8 answers
Pier-Alex
Student
Saint-Georges, Canada
2
Questions
Asked
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what we need to do to become a computer programmer?
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8 answers
Pier F
Software Development
2
Answers
Updated
Pier’s Answer
Assuming you have no experience with programming, im sharing one of the first steps i took that got me very interested on the field. Turing machine problems or exercises. These were simple problems based on a imaginary tape of characters. The machine would perform simple instructions like advance or go back and had the ability to remember values (like a counter). These are the very basics of programming and after working throuhg some 20 of those i recall understanding the essence of it: the machine regardless of its complexity has a limited set of instructions (things it can do) but if you combine them correctly you can solve problems that seem at first impossible. It also helps you learn an activity that is key in programming: debugging, taking the steps one at a time and understanding why it may not be working as expected. Computers do not have a will or a mood, they do exactly as they are told, so unexpected results are always a result of the instructions given (except in the times were an actual bug could be making the machine malfunction, thats were the name comes from, but that is long past :)).
After that move to more complex languages, i started with Pascal, which is probably no longer used. There are also alternatives like suggested in many posts above this one.
My advise is to experience it from a simple method, and the turing machine is simple, this will make you experience the essence of it, and you will know then if you love it or not, because another advise is: do what you like doing, one achieves success if the activity is enjoyable. It doesnt mean is devoid of difficulty, but in general it should be something you would want to do again, over and over. Programmers program a lot and for years!
After that move to more complex languages, i started with Pascal, which is probably no longer used. There are also alternatives like suggested in many posts above this one.
My advise is to experience it from a simple method, and the turing machine is simple, this will make you experience the essence of it, and you will know then if you love it or not, because another advise is: do what you like doing, one achieves success if the activity is enjoyable. It doesnt mean is devoid of difficulty, but in general it should be something you would want to do again, over and over. Programmers program a lot and for years!
Thanks for the help.
Pier-Alex
Monica Cojocaru
engineer
2
Answers
Bucharest, Romania
Updated
Monica’s Answer
Thank you for the question.
One aspects that employers are looking is to setup a github profile and upload trial projects.
One booster in career is to participate at hackatons or demo projects organized by market companies.
Many of those have the chance to shadow real professionals and even admitted to intership and if you do good you get guaranteed employment versus job hunting in the internet.
One aspects that employers are looking is to setup a github profile and upload trial projects.
One booster in career is to participate at hackatons or demo projects organized by market companies.
Many of those have the chance to shadow real professionals and even admitted to intership and if you do good you get guaranteed employment versus job hunting in the internet.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Pier-Alex
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Pier-Alex! 😄
It's awesome that you're interested in becoming a computer programmer! Don't worry, with the right mindset and a bit of determination, you can definitely make it happen. Here's a fun and clear path to get you started:
### 1. **Pick a Language (Start Simple!):**
- **Python** is a great starting language. It's beginner-friendly and super versatile.
- **Scratch** is another fun one if you want to dive into programming with a visual, drag-and-drop interface.
### 2. **Learn the Basics:**
- Get familiar with the basic concepts like **variables**, **loops**, **conditionals**, and **functions**. You can find a ton of free resources online (like YouTube tutorials or sites like Codecademy, Coursera, or even freeCodeCamp).
### 3. **Get Hands-On:**
- Start coding small projects. Maybe try making a simple calculator or a text-based game. These little projects will help you build confidence and see how your code works in action.
### 4. **Expand Your Knowledge:**
- Once you feel comfy with one language, try learning another one (like JavaScript or C++). It’ll give you different perspectives and skills.
### 5. **Take a Computer Science Course:**
- If you’re serious about diving deep into programming, consider enrolling in computer science courses. Whether it’s a college course or online (like Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy), it’ll help you understand the theory behind the code, like algorithms and data structures.
### 6. **Practice, Practice, Practice:**
- Just like my little brother (who started kicking code from his mom's stomach 😆), the more you practice, the better you’ll get! Keep building projects, learning new techniques, and challenging yourself.
Remember, every programmer started just like you, with curiosity and a laptop. If my brother can do it, you definitely can! 💻👨💻
Best of luck on your journey, and don’t forget to have fun with it! 🚀
It's awesome that you're interested in becoming a computer programmer! Don't worry, with the right mindset and a bit of determination, you can definitely make it happen. Here's a fun and clear path to get you started:
### 1. **Pick a Language (Start Simple!):**
- **Python** is a great starting language. It's beginner-friendly and super versatile.
- **Scratch** is another fun one if you want to dive into programming with a visual, drag-and-drop interface.
### 2. **Learn the Basics:**
- Get familiar with the basic concepts like **variables**, **loops**, **conditionals**, and **functions**. You can find a ton of free resources online (like YouTube tutorials or sites like Codecademy, Coursera, or even freeCodeCamp).
### 3. **Get Hands-On:**
- Start coding small projects. Maybe try making a simple calculator or a text-based game. These little projects will help you build confidence and see how your code works in action.
### 4. **Expand Your Knowledge:**
- Once you feel comfy with one language, try learning another one (like JavaScript or C++). It’ll give you different perspectives and skills.
### 5. **Take a Computer Science Course:**
- If you’re serious about diving deep into programming, consider enrolling in computer science courses. Whether it’s a college course or online (like Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy), it’ll help you understand the theory behind the code, like algorithms and data structures.
### 6. **Practice, Practice, Practice:**
- Just like my little brother (who started kicking code from his mom's stomach 😆), the more you practice, the better you’ll get! Keep building projects, learning new techniques, and challenging yourself.
Remember, every programmer started just like you, with curiosity and a laptop. If my brother can do it, you definitely can! 💻👨💻
Best of luck on your journey, and don’t forget to have fun with it! 🚀
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1996
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest to start your career in programming.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Pick a simple programming language to start, eg python, scratch, etc.
2. Find out the language structure and syntax. There are plenty of resources online
3. Start doing some simple programming. When, you familiar the language, you can do some small projects, eg control a toy car or robotic arms, etc
4. You can learn another language when you are familiar with one
If you plan to develop your career in programming, I strongly recommend you to cak computer science course in college. It helps you to understand the computer theory and learn programming skills.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Pick a simple programming language to start, eg python, scratch, etc.
2. Find out the language structure and syntax. There are plenty of resources online
3. Start doing some simple programming. When, you familiar the language, you can do some small projects, eg control a toy car or robotic arms, etc
4. You can learn another language when you are familiar with one
If you plan to develop your career in programming, I strongly recommend you to cak computer science course in college. It helps you to understand the computer theory and learn programming skills.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you, Rebecca!
Pier-Alex
Cesar Garcia Retama
2
Answers
Guadalajara
Updated
Cesar’s Answer
Once you have some level of practice then you may apply for Jobs & Keep Learning
-Look for junior developer roles or apprenticeships.
-Stay updated with new technologies and keep improving your skills.
-Look for junior developer roles or apprenticeships.
-Stay updated with new technologies and keep improving your skills.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Pier-Alex
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical engineer, researcher and Software Developer
94
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Becoming a Computer Programmer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming a skilled programmer requires dedication, practice, and continuous learning. Here’s a streamlined path to help you build your skills and achieve success in the field.
1. Start with Basic Programming Languages
Web Development: Begin with foundational web technologies: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These are the building blocks of the web and essential for both frontend and backend development.
JavaScript Libraries: Once you're comfortable with JavaScript, explore libraries and frameworks like React.js, Angular, or Vue.js to create more dynamic and complex web applications.
2. Mobile Development
Android Development: Learn Java and Kotlin to build Android apps.
3. Cross-Platform Development (iOS & Android)
To target both iOS and Android with one codebase, consider these frameworks:
Flutter (Dart): A popular, fast-growing framework for building cross-platform apps.
React Native (JavaScript/TypeScript): Use JavaScript to create native apps for both platforms.
Xamarin (C#): Build cross-platform mobile apps using C#.
4. Game Development
Key Languages: To get into game development, focus on C#, C++, and JavaScript. These languages are widely used in game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine.
5. Understand Programming Fundamentals
It’s crucial to understand core concepts that are universal across most languages:
Variables & Data Types: Learn how to work with different types of data (e.g., strings, integers, floats, booleans).
Control Structures: Master conditionals (if statements) and loops (for, while) to control program flow.
Functions/Methods: Learn to write reusable code with functions.
Arrays/Lists: Understand how to store and manipulate collections of data.
Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): Grasp the fundamentals of OOP—working with classes, objects, inheritance, and encapsulation.
Algorithms and Data Structures: Study algorithms (e.g., sorting, searching) and data structures (e.g., arrays, linked lists, trees, hashmaps).
6. Practice Coding
Consistent practice is key to improving:
LeetCode, HackerRank, Codewars: Solve coding challenges to hone problem-solving skills.
Exercism and CodeCombat: Work through coding exercises and gamified programming challenges to keep things engaging.
7. Build Personal Projects
Apply your skills to real-world projects. Consider building:
A personal website or portfolio.
A to-do list app or a simple calculator.
An interactive resume or blog.
8. Familiarize Yourself with Development Tools
Understanding the right tools will boost your productivity:
Version Control (Git/GitHub): Learn to manage code versions and collaborate with others.
Text Editors/IDEs: Get comfortable with tools like VS Code, PyCharm, or IntelliJ.
Debugging: Familiarize yourself with debugging techniques to troubleshoot your code effectively.
9. Network with Professionals
LinkedIn: Build a professional network, connect with experienced software engineers, and engage in discussions about the industry.
Meetups: Attend tech events, conferences, and webinars to grow your network and knowledge.
10. Participate in Competitions & Communities
Get involved in:
Hackathons: Participate in coding competitions to challenge yourself and collaborate with others.
Tech Groups: Join communities, forums, and online groups related to your interests (e.g., Stack Overflow, Reddit).
11. Explore Educational Resources
There are plenty of free and paid resources available to guide your learning:
Programming & Development:
freeCodeCamp: Learn full-stack development and programming languages.
Codecademy: Offers interactive lessons in multiple programming languages.
GeeksforGeeks: Comprehensive tutorials on data structures and algorithms.
Frontend Development:
MDN Web Docs: In-depth guides on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
CSS-Tricks: Tutorials on web design and CSS.
Backend Development:
NodeSchool: Learn backend development with Node.js.
Django (Python): Official tutorials for Python-based web development.
Game Development:
Unity Learn: Free tutorials for learning Unity and C#.
TheCherno: Game development tutorials, especially for C++.
Version Control:
GitHub Learning Lab: Interactive lessons on Git and GitHub.
Git SCM: Official Git documentation for in-depth learning.
12. Stay Current
Follow Trends: The tech industry evolves rapidly. Keep up with trends, frameworks, and new tools through blogs, podcasts, and news sources.
Practice Regularly: Dedicate at least 3 hours a day to coding. The more you practice, the faster you’ll progress.
By focusing on these steps and maintaining consistency, within 6-12 months, you’ll find yourself making real progress as a programmer. Stay dedicated, practice regularly, and always be open to learning new things! Good luck!
Becoming a skilled programmer requires dedication, practice, and continuous learning. Here’s a streamlined path to help you build your skills and achieve success in the field.
1. Start with Basic Programming Languages
Web Development: Begin with foundational web technologies: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These are the building blocks of the web and essential for both frontend and backend development.
JavaScript Libraries: Once you're comfortable with JavaScript, explore libraries and frameworks like React.js, Angular, or Vue.js to create more dynamic and complex web applications.
2. Mobile Development
Android Development: Learn Java and Kotlin to build Android apps.
3. Cross-Platform Development (iOS & Android)
To target both iOS and Android with one codebase, consider these frameworks:
Flutter (Dart): A popular, fast-growing framework for building cross-platform apps.
React Native (JavaScript/TypeScript): Use JavaScript to create native apps for both platforms.
Xamarin (C#): Build cross-platform mobile apps using C#.
4. Game Development
Key Languages: To get into game development, focus on C#, C++, and JavaScript. These languages are widely used in game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine.
5. Understand Programming Fundamentals
It’s crucial to understand core concepts that are universal across most languages:
Variables & Data Types: Learn how to work with different types of data (e.g., strings, integers, floats, booleans).
Control Structures: Master conditionals (if statements) and loops (for, while) to control program flow.
Functions/Methods: Learn to write reusable code with functions.
Arrays/Lists: Understand how to store and manipulate collections of data.
Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): Grasp the fundamentals of OOP—working with classes, objects, inheritance, and encapsulation.
Algorithms and Data Structures: Study algorithms (e.g., sorting, searching) and data structures (e.g., arrays, linked lists, trees, hashmaps).
6. Practice Coding
Consistent practice is key to improving:
LeetCode, HackerRank, Codewars: Solve coding challenges to hone problem-solving skills.
Exercism and CodeCombat: Work through coding exercises and gamified programming challenges to keep things engaging.
7. Build Personal Projects
Apply your skills to real-world projects. Consider building:
A personal website or portfolio.
A to-do list app or a simple calculator.
An interactive resume or blog.
8. Familiarize Yourself with Development Tools
Understanding the right tools will boost your productivity:
Version Control (Git/GitHub): Learn to manage code versions and collaborate with others.
Text Editors/IDEs: Get comfortable with tools like VS Code, PyCharm, or IntelliJ.
Debugging: Familiarize yourself with debugging techniques to troubleshoot your code effectively.
9. Network with Professionals
LinkedIn: Build a professional network, connect with experienced software engineers, and engage in discussions about the industry.
Meetups: Attend tech events, conferences, and webinars to grow your network and knowledge.
10. Participate in Competitions & Communities
Get involved in:
Hackathons: Participate in coding competitions to challenge yourself and collaborate with others.
Tech Groups: Join communities, forums, and online groups related to your interests (e.g., Stack Overflow, Reddit).
11. Explore Educational Resources
There are plenty of free and paid resources available to guide your learning:
Programming & Development:
freeCodeCamp: Learn full-stack development and programming languages.
Codecademy: Offers interactive lessons in multiple programming languages.
GeeksforGeeks: Comprehensive tutorials on data structures and algorithms.
Frontend Development:
MDN Web Docs: In-depth guides on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
CSS-Tricks: Tutorials on web design and CSS.
Backend Development:
NodeSchool: Learn backend development with Node.js.
Django (Python): Official tutorials for Python-based web development.
Game Development:
Unity Learn: Free tutorials for learning Unity and C#.
TheCherno: Game development tutorials, especially for C++.
Version Control:
GitHub Learning Lab: Interactive lessons on Git and GitHub.
Git SCM: Official Git documentation for in-depth learning.
12. Stay Current
Follow Trends: The tech industry evolves rapidly. Keep up with trends, frameworks, and new tools through blogs, podcasts, and news sources.
Practice Regularly: Dedicate at least 3 hours a day to coding. The more you practice, the faster you’ll progress.
By focusing on these steps and maintaining consistency, within 6-12 months, you’ll find yourself making real progress as a programmer. Stay dedicated, practice regularly, and always be open to learning new things! Good luck!
X Sun
Software Engineer
1
Answer
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
X’s Answer
Interest is the key to success. If you find programming exciting, you'll be motivated to learn and practice it every day, just like how boys enjoy video games. When you're interested, you'll grab every chance to learn and boost your computer science knowledge and programming skills. This will guide you towards the right path for college and your future career.
I've seen many students who love programming. They began writing simple programs in elementary school and moved on to challenges like LeetCode and USACO in middle school. Most of them program regularly. They went on to study computer science in college and naturally became programmers. So, my advice is to start building your interest now.
I've seen many students who love programming. They began writing simple programs in elementary school and moved on to challenges like LeetCode and USACO in middle school. Most of them program regularly. They went on to study computer science in college and naturally became programmers. So, my advice is to start building your interest now.
Bright Komor
Nurse
261
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
To become a computer programmer, here are some key steps you can follow:
1. **Learn the Basics of Programming**: Start by learning a programming language like Python, JavaScript, or Java. Python is a great choice for beginners because it's easy to read and understand.
2. **Understand Computer Science Fundamentals**: It's important to learn the basic concepts of algorithms, data structures, and software design. This knowledge will help you solve problems efficiently.
3. **Practice Regularly**: Programming is a skill that improves with practice. Work on small projects, challenges, or contribute to open-source projects. Websites like LeetCode, Codewars, or HackerRank offer coding challenges that can help you practice.
4. **Get Comfortable with Tools**: Learn how to use version control systems like Git, as well as text editors or integrated development environments (IDEs) like VSCode, PyCharm, or IntelliJ.
5. **Build Projects**: Create small projects that interest you. Whether it's a web app, a game, or an automation script, hands-on experience is key to building your skills and understanding real-world applications.
6. **Understand the Software Development Life Cycle**: Learn about testing, debugging, and deployment. These are important aspects of programming that will make your code more reliable and production-ready.
7. **Stay Updated and Keep Learning**: The tech world evolves quickly, so it's important to keep learning. Follow blogs, read programming books, attend conferences, or take online courses to expand your knowledge.
8. **Network and Collaborate**: Joining coding communities, participating in coding events like hackathons, or collaborating with others on GitHub can expose you to new ideas and improve your skills.
By following these steps, you can build a strong foundation and work your way toward becoming a skilled programmer. The key is consistency and curiosity!
1. **Learn the Basics of Programming**: Start by learning a programming language like Python, JavaScript, or Java. Python is a great choice for beginners because it's easy to read and understand.
2. **Understand Computer Science Fundamentals**: It's important to learn the basic concepts of algorithms, data structures, and software design. This knowledge will help you solve problems efficiently.
3. **Practice Regularly**: Programming is a skill that improves with practice. Work on small projects, challenges, or contribute to open-source projects. Websites like LeetCode, Codewars, or HackerRank offer coding challenges that can help you practice.
4. **Get Comfortable with Tools**: Learn how to use version control systems like Git, as well as text editors or integrated development environments (IDEs) like VSCode, PyCharm, or IntelliJ.
5. **Build Projects**: Create small projects that interest you. Whether it's a web app, a game, or an automation script, hands-on experience is key to building your skills and understanding real-world applications.
6. **Understand the Software Development Life Cycle**: Learn about testing, debugging, and deployment. These are important aspects of programming that will make your code more reliable and production-ready.
7. **Stay Updated and Keep Learning**: The tech world evolves quickly, so it's important to keep learning. Follow blogs, read programming books, attend conferences, or take online courses to expand your knowledge.
8. **Network and Collaborate**: Joining coding communities, participating in coding events like hackathons, or collaborating with others on GitHub can expose you to new ideas and improve your skills.
By following these steps, you can build a strong foundation and work your way toward becoming a skilled programmer. The key is consistency and curiosity!