coding on a macbook pro

Learning to code is one of the best moves you can make. In our complete guide to programming and coding on a Mac, we cover each of the programming languages and how to learn them, how to set up your Mac for coding, and a range of online resources for expanding your Mac programming skills

I want to learn to code on my Mac. What's the best place to start, and which language should I learn first?

Programming is one the greatest skills you can possess in the modern world. And it's easy to learn programming, and how to code, using an Apple Mac computer.

If you want to learn programming, then our complete guide to coding and programming on a Mac is a great place to start. We've collected together some of the best tutorials and guides covering every aspect of Mac programming.

Bookmark this page for reference. We've collected a vital list of resources that are well worth keeping around.

Complete guide to coding & programming on a Mac: Getting started

Complete guide to coding & programming on a Mac: Why you should learn programming

If you're a complete newcomer to coding, then you probably have lots of questions to ask. Why you should learn to code, how to set up your Mac computer for programming and how to get started. Fortunately, these tutorials will help you start out:

Why you should learn to code (and how to do it)
Why programmers think Mac OS X is the best operating system to use
10 best Mac programming resources for beginners
10 things every Mac coder should know
10 tips for new coders
Best Mac for app development
Best Mac for learning to code

Complete guide to coding & programming on a Mac: Programming languages

Once you've set up your Apple Mac for coding, the question becomes: which programming language should I learn. A question that's amply answered here: Which is the best programming language to learn on my Mac?

Complete guide to coding & programming on a Mac: Scratch programming language

We've got guides to getting started with all the major programming languages on a Mac (as well as side-orders like HTML and SQL - these aren't strictly speaking languages, but are useful to know).

These are the best programming languages to learn on a Mac, and we've listed them in rough order of complexity (easiest to learn -> hardest to learn).

How to learn programming with Scratch on a Mac
How to set up and learn Python coding on a Mac
Learn how to code in Java on a Mac - How to - Macworld UK
Learn to code in C-sharp
Learn to code using the C programming language on your Mac
How to learn Swift online

Complete guide to coding & programming on a Mac: Best coding elements to learn on the side

There are lots of things that surround programming, but aren't quite considered programming languages. HTML and Javascript are both well worth learning, as is Terminal and database technologies such as SQL.

Don't listen to coding snobs who tell you what is, and isn't, programming. All of these technologies interlink, and a good coder will learn them all.

Create a website with your Mac
How to learn JavaScript coding on a Mac
Terminal tips and tricks: 10 terminal projects
How to set up and learn SQL on Mac

Complete guide to coding & programming on a Mac: Get started with iOS and macOS development

Being an Apple owner, you're probably keen to develop apps for both macOS and iOS. And that means learning Apple's Swift programming language.

Fortunately, this is a lot easier than you think. Apple goes out of its way enable Mac owners to learn Swift, and use it to develop apps for the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple TV and Mac.

These resources will help you get started:

How to use Swift Playgrounds & learn to code with Swift
10 online developer resources to help you learn Swift 3
How to write apps with Swift 3
How to make an app for iPhone or iPad
Swift 3.0 at WWDC 2016
Develop apps for Apple TV

Complete guide to coding & programming on a Mac: Creating games

If you'd like to start a career in games development, we've got plenty of advice:

How to create games on a Mac
How to make money on the App Store

Complete guide to coding & programming on a Mac: Best hardware

Finally you may want to consider what computer you use to learn programming. Learning to code on the Mac is the best step forward - see our guide to the Best Mac for app developers for more buying advice - but you can also use a Mac alongside microcomputer boards, such as the BBC micro:bit and Raspberry Pi.

These boards are cheap to buy (between £5 and £30) and enable you to safely use code to control electronic circuits, build robots and develop fun projects.

How to set up & use a BBC micro:bit with a Mac
How to set up Raspberry Pi 3 with a Mac

Complete guide to coding & programming on a Mac: Teaching kids to code

Coding is an incredibly valuable skill, and basic programming skills are one of the best gifts you can pass on to your children. Fortunately there are plenty of ways to teach kids coding in a fun and age-appropriate way.