelancers have turned into professional coders with just a laptop and an internet connection.

Tips to maximize learning from home are listed below:

1. Study Routine Creation: Set aside some hours daily or weekly to study coding. Treat it like a real class.

2. Online Communities: Platforms like Stack Overflow, Reddit, and Discord communities provide feedback, hints, and critiques.

3. Online Courses: You can try out learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning provide beginner-to-expert courses in coding.

4. Freelance Early: Don’t wait to become an expert. Offer small coding projects on freelance platforms to gain hands-on experience.

Fighting Challenges of Becoming a Coder as an African Coder

African freelancers face several particular issues becoming a coder turning into coders, but not one of them is impossible to fight. Below are some common issues and solutions:

Unstable Internet: Use offline tools and development environments like Visual Studio Code. Pre-download resources.

Variable Power Supply: Use power banks or mini solar systems in case the power supply is variable.

Paid Resource Access: Get access to free coding resources initially. Once you begin earning from freelancing, spend your money on higher-level paid courses.

Imposter Syndrome: The majority of beginners in coding believe that they are not good enough. The fact remains that every expert once was a beginner. Practice and learn a bit more to level up. 

Development Process After Becoming a Coder

Coding is not something you learn once and that’s it. To grow from beginner to expert, you’ll need ongoing learning and practice. Here’s how to achieve that:

1. Specialize: Once you’ve dabbled in different areas of coding, specialize in a niche. This could be web development, mobile apps, or data analysis. Specialization attracts more profitable clients.

2. Pick Up New Languages: As you mature, expand your horizons to languages like Java, C#, or Ruby to increase your odds.

3. Work on Open Source Projects: Platforms like GitHub allow you to work on global projects, exposing you to more people.

4. Stay Up-to-Date: Technology changes rapidly. Follow coding blogs, YouTube tutorials, and newsletters to remain updated.

Conclusion

For African freelancers, becoming a coder offers unlimited possibilities. It’s not a field that requires a degree or expensive equipment; all you need is determination, perseverance, and the will to learn.

By starting small, practicing daily, and utilizing resources available online, you can learn how to be a coder at home and use that skill to develop a thriving freelance career. Remember, communities make growth easier, and that is why a freelance community like ours is one you can trust.