7 answers
Elias’s Answer
1) College
Assuming you're of age, you can certainly go to college and study computer engineering/science or some equivalent. This degree will teach you the basics of object oriented programming, as well as the design patterns that you'll need to know to build quality code. You'll likely also learn about computer theory, which may or may not be interesting to you.
2) Bootcamp
There are a TON of bootcamps that help people ranging from all walks of life become developers. Typically, these bootcamps are ~3 months and cost several thousand dollars (although some programs offer scholarships). The bootcamps do a great job of teaching the basics of programming and can help you land a job as a junior developer. Most of the bootcamps also offer assistance with job placement. If you decide to go this route, you should definitely talk with alums from the bootcamps to get their perspective.
3) Self-Teach
If going to college or doing a bootcamp aren't ideal for you, you can also take a self-paced online courses. There are several sites that offer courses at a fraction of the cost of the first two resources. I'd recommend checking out udacity's nanodegree programs. Udemy also has a bunch of course that you can purchase. I've purchased a few of the courses and they all have been very helpful. Lastly, there are a bunch of MOOCs that you can use as well.
This list isn't a collectively exhaustive list, but in my opinion, these are the most popular ways to learn how to become a SWE.
Hopefully that helps!
software-engineering
Shannon’s Answer
To add on to the previous answer. Take advantage of any software or computer science classes/clubs that your school may offer. If you do choose the college route also then invest some time in picking several colleges that you would be interested in. One way to do this is by checking rankings and researching information about them.
Here is an example of the best Computer Engineering colleges that are in the United States.
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/engineering-doctorate-computer
There should be similar types of information and rankings available for colleges across the world though so take some time to research about what would be best for you.
There are also lots of free online resources that you can do as well to supplement your more formal school/university learning. Here's one example
https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-science
Good luck!
Leon’s Answer
The first two years of a college education whether you start at a two year college and transfer to a four year college, or start at a four year college, the courses taken are more general the first two years. During this time you will be able to take a few of the courses for the different degrees and concentrate the last two years on one of the different degrees.
Below is a Internet good article I found at random about the three different degrees available.
https://engiegirlsatuwaterloo.wordpress.com/2013/08/29/computer-engineering-software-engineering-or-computer-science/
Personally, I started out as a computer science major in 1961 and my first course was Lisp the first Artificial Intelligence (AI) language. Most people think AI is a new concept but it is not.
As I learned more about how computers were used I switched to a Management Information Systems (MIS) degree because I wanted to know more about the business aspect and how computers were used in business.
Then as I started working in industry and understood how business used computers and I devoted more time to learning more about computer science. Also, during my 40 + years working, I continued to learn more about business and computers. In today's ever changing world you need to continue to learn and the Internet is the greatest resource ever. There are so many free great ways to learn from many great people.
Leon recommends the following next steps:
Supreethkumar’s Answer
If you need time to decide between careers, join continue 11th and 12th and then join BE in Computers. These 2 years of time will give you a lot of time to decide.
Thejas’s Answer
Then you will entrance exam to get a seat in engineering college
If you want to get into NIT and IIT you will have to clear JEE and JEE advanced.
Based on the rank you will get a seat in the respective college.
You can also pursue your master once you take up a certain specialization