12 answers
Gavin
Student
Petoskey, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
578 views
How to be successful in the programming industry?
What is the environment working with other programmers? What computer languages should I learn? What are some tips to be successful in this very competitive field?
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12 answers
Suraj Krishnan
Engineer
1
Answer
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Suraj’s Answer
Computer/Software Engineering is a collaborative field and need a mix of technical and soft skills. Don't underestimate the soft skills part. Python and GO will be two great programming languages to learn. Would be great to get strong on understanding data structures and practice programming on a daily basis solving different types of problems and in a disciplined way as how a music student would practice with a piano or a violin.
Alec Swanson
Lead Software Engineer
5
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Alec’s Answer
"What is the environment working with other programmers?"
It can vary depending on the people you work with, generally as a newer engineer you could expect to work directly with a more senior engineer as you learn about the programming environment and project. As you advance in the field, you'll move toward working with peers to complete projects and as you become more senior, you'll start teaching others and directing teams of engineers.
A normal day includes a few meetings, usually related to the status of your current project, a large amount of time to program solo or with another engineer, and reviewing the code produced by the rest of your team.
"What computer languages should I learn?"
Generally the programming language does not matter, creating a program that does something useful or fun is the most important part. I would focus on a problem you have and just pick a language you're comfortable with. It's important to remember that the code is secondary to solving problems and creating things.
"What are some tips to be successful in this very competitive field?"
1. Always be willing to learn something new.
2. Learn the business (Remember, code is just a means to and end!)
3. Ask questions! And be prepared to go find your own answers.
It can vary depending on the people you work with, generally as a newer engineer you could expect to work directly with a more senior engineer as you learn about the programming environment and project. As you advance in the field, you'll move toward working with peers to complete projects and as you become more senior, you'll start teaching others and directing teams of engineers.
A normal day includes a few meetings, usually related to the status of your current project, a large amount of time to program solo or with another engineer, and reviewing the code produced by the rest of your team.
"What computer languages should I learn?"
Generally the programming language does not matter, creating a program that does something useful or fun is the most important part. I would focus on a problem you have and just pick a language you're comfortable with. It's important to remember that the code is secondary to solving problems and creating things.
"What are some tips to be successful in this very competitive field?"
1. Always be willing to learn something new.
2. Learn the business (Remember, code is just a means to and end!)
3. Ask questions! And be prepared to go find your own answers.
Bhavin Thaker
Director of Engineering
13
Answers
Mountain View, California
Updated
Bhavin’s Answer
I would suggest starting with Python. Play a lot with it and build tools that add value to you, your friends, your community. Contribute to open-source. This will require you to learn data structures and algorithms if you want to excel at it. Explore the undergrad and graduate curriculum/courses and check what areas you want to build depth on over a period of time.
Santhosh Nageshwar
Principal Software Engineer
3
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Santhosh’s Answer
Begin with small steps and make programming a daily habit. There's a wealth of free courses and tutorials available on platforms like YouTube.
To achieve success in programming, consider the following steps:
1. Engage in daily practice, starting from basic tasks and gradually moving towards more advanced ones.
2. Collaborate with friends - having a programming partner can enhance your consistency and introduce a healthy challenge. It's similar to having a workout partner at the gym.
3. Document your programming journey, write about the projects you're working on. This not only establishes your credibility but also helps in building an audience if your content is engaging.
4. Develop and launch a small but useful application, encourage your friends to use it and provide feedback.
Here are some valuable resources that I recommend:
1. https://javascript30.com/ - Offers a 30-day JavaScript challenge.
2. https://egghead.io/courses/build-a-saas-product-with-next-js-supabase-and-stripe-61f2bc20
3. https://fireship.io/ - A resource I highly recommend.
Remember, start small, practice daily, upload your work on GitHub, and launch it.
To achieve success in programming, consider the following steps:
1. Engage in daily practice, starting from basic tasks and gradually moving towards more advanced ones.
2. Collaborate with friends - having a programming partner can enhance your consistency and introduce a healthy challenge. It's similar to having a workout partner at the gym.
3. Document your programming journey, write about the projects you're working on. This not only establishes your credibility but also helps in building an audience if your content is engaging.
4. Develop and launch a small but useful application, encourage your friends to use it and provide feedback.
Here are some valuable resources that I recommend:
1. https://javascript30.com/ - Offers a 30-day JavaScript challenge.
2. https://egghead.io/courses/build-a-saas-product-with-next-js-supabase-and-stripe-61f2bc20
3. https://fireship.io/ - A resource I highly recommend.
Remember, start small, practice daily, upload your work on GitHub, and launch it.
Farhana Mustafa
Software Engineer
6
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Farhana’s Answer
Hi Gavin, great question! To be successful, it's key to keep a growth mindset. Technology is always changing everyday, as long as you're passionate about learning, then you'll definitely be successful in the programming industry
S.B. Brown
Attorney
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
S.B.’s Answer
Working with other programmers - there is a lot of collaboration, working together, and problem-solving on a team. Writing code may be about half the job but the other half is working with others on the code, debugging, and planning. Many US companies now expect programmers to work independently from home and collaborate remotely.
Computer languages - Java has been popular for a long time and is embedded in enterprises (large companies), so is a good place to look. JavaScript is a way to enter (along with C# - pronounced "see sharp").
Being successful - do something you enjoy - look around you (even at school) and see what you can do in your network to gain skills. Always have a resume and LinkedIn profile you can share (even now) - you never know who you will connect with. Observe what you enjoy doing - in your schoolwork, helping your family and friends, and in jobs - and see how what you gravitate to could be a start for a career.
Know that you probably will have not only many jobs but many different careers and keep focusing on what you find rewarding as you work - don't be afraid to pivot to something new.
Computer languages - Java has been popular for a long time and is embedded in enterprises (large companies), so is a good place to look. JavaScript is a way to enter (along with C# - pronounced "see sharp").
Being successful - do something you enjoy - look around you (even at school) and see what you can do in your network to gain skills. Always have a resume and LinkedIn profile you can share (even now) - you never know who you will connect with. Observe what you enjoy doing - in your schoolwork, helping your family and friends, and in jobs - and see how what you gravitate to could be a start for a career.
Know that you probably will have not only many jobs but many different careers and keep focusing on what you find rewarding as you work - don't be afraid to pivot to something new.
Taylor Mahoney
Procurement
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
Generally speaking in the tech industry, programming is often collaborative. If you're a beginner, many suggest kicking off your journey with JavaScript for front-end development, or Python and C#. From there, you can explore other areas based on your preferences. Remember, it's important to keep learning about new programming languages and courses as you progress in your career.
Sheel Bedi
7
Answers
Updated
Sheel’s Answer
Numerous insightful responses have already been given, but here's my perspective:
The world of languages is ever-changing. So, don't limit yourself to just one language. Instead, focus on understanding and mastering the fundamental principles and abilities. These are the constants that will endure.
The world of languages is ever-changing. So, don't limit yourself to just one language. Instead, focus on understanding and mastering the fundamental principles and abilities. These are the constants that will endure.
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
Dear Gavin,
How can you carve out a successful career in programming?
Achieving success in the programming sector involves several key elements:
Lifelong Learning: The tech world is always changing, so it's vital to keep up with the latest trends, tools, and languages. Lifelong learning will equip you to handle new challenges and seize opportunities.
Expertise: While a broad knowledge of various programming languages and technologies is useful, specializing in a specific area can distinguish you from the crowd. Be it web development, mobile app development, data science, or cybersecurity, mastering a niche can elevate your career.
Problem-Solving: At its core, programming is about resolving issues efficiently through code. Enhancing your problem-solving skills will not only make you a superior programmer but also enable you to manage complex projects effectively.
Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with other programmers is a must in this field. Teamwork often results in superior solutions, as diverse viewpoints can introduce fresh ideas. Communication skills are crucial in a team setting.
Portfolio Development: A robust portfolio that displays your projects and contributions can significantly boost your credibility as a programmer. Employers frequently look for real-world examples of your work to evaluate your abilities and expertise.
Networking: Establishing a professional network within the programming community can unlock new opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and career advancement. Participating in tech meetups, conferences, and online forums can help you connect with peers.
Flexibility: The programming sector is dynamic, with new technologies appearing regularly. Being flexible and eager to learn quickly will provide you with a competitive advantage in this fast-paced field.
What's it like to work with other programmers?
Working with other programmers can be both demanding and fulfilling. In a team setting, you're likely to encounter a variety of personalities, skill levels, and communication styles. Successful teamwork often involves:
Communication: Transparent and open communication is vital when working with other programmers. Exchanging ideas, updating progress, and giving feedback are key to successful collaboration.
Respect: Respecting your colleagues' views, expertise, and time is essential to fostering a positive working atmosphere. Valuing diverse opinions can lead to more creative solutions.
Teamwork: Collaborating on projects requires teamwork skills such as delegation, coordination, and conflict resolution. The ability to work towards a shared goal while utilizing each team member's strengths is crucial for success.
Code Reviews: Performing code reviews among team members helps maintain code quality, consistency, and adherence to best practices. Constructive feedback during code reviews can enhance overall project results.
Which programming languages should I learn?
The programming languages you choose to learn should align with your career aspirations, interests, and the specific field you want to master. However, some commonly used languages in the industry include:
Python: Renowned for its simplicity and readability, Python is widely used for web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and automation tasks.
JavaScript: Crucial for front-end web development, JavaScript is used to create interactive websites and web applications. It also offers frameworks like React and Angular for building robust user interfaces.
Java: Commonly used for enterprise applications, Android app development, and large-scale systems, Java is recognized for its portability and scalability.
C++: Perfect for system programming, game development, embedded systems, and performance-critical applications due to its efficiency and speed.
SQL: Crucial for managing databases and querying data from relational databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, etc.
Swift/Kotlin: Ideal if you're interested in mobile app development for iOS or Android platforms respectively.
How can I excel in this highly competitive field?
Build Projects: Gaining hands-on experience through personal projects or contributing to open-source projects can effectively showcase your skills to potential employers.
Stay Current: Stay informed about industry trends by following tech blogs, attending workshops/conferences, and taking online courses or certifications.
Seek Feedback: Request feedback from peers or mentors on your code quality or project implementations to continuously improve.
Hone Soft Skills: In addition to technical skills, soft skills like communication and problem-solving abilities are equally important in the programming industry.
Set Goals: Establish short-term and long-term career goals to maintain focus on your professional development path.
Network: Interact with professionals in the field through social media platforms like LinkedIn or attend networking events to broaden your connections.
By adhering to these tips and continuously refining your technical skills while developing strong interpersonal abilities, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the competitive programming industry successfully.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
IEEE Computer Society: A respected organization offering valuable insights into various aspects of computer science and technology.
GitHub: A leading platform for collaborative software development, providing a wealth of resources on programming languages and best practices.
Stack Overflow: A popular community-driven platform where programmers seek help on coding issues and share knowledge on various programming topics.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
How can you carve out a successful career in programming?
Achieving success in the programming sector involves several key elements:
Lifelong Learning: The tech world is always changing, so it's vital to keep up with the latest trends, tools, and languages. Lifelong learning will equip you to handle new challenges and seize opportunities.
Expertise: While a broad knowledge of various programming languages and technologies is useful, specializing in a specific area can distinguish you from the crowd. Be it web development, mobile app development, data science, or cybersecurity, mastering a niche can elevate your career.
Problem-Solving: At its core, programming is about resolving issues efficiently through code. Enhancing your problem-solving skills will not only make you a superior programmer but also enable you to manage complex projects effectively.
Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with other programmers is a must in this field. Teamwork often results in superior solutions, as diverse viewpoints can introduce fresh ideas. Communication skills are crucial in a team setting.
Portfolio Development: A robust portfolio that displays your projects and contributions can significantly boost your credibility as a programmer. Employers frequently look for real-world examples of your work to evaluate your abilities and expertise.
Networking: Establishing a professional network within the programming community can unlock new opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and career advancement. Participating in tech meetups, conferences, and online forums can help you connect with peers.
Flexibility: The programming sector is dynamic, with new technologies appearing regularly. Being flexible and eager to learn quickly will provide you with a competitive advantage in this fast-paced field.
What's it like to work with other programmers?
Working with other programmers can be both demanding and fulfilling. In a team setting, you're likely to encounter a variety of personalities, skill levels, and communication styles. Successful teamwork often involves:
Communication: Transparent and open communication is vital when working with other programmers. Exchanging ideas, updating progress, and giving feedback are key to successful collaboration.
Respect: Respecting your colleagues' views, expertise, and time is essential to fostering a positive working atmosphere. Valuing diverse opinions can lead to more creative solutions.
Teamwork: Collaborating on projects requires teamwork skills such as delegation, coordination, and conflict resolution. The ability to work towards a shared goal while utilizing each team member's strengths is crucial for success.
Code Reviews: Performing code reviews among team members helps maintain code quality, consistency, and adherence to best practices. Constructive feedback during code reviews can enhance overall project results.
Which programming languages should I learn?
The programming languages you choose to learn should align with your career aspirations, interests, and the specific field you want to master. However, some commonly used languages in the industry include:
Python: Renowned for its simplicity and readability, Python is widely used for web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and automation tasks.
JavaScript: Crucial for front-end web development, JavaScript is used to create interactive websites and web applications. It also offers frameworks like React and Angular for building robust user interfaces.
Java: Commonly used for enterprise applications, Android app development, and large-scale systems, Java is recognized for its portability and scalability.
C++: Perfect for system programming, game development, embedded systems, and performance-critical applications due to its efficiency and speed.
SQL: Crucial for managing databases and querying data from relational databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, etc.
Swift/Kotlin: Ideal if you're interested in mobile app development for iOS or Android platforms respectively.
How can I excel in this highly competitive field?
Build Projects: Gaining hands-on experience through personal projects or contributing to open-source projects can effectively showcase your skills to potential employers.
Stay Current: Stay informed about industry trends by following tech blogs, attending workshops/conferences, and taking online courses or certifications.
Seek Feedback: Request feedback from peers or mentors on your code quality or project implementations to continuously improve.
Hone Soft Skills: In addition to technical skills, soft skills like communication and problem-solving abilities are equally important in the programming industry.
Set Goals: Establish short-term and long-term career goals to maintain focus on your professional development path.
Network: Interact with professionals in the field through social media platforms like LinkedIn or attend networking events to broaden your connections.
By adhering to these tips and continuously refining your technical skills while developing strong interpersonal abilities, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the competitive programming industry successfully.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
IEEE Computer Society: A respected organization offering valuable insights into various aspects of computer science and technology.
GitHub: A leading platform for collaborative software development, providing a wealth of resources on programming languages and best practices.
Stack Overflow: A popular community-driven platform where programmers seek help on coding issues and share knowledge on various programming topics.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Kyle Draper
Recruiter
7
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
As an experienced recruiter in the engineering and product development fields, I've observed several strategies that software engineers employ to excel at each stage of their careers. Here's some advice to help you succeed:
Jr Developer
* Fresh graduates who are open to learning new programming languages and gaining experience in both front-end and back-end development tend to thrive. At this stage, it's important not to limit yourself to one area.
* Seek out a mentor, preferably a senior engineer who is several levels above you and has the wisdom of experience to guide you through challenging periods in your career.
* Step out of your comfort zone early on! Consider mentoring newcomers, participating in the onboarding process, or even signing up to conduct interviews. The goal at this stage is to progress to an intermediate level.
Intermediate Developer
* As an intermediate developer, you've mastered the basics and can handle both back-end and front-end projects.
* Don't hesitate to volunteer for special projects.
* Start focusing on developing soft skills such as communication and project planning. Engage in more mentoring and leadership activities as you aim to reach the senior engineer level.
* Continue seeking guidance from more experienced mentors who can help you navigate the more complex aspects of your career.
Senior Engineer
* As a senior engineer, you've worked on both front-end and back-end projects, learned new languages, and become proficient in tools like SQL and scripting languages like Python.
* You may find yourself leaning more towards either back-end or front-end projects and becoming more specialized, but you should maintain the ability to work full-stack if needed.
* At this stage, you're not only coding but also teaching others, which becomes a significant part of your daily routine.
* Your manager relies on you for technical expertise and for tasks such as onboarding and interviewing when new roles become available.
* While technical skills remain crucial, soft skills become increasingly important. Being able to communicate effectively and gather information independently can set you apart.
* This is the stage where you might start contemplating whether to continue on a technical path or transition into management or leadership roles.
Jr Developer
* Fresh graduates who are open to learning new programming languages and gaining experience in both front-end and back-end development tend to thrive. At this stage, it's important not to limit yourself to one area.
* Seek out a mentor, preferably a senior engineer who is several levels above you and has the wisdom of experience to guide you through challenging periods in your career.
* Step out of your comfort zone early on! Consider mentoring newcomers, participating in the onboarding process, or even signing up to conduct interviews. The goal at this stage is to progress to an intermediate level.
Intermediate Developer
* As an intermediate developer, you've mastered the basics and can handle both back-end and front-end projects.
* Don't hesitate to volunteer for special projects.
* Start focusing on developing soft skills such as communication and project planning. Engage in more mentoring and leadership activities as you aim to reach the senior engineer level.
* Continue seeking guidance from more experienced mentors who can help you navigate the more complex aspects of your career.
Senior Engineer
* As a senior engineer, you've worked on both front-end and back-end projects, learned new languages, and become proficient in tools like SQL and scripting languages like Python.
* You may find yourself leaning more towards either back-end or front-end projects and becoming more specialized, but you should maintain the ability to work full-stack if needed.
* At this stage, you're not only coding but also teaching others, which becomes a significant part of your daily routine.
* Your manager relies on you for technical expertise and for tasks such as onboarding and interviewing when new roles become available.
* While technical skills remain crucial, soft skills become increasingly important. Being able to communicate effectively and gather information independently can set you apart.
* This is the stage where you might start contemplating whether to continue on a technical path or transition into management or leadership roles.
This is a great answer!
Sheel Bedi
Antoine Jauroyou
Data Analyst
3
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Antoine’s Answer
- Working in the programming field is very collaborative, there is a lot of teamwork involved, and you can't be a programmer by yourself.
- This field is extremely cross-functional, which means working with other teams and people that are not programmers themselves such as business people.
- Important languages: this is dependent on what you want to do. Python, java are good starting points.
- In technology, things are always changing and are not static. You have to keep up with things as technology evolves.
- When you are looking for a job in technology, it is good to have projects that you can show.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes.
- Most importantly, you can always improve your communication skills, being able to communicate your work to someone who is not as skilled technically is essential.
- This field is extremely cross-functional, which means working with other teams and people that are not programmers themselves such as business people.
- Important languages: this is dependent on what you want to do. Python, java are good starting points.
- In technology, things are always changing and are not static. You have to keep up with things as technology evolves.
- When you are looking for a job in technology, it is good to have projects that you can show.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes.
- Most importantly, you can always improve your communication skills, being able to communicate your work to someone who is not as skilled technically is essential.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1793
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you have interest in programming.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Identify some simple programming to start first, e.g. Python, Scratch, etc.
2. You can out the programming structure and syntax on the language. There are plenty of resources online.
3. Try to start doing some programming. Then, you can try to do some simple projects, e.g. control robotic arm, a toy car, etc.
4. After you have familiarize with one programming language, you can learn another one.
5. Explore the entry criteria of computer science course in the college and prepare for it.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Identify some simple programming to start first, e.g. Python, Scratch, etc.
2. You can out the programming structure and syntax on the language. There are plenty of resources online.
3. Try to start doing some programming. Then, you can try to do some simple projects, e.g. control robotic arm, a toy car, etc.
4. After you have familiarize with one programming language, you can learn another one.
5. Explore the entry criteria of computer science course in the college and prepare for it.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!