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How to become a Software progammer?

i am a 13 year old seventh grader and i being learning how to code but i do not know what course to study, so i am wondering if you can help me with that

technology computer-software programming software software-development learning
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Doc’s Answer

Adeyinka if you’re new to the field of software development, the toughest part of learning programming is deciding where to begin. There are hundreds of programming languages in widespread use, each with its own complexities and idiosyncrasies. Below I've outlined some of the most popular ones to learn.

C / C#
C is a middle programming language frequently used in engineering and commercial sectors. It supports procedural programming and allows users to develop code systems and applications using 32 total keywords. This language can be used cross-platform, meaning C can be executed comparably on different hardware and operating systems. C#, pronounced "C sharp," was created by Microsoft; it is often used to design products like mobile applications, video games, and enterprise systems. This language consists of 86 total keywords, supports object-oriented programming, and allows users to work with high levels of abstraction.

C++
A successor of C, C++ is also popular among programmers. The name comes from the “++” operator in C, which adds a value of one to an integer. C++ builds on C by including classes and objects, which allow you to represent real-life objects in the code. This added sophistication opens many more possibilities to the language and makes it much better equipped for developing sophisticated applications, like system or application software, drivers, client-server applications, embedded firmware, and video games.

PYTHON
Python is perhaps the most user-friendly programming language of any on this list. It’s often said that Python’s syntax is clear, intuitive, and almost English-like, which makes it a popular choice for beginners. Python has a variety of applications that make it a versatile, powerful option when choosing the best programming language for your use case. If you’re interested in back-end web development, for example, then the open-source Django framework, written in Python, is popular, easy to learn, and feature-rich.

RUBY
Ruby is a high-level, general-purpose language often used in internet application development. This server-side scripting language has a relatively straightforward syntax, similar to C++. Many developers use this language to create Common Gateway Interface (CGI) scripts. Ruby is an object-oriented language and can support procedural and functional programming. Because it can be easily embedded into HTML, many developers use Ruby for web design. Many prominent companies like Twitter, Hulu, and GitHub use this language to construct their websites. Web developers using Ruby can access many open-source frameworks to create original projects.

JAVASCRIPT
With increasing demand for dynamic web applications, it’s nearly impossible to become a professional software developer without learning JavaScript. Along with HTML and CSS, JavaScript is essential to front-end web development. A majority of the web’s most popular sites, from Facebook and Twitter to Gmail and YouTube, rely on JavaScript to create interactive web pages and dynamically display content for users.

TYPESCRIPT
Over the last several years, TypeScript has grown in popularity, with close to 40% of developers using the programming language. According to the TypeScript website, several well-known companies are utilizing the programming language, including Google, Airbnb, and Slack. Once you learn JavaScript, TypeScript is simple to learn. The open-source programming language builds on JavaScript and works in any environment that runs JavaScript.

SWIFT
If you’re interested in Apple products and mobile app development, Swift is a good place to start. First announced by Apple in 2014, Swift is a relatively new programming language used to develop iOS and macOS applications.
Swift has been optimized for performance and built from the ground up to match the realities of modern iOS development. Not only does iOS run on every iPhone and iPad, but it’s also the basis for other operating systems such as watchOS (for Apple Watches) and tvOS (for Apple TVs).
Thank you comment icon Thank You Karin. How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. Doc Frick
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Jiaming’s Answer

It's fantastic to know that you're keen on diving into the world of coding! The internet is brimming with numerous courses that can guide you on your coding adventure. Here are a few resources that you might find beneficial:

Code.org: This platform offers a variety of free coding courses that cater to learners of all ages, including middle and high school students.

Coder Kids: This site presents a rundown of the top 10 complimentary coding programs for kids, complete with details about each program and who they are best suited for.

CodeAdvantage: This platform provides computer programming classes for learners aged 5-15. Their project-centric classes allow students to craft games, animations, webpages, and more in a fun and supportive class atmosphere.

ComputerScience.org: This site gives a beginner's guide to coding for kids, including insights on text-based coding and activities that result in a finished product.

I trust this will be of assistance! Best of luck on your exciting coding voyage!
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Celeste’s Answer

Computer science is a very broad field. I would recommend taking classes in different areas to get a feel for what you like the best. For example, I took computational theory and decided i did not want to be a theoretical computer scientist. I took a class that involved creating a website and decided front end was not my cup of tea. I took one class on the computer-hardware interface and subsequently fell in love with backend development, following up with classes on operating systems, cybersecurity, distributed systems, and eventually landing at IBM working on z/OS (their operating system).
Now different languages are used for different purposes. Basically everyone needs to know SQL because its a data-driven world so odds are no matter where you end up, you'll probably be using SQL for something or another. Java and JavaScript are great for API and web development, while python is great for data science because of all its libraries. Languages like C are low-level languages. They allow for more developer control, but that also means they trust what you're doing. So it's ultimately your fault when you mess up and crash the computer. Most people consider programming in lower-level languages incredibly tedious -- it's definitely not for everyone. However, a basic knowledge of how code is manipulated closer to the hardware enhances your overall ability to understand more complicated systems.
All that being said, here's what I would recommend: SQL is a must, but it's basically English so it's pretty easy to pick up. Python and Java are widely used, so having a basic understanding of the languages is important. They're also very well documented which makes mastering them on the fly easier. If you're interested in web applications, JavaScript is the way to go (although I personally despise that language). other helper languages include HTML, CSS - but they hardly count as programming languages and are also very easy to pick up. Additionally I would recommend at least one class focusing on low-level programming, learning how code gets translated into machine code, and the basics of Assembler. You may not be able to gain access to that sort of class until much later since it's generally not offered until college.
For my last piece of advice, I'm going to switch gears a bit. Depending on where you live, you may have access to an FRC Robotics team. This is a great way to get hands on practice coding, debugging and working in a group setting. Applying what you learn is really the best way for it to stick after all.
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Atul’s Answer

Excel in your Engineering-focused subjects such as Math, Physics, and Chemistry, and strive to gain proficiency in computer languages like Java, Python, C, and others.
Hone your software writing skills at home by leveraging YouTube tutorials or books that provide practice tests.
Prioritize maintaining high academic grades, and work on developing effective communication and strong writing abilities.
Remember, all these elements are crucial in shaping a successful software engineer.
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Gwen’s Answer

The realm of Computer Programming is expansive and filled with numerous options. It's a world of endless possibilities, much like an oyster waiting to reveal its pearl!

My journey began with aspirations of becoming an Electrical Engineer. However, after spending two years in College, I discovered my true passion lay in Computer Programming. I embarked on this exciting journey with Assembler Language, then progressed to Cobol, PL1, and Fortran. As technology evolved, so did my skills, and I delved into Java, .Net, Object Oriented Language, HTML, and the vast expanse of the Internet. I also explored Database languages such as DB2, Oracle, IMS DB/DC, and XML. The journey didn't stop there, as I continued to learn and grow with Ruby, Python, Node.js, Cloud Computing, and many more.

Once you determine which programming languages pique your interest, you can then contemplate the type of role you'd like to pursue. The world of programming offers a multitude of job opportunities. You could become a Data Scientist, a Site Reliability Engineer, a DevOps Engineer, a Systems Analyst, or a Systems Programmer, among many other roles. If you prefer a customer-centric role where you assist clients, consider becoming a Solution Engineer, Solution Consultant, or an Architect. These are just a handful of the numerous roles available in this dynamic field.

Your first step is to decide which language(s) you wish to master, and then chart your course from there. To assist you on this journey, here's a link to a site offering access to free courses that you might find useful: https://www.cio.com/article/221812/8-free-online-course-sites-for-growing-your-tech-skills.html.
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Efraín’s Answer

Hello Adeyinka, I trust you're doing well!

Let me share with you my journey to becoming a software programmer. Think of it like learning to drive. Before you can drive, you need to understand traffic signs, know the different parts of the car, how to start it, use the turn signals, gears, clutch, brakes, and accelerator. Once you've mastered these, you can drive any car.

Similarly, in programming, you start by understanding mathematical logic, which helps you grasp how the NOT, AND, OR operators function.

Next, you delve into programming logic through algorithms. This is the foundation for any programmer. Once you've learned structures, conditionals, and repetitive cycles, you're ready to implement these in any programming language.

After you've got a solid grasp of algorithms and loop structures, you can begin with a programming language that has a friendly learning curve. Interpreted languages like Python, PHP, or JavaScript are good starting points.

When you're comfortable with a programming language, you can then explore different specializations. You can refer to this link for more information: https://roadmap.sh. Here, you'll find the necessary knowledge and tools for each career path, helping you excel in any job position listed on job offering websites.

Back in my day, it was all about learning through trial and error without much guidance. A single teacher for 40 students just wasn't enough. But now, you can make use of tools like Google Bard or ChatGPT to generate snippets of code that you can experiment with and modify as you please.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you would like to become a software programmer.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Start self learning on some simple programming first. Identify a simple programming languages, e.g Python, Scratch, etc.
2. Learn the language structure and syntax. There are plenty of resources online.
3. Start doing some programming first. Practise makes perfect! When you have more confident on the language, you can try to do some small projects, e.g. control a robotic arm, toy car, etc.
4. You can learn another programming language after you familiarize one.
5. Take the ICT course in your school
6. Explore the entry criteria of Computer Science course in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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Diarmait’s Answer

Programming is not just about coding, it's also a creative process. So, taking courses in design can be beneficial. Likewise, understanding the business world can be advantageous, so learning some basic business principles can be helpful. Remember, as an engineer, you're not just coding, you're also striving to achieve business goals. You'll often work in teams and in various settings, so being able to collaborate effectively in diverse environments is crucial. By developing these varied skills, you'll enhance your overall effectiveness as a programmer.
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Sean’s Answer

There are excellent resources on line. Check out code.org for introductions to coding. My biggest suggestion is to make sure programming is something you enjoy. Take programming courses in school if available. Get together with some friends and try to make a game. GameMaker is easy to get started with.
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Diana’s Answer

Hi Adeyinka, this is a great question. There are a lot of free courses, tutorials, and programs online that can introduce you to the world of coding. For example, there's Coursera, Udemy, Codecademy, FreeCodeCamp, and many, many experts on Youtube with tutorials. I highly recommend trying out a beginner course and seeing how you like it. From there, you can dive into things further and pursue the specialty of software programming that most interests you.
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Sean’s Answer

To give you a very specific answer, try this online book:

https://runestone.academy/ns/books/published/thinkcspy/index.html

It will teach you python, computer science, and it lets you run code from your web browser without having to install special tools.
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Farhana’s Answer

Hey Adeyinka, great question! I highly recommend checking out scratch. There's a ton of games to help you practice programming concepts.

https://scratch.mit.edu/

+1 to everyone's great resources so far. I loved using Codecademy to learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
https://www.codecademy.com/

Once I learned more about programming, then I started utilizing FreeCodeCamp to deep dive into specific topics that I was interested in.
https://freecodecamp.org/

Best of luck! Your curiosity and preparedness will take you very far as a programmer
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