12 answers
Lexsie
Student
Yuma, Arizona
2
Questions
Updated
689 views
Is it hard being a computer programmer and web developer?
Hello, my name is lexsie I am 12 years old in 7th grade, and the career I got that matched with were computer programmer and web developer. And my question is, Is it hard being a computer programmer and web developer?
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12 answers
Tara Cross
Business Systems Analyst
7
Answers
Charter Township of Clinton, Michigan
Updated
Tara’s Answer
Hi Lexsie, it is not hard but you have to be focused. I always say that you have to have a love for computers because you will be on it all the time. There is alot to learn but once you mastered a language and get an understanding of how a language works, it makes it a bit easier to learn another.
Allisson Santos
Software Engineer
21
Answers
New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Canada
Updated
Allisson’s Answer
Hey there, Lexsie!
It's fantastic to see your interest in the world of programming! As a seasoned Web Developer, I can tell you that this journey requires dedication. For novices, the world of programming can seem quite daunting with its intricate new concepts. The learning never stops — even when you reach a Senior role — because there's always fresh knowledge to be discovered.
As you advance, the complexity doesn't decrease, but your logical thinking will grow exponentially, making everything more comprehensible and quicker to grasp.
However, rest assured that all the hard work is worth it:
1. The demand for Software Engineers and Web Developers (or Programmers, in general) is consistently high, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down.
2. The satisfaction you get from creating something and watching it function as intended is truly exhilarating :D
3. The pay is pretty impressive!
4. The flexibility of work hours and the option to work from home offered by many companies is a huge perk.
There's more to the list, but these are the highlights for me. If your curiosity is piqued, I strongly urge you to explore this path and see if programming resonates with you.
I hope my insights have been of some help :)
Remember, never stop striving!
It's fantastic to see your interest in the world of programming! As a seasoned Web Developer, I can tell you that this journey requires dedication. For novices, the world of programming can seem quite daunting with its intricate new concepts. The learning never stops — even when you reach a Senior role — because there's always fresh knowledge to be discovered.
As you advance, the complexity doesn't decrease, but your logical thinking will grow exponentially, making everything more comprehensible and quicker to grasp.
However, rest assured that all the hard work is worth it:
1. The demand for Software Engineers and Web Developers (or Programmers, in general) is consistently high, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down.
2. The satisfaction you get from creating something and watching it function as intended is truly exhilarating :D
3. The pay is pretty impressive!
4. The flexibility of work hours and the option to work from home offered by many companies is a huge perk.
There's more to the list, but these are the highlights for me. If your curiosity is piqued, I strongly urge you to explore this path and see if programming resonates with you.
I hope my insights have been of some help :)
Remember, never stop striving!
Garrett MacCracken
Software Developer
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Garrett’s Answer
Hi Lexsie,
To address your question of difficulty, I think it is important to understand why you may have gotten matched to these career paths and what your interests are. While computer programming and web development require a strong background in math and science, other skills and interests such as art, design, graphics and audio/music can lead to a successful career in either industry. The difficulty of many careers can be directly tied to your level of interest in the position that you are in.
It is also important to understand that even if you are passionate about field such as computer programming, there are many roles and many companies that provide different experiences and it is common for both careers you mention to change companies or jobs relatively frequently. For example, I have worked at Microsoft for ten years and have had four different positions with fairly different roles, all in the computer programming space. Some people move around more and some less, it really depends on the intersection of interests and requirements for a position.
It may also be helpful to think about day-to-day activities that are common to computer programming and web development. Depending on whether you work in an office or work from home, most days require using a computer the majority of the work day. This may be a major positive or negative depending on if you'd rather be spending time outdoors or need to be active during the day. Luckily, the industry does have a reputation for work flexibility, so depending on your company's culture and team dynamics, you may be able to work flexible hours to perform non-work related activities during the day if needed.
Hope this helps and best of luck!
To address your question of difficulty, I think it is important to understand why you may have gotten matched to these career paths and what your interests are. While computer programming and web development require a strong background in math and science, other skills and interests such as art, design, graphics and audio/music can lead to a successful career in either industry. The difficulty of many careers can be directly tied to your level of interest in the position that you are in.
It is also important to understand that even if you are passionate about field such as computer programming, there are many roles and many companies that provide different experiences and it is common for both careers you mention to change companies or jobs relatively frequently. For example, I have worked at Microsoft for ten years and have had four different positions with fairly different roles, all in the computer programming space. Some people move around more and some less, it really depends on the intersection of interests and requirements for a position.
It may also be helpful to think about day-to-day activities that are common to computer programming and web development. Depending on whether you work in an office or work from home, most days require using a computer the majority of the work day. This may be a major positive or negative depending on if you'd rather be spending time outdoors or need to be active during the day. Luckily, the industry does have a reputation for work flexibility, so depending on your company's culture and team dynamics, you may be able to work flexible hours to perform non-work related activities during the day if needed.
Hope this helps and best of luck!
Alen Grbic
Software Engineer
10
Answers
Cork
Updated
Alen’s Answer
Hey Lexsie! Generally I wouldn't say it is hard, but you definitely do need to have passion for it! Being in front of a computer for a majority of your day can have health impacts as well. As far as technology goes, you need to be constantly on top of new tech being released (in your particular niche). Web development is one of the best starting points as there is plenty of online material to help you get started.
Rokeya Sultana
Web Developer
11
Answers
Gazipur, Dhaka Division
Updated
Rokeya’s Answer
Hi Lexsie,
Being a computer programmer and web developer can be challenging but rewarding. It requires continuous learning, problem-solving, and patience. If you have a genuine interest in coding, it can be a fulfilling career. However, if you're passionate about computers and technology, then the hard work will be worth it.
Being a computer programmer and web developer can be challenging but rewarding. It requires continuous learning, problem-solving, and patience. If you have a genuine interest in coding, it can be a fulfilling career. However, if you're passionate about computers and technology, then the hard work will be worth it.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1793
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you would like to be a developer. If you have interest in programming, you would not find it difficult.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Identify a simple programming language to start, e.g. Python, Scratch, etc.
2. Find the programming syntax and structure. There are plenty of resources online.
3. Start doing some programming yourself. Then, you can do some small project, e.g. control a robotic arm, toy car, etc.
4. After you familiar with one programming, you can choose another one.
5. Explore the entry criteria of Computer Science in the college. It can help to understand the computing theory and give an overview of programming world
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Identify a simple programming language to start, e.g. Python, Scratch, etc.
2. Find the programming syntax and structure. There are plenty of resources online.
3. Start doing some programming yourself. Then, you can do some small project, e.g. control a robotic arm, toy car, etc.
4. After you familiar with one programming, you can choose another one.
5. Explore the entry criteria of Computer Science in the college. It can help to understand the computing theory and give an overview of programming world
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Andrew Dass
7
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Hello Lexsie,
I would not say being a computer programmer and a web developer is not easy or hard. It depends how much time you set aside to learning what you need to know to be successful. If you want to be a computer programmer and a web developer, then you need to first decide what programming language would be best for you to continue this path. I would recommend learning Javascript, HTML and CSS. I would recommend the Mozilla Docs for further tutorials to get started:
Mozilla MDN Docs: https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript
When you start learning the basics of coding, always ask why you want to learn this? Is it to build a certain program or application? When you do coding, you also want to build projects to showcase your learning. If you have a certain idea that you want to code, then it will create more motivation for you to keep learning and be excited about coding. I would say to prioritize having fun in the career then seeing it as something hard, so you get the most out of it.
I would not say being a computer programmer and a web developer is not easy or hard. It depends how much time you set aside to learning what you need to know to be successful. If you want to be a computer programmer and a web developer, then you need to first decide what programming language would be best for you to continue this path. I would recommend learning Javascript, HTML and CSS. I would recommend the Mozilla Docs for further tutorials to get started:
Mozilla MDN Docs: https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript
When you start learning the basics of coding, always ask why you want to learn this? Is it to build a certain program or application? When you do coding, you also want to build projects to showcase your learning. If you have a certain idea that you want to code, then it will create more motivation for you to keep learning and be excited about coding. I would say to prioritize having fun in the career then seeing it as something hard, so you get the most out of it.
Wen Qiu
Software Engineer
1
Answer
Redmond, Washington
Updated
Wen’s Answer
Hi Lexsie! Good question!
I agree with most others who says that it is very important to have a passion and put in hard work if you were to pursue this career. As you first get started with your programming language or project, it can be overwhelming to learn all the intricacies as well as how to troubleshoot when things are not going quite as you expected (hence the fancy term debugging). My advice is to focus on the big picture of what you want to accomplish by learning programming and computer science, and it can give you more motivations to work through problems and overcome challenges as they come up. I first got interested in learning programming because I want to make my own video games, and as I took more variety of courses in college, I later expand my interest to robotics, web development, data science, etc. and it is how I can use programming to solve real-world problems and help other people that keeps me excited to learn more.
I agree with most others who says that it is very important to have a passion and put in hard work if you were to pursue this career. As you first get started with your programming language or project, it can be overwhelming to learn all the intricacies as well as how to troubleshoot when things are not going quite as you expected (hence the fancy term debugging). My advice is to focus on the big picture of what you want to accomplish by learning programming and computer science, and it can give you more motivations to work through problems and overcome challenges as they come up. I first got interested in learning programming because I want to make my own video games, and as I took more variety of courses in college, I later expand my interest to robotics, web development, data science, etc. and it is how I can use programming to solve real-world problems and help other people that keeps me excited to learn more.
Dhara Bhavsar
Software Engineer
1
Answer
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Dhara’s Answer
Hi Lexsie, you've asked a fantastic question! Everyone has shared insightful answers, and I'd like to contribute some fresh information. The field of computer programming is incredibly broad, encompassing roles such as web programmer, data scientist, AI programmer, backend or mobile developer, and many more. With the constant introduction of new languages and exploration of new avenues, the opportunities in this field are ever-expanding. However, to seize these opportunities, you should have a passion for understanding how computers function and how you can utilize that knowledge effectively.
Get started at https://code.org/student/middle-high to learn more about computer programming and everything around it.
Dhara recommends the following next steps:
A K
Software Engineer
3
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
A’s Answer
This the age to read books, explore play grounds, enjoy school. Build your math fundamentals and develop your creative side by reading lots and lots of books. Computer science will come to you.
Pallavi Aras
3
Answers
Ashburn, Virginia
Updated
Pallavi’s Answer
Computer programming may seems daunting at first but my suggestion is to jump into learning using online coding tools.
Sample learning tool
https://www.w3schools.com/html/
As you learn, you will build confidence and grow.
https://www.khanacademy.org/computing
Sample learning tool
https://www.w3schools.com/html/
As you learn, you will build confidence and grow.
https://www.khanacademy.org/computing
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6075
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there Lexsie!
Embarking on a journey as a computer programmer and web developer can be a thrilling ride, filled with challenges that lead to rewarding outcomes. It's a blend of technical know-how, problem-solving prowess, and a dash of creativity. Sure, some parts may seem tough, but with a dose of determination and a commitment to learning, you'll find yourself thriving in these exciting fields.
Let's talk about Computer Programming:
Computer programming is like teaching computers a new language. You write instructions, or code, that guide computers to complete specific tasks. It's a game of logic, attention to detail, and the skill to simplify complex problems into bite-sized pieces. To be a whiz at this, you'll need to learn programming languages like Python, Java, C++, or JavaScript.
The level of difficulty in programming can swing depending on the project's complexity, the language you're using, and your previous experience and knack for coding. If you're a newbie, you might find it a bit tough to get a grip on the basics at first. But remember, practice makes perfect, and with time, you'll see your skills sharpening.
Now, onto Web Development:
Web development is all about building websites and web applications. It's a mix of designing a user-friendly interface, writing code for functionality, and making sure everything runs smoothly across various devices and browsers. To ace this, you'll need a good grasp of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and JavaScript.
Web development can be a bit of a roller-coaster ride, thanks to the ever-changing world of web technologies. New tools and techniques pop up regularly, and it's crucial to stay in the loop. Plus, web developers often need to think about user experience (UX), accessibility, security, and performance optimization when building websites or applications.
Here are some hurdles you might face:
1. Complex Problem Solving: Computer programmers and web developers often bump into tricky problems that need analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. The key is to break down problems into smaller parts, brainstorm solutions, and implement them effectively.
2. Continuous Learning: The world of computer programming and web development is always on the move. Developers need to keep up with new programming languages, frameworks, and best practices. This means embracing lifelong learning and staying tuned to industry trends.
3. Debugging and Troubleshooting: Debugging is a crucial part of programming and web development. Spotting and fixing errors in code can be a bit of a puzzle. Developers need to have solid debugging skills and a critical thinking mindset to solve issues efficiently.
To wrap it up:
Sure, being a computer programmer and web developer can be a bit of a challenge, but it also opens up a world of growth and creative opportunities. With a bit of grit, a commitment to continuous learning, and problem-solving skills, you'll be able to tackle any obstacles that come your way in these fields.
Here are the top 3 go-to resources:
1. Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) - developer.mozilla.org
2. W3Schools - www.w3schools.com
3. Stack Overflow - stackoverflow.com
Embarking on a journey as a computer programmer and web developer can be a thrilling ride, filled with challenges that lead to rewarding outcomes. It's a blend of technical know-how, problem-solving prowess, and a dash of creativity. Sure, some parts may seem tough, but with a dose of determination and a commitment to learning, you'll find yourself thriving in these exciting fields.
Let's talk about Computer Programming:
Computer programming is like teaching computers a new language. You write instructions, or code, that guide computers to complete specific tasks. It's a game of logic, attention to detail, and the skill to simplify complex problems into bite-sized pieces. To be a whiz at this, you'll need to learn programming languages like Python, Java, C++, or JavaScript.
The level of difficulty in programming can swing depending on the project's complexity, the language you're using, and your previous experience and knack for coding. If you're a newbie, you might find it a bit tough to get a grip on the basics at first. But remember, practice makes perfect, and with time, you'll see your skills sharpening.
Now, onto Web Development:
Web development is all about building websites and web applications. It's a mix of designing a user-friendly interface, writing code for functionality, and making sure everything runs smoothly across various devices and browsers. To ace this, you'll need a good grasp of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and JavaScript.
Web development can be a bit of a roller-coaster ride, thanks to the ever-changing world of web technologies. New tools and techniques pop up regularly, and it's crucial to stay in the loop. Plus, web developers often need to think about user experience (UX), accessibility, security, and performance optimization when building websites or applications.
Here are some hurdles you might face:
1. Complex Problem Solving: Computer programmers and web developers often bump into tricky problems that need analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. The key is to break down problems into smaller parts, brainstorm solutions, and implement them effectively.
2. Continuous Learning: The world of computer programming and web development is always on the move. Developers need to keep up with new programming languages, frameworks, and best practices. This means embracing lifelong learning and staying tuned to industry trends.
3. Debugging and Troubleshooting: Debugging is a crucial part of programming and web development. Spotting and fixing errors in code can be a bit of a puzzle. Developers need to have solid debugging skills and a critical thinking mindset to solve issues efficiently.
To wrap it up:
Sure, being a computer programmer and web developer can be a bit of a challenge, but it also opens up a world of growth and creative opportunities. With a bit of grit, a commitment to continuous learning, and problem-solving skills, you'll be able to tackle any obstacles that come your way in these fields.
Here are the top 3 go-to resources:
1. Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) - developer.mozilla.org
2. W3Schools - www.w3schools.com
3. Stack Overflow - stackoverflow.com