How Long Does It Take to Learn to Make Apps for Absolutely No Background in Coding?

Embarking on a journey to create your first app can be both exciting and daunting, especially if you have no prior knowledge of coding. In this article, we'll explore how long it might take for someone with no coding experience to learn app development and start bringing their ideas to life.

The Challenges of Learning to Code

Learning to code can be a steep curve, especially for individuals who lack a foundational understanding of programming concepts. According to many seasoned developers, the complexity of structuring logical thinking and following step-by-step processes can be inherently challenging for some people. While persistence and dedication can certainly help, some individuals may find this process so difficult that they might give up before reaching their goals.

For someone starting from scratch, learning to code for simple apps similar to those found in magazine tutorials or beginner's books might take a few days to a few weeks. However, when it comes to advanced applications, such as those seen on gaming sites or available for purchase on the internet, the journey can be much longer. Developing increasingly sophisticated games might require several years of continuous creation and iteration.

Time and Excellence in App Development

Based on the statement, “I have an idea for an app,” producing a valuable product might take between 6 months to 3 years. This is particularly true for someone who has not yet started the process. Anyone with the drive and motivation to achieve this faster would likely have started immediately. It's a realistic estimate that aligns with the complexity of the task.

Programming is inherently difficult, especially when aiming for professionalism and perfection. Achieving three out of the following three goals—features, quality, and time/resources—is a significant challenge, even for seasoned developers. It's important to understand that a perfect app can be virtually impossible to create, and most successful apps are the result of a continuous process of iteration and improvement.

Perseverance and Learning Paths

For someone with a genuine passion for app development, a reasonable timeline to achieve proficiency in creating basic apps might be around 4 or 5 years of dedicated, full-time effort. With this in mind, it's often more practical to leverage the skills of others, such as by finding a freelancer or partnering with someone who already has the relevant experience.

Freelance platforms like Freelancer can be a valuable resource for hiring professionals to build your app, especially if you're looking for cost-effective solutions. Alternatively, finding a partner who already possesses the necessary skills can be a game-changer.

Preparing for Android App Development

Breaking down the process into manageable steps can make it easier to understand. For example, learning the UI design aspect of Android development, which involves working with XML, can take a day to master with basic knowledge, and another week to become proficient, assuming you dedicate 4 hours per day to practicing.

However, becoming a full-stack Android developer, which requires a deep understanding of Java and problem-solving skills, is a much longer journey. Given 4 hours of daily study during vacation, it would take approximately 2 months to become ready for basic app development.

It's crucial to start with the foundational skills in Java before diving into Android development. If your current goal is to prepare for Java Enterprise Edition (JEE) exams, you might need to prioritize those studies before dedicating time to XML and Android-specific topics. Balancing your time and prioritizing your learning goals will be key to success.

For beginners without prior coding experience, the path to app development can be long and challenging. However, with dedication, a structured approach, and the right resources, it is achievable. Whether you're building simple apps for kids or creating complex games, the key is to start and persist with your project.