8 answers
Mike
Student
Dalton, Massachusetts
3
Questions
Asked
880 views
How can I be a computer programmer?
I want to be a computer programmer.
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8 answers
Laura Doreson
Coordinator
5
Answers
Rolling Meadows, Illinois
Updated
Laura’s Answer
I believe the best way to go about this is to contact your local community college to find out about basic computer classes and basic programming language classes.
Thank you for giving me advice.
Mike
Kyung Hyun Ma
IT
2
Answers
Bridgewater, New Jersey
Updated
Kyung Hyun’s Answer
To pursue a career as a computer programmer, it's highly beneficial to earn a degree in computer science, computer engineering, or information systems. You can begin this journey by enrolling in courses at a community college, then progressing to a university.
While some may argue that programming can be self-taught online, it's crucial to understand that programming is only a small fraction of the IT industry. It also encompasses systems, infrastructure, and much more. Comprehending the entire system and algorithms is of utmost importance.
For instance, you might be able to code in Python, HTML, or Java, but the key question is - where will this knowledge be applied? Will it be used for smartphones, apps, websites, front-end or back-end development, or scripting?
My initial degree was in mathematics, and I was fortunate to start working in the IT sector. However, I faced numerous challenges due to my lack of comprehensive knowledge about the IT system. To bridge this gap, I pursued a graduate degree in computer science at Stevens. This education helped me understand my role and the company's operations better.
While it's true that basic programming can be learned online, understanding the entire system is a different ball game. Therefore, I strongly recommend earning a degree in computer science for a more comprehensive understanding.
While some may argue that programming can be self-taught online, it's crucial to understand that programming is only a small fraction of the IT industry. It also encompasses systems, infrastructure, and much more. Comprehending the entire system and algorithms is of utmost importance.
For instance, you might be able to code in Python, HTML, or Java, but the key question is - where will this knowledge be applied? Will it be used for smartphones, apps, websites, front-end or back-end development, or scripting?
My initial degree was in mathematics, and I was fortunate to start working in the IT sector. However, I faced numerous challenges due to my lack of comprehensive knowledge about the IT system. To bridge this gap, I pursued a graduate degree in computer science at Stevens. This education helped me understand my role and the company's operations better.
While it's true that basic programming can be learned online, understanding the entire system is a different ball game. Therefore, I strongly recommend earning a degree in computer science for a more comprehensive understanding.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Mike
Ramiro Garcia
computer programming
1
Answer
Elgin, Illinois
Updated
Ramiro’s Answer
Hello Mike. Learning how to code is easy nowadays. You can find a lot of good information online and some websites offer free training. You can also find onsite classes at your local community colleges or even libraries. Many (if not most) computer programming jobs don't require a specific degree or certification. You just need to know how to do the work. Find an intro class to different types of programming and give it a shot. Good luck!
Thank you, Ramiro!
Mike
Learning to code comes with practice. Pick any coding language , understand the basics and acquire the knowledge on rules for coding and start writing programs , we can find lot of information online as well. Its always a good idea to get an account in udemy , where we can practice coding and get exposure to real time projects with support for any queries
Swetha Bangaru
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1816
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad that you would like to become a programmer.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Identify a simple programming to start first, e.g. Python, Scratch, etc.
2. Learn the structure and syntax of the programming languages. There are plenty of resources online.
3. Start doing some simple programming. Then, you can do some small projects, e.g. control a toy car, robotic arm, etc.
4. After you have familiar with one programming language, you can start learning another one.
5. I strongly recommend you to take the Computer Science course in the college. This can help you to understand the basic computing theory and programming skills. You can explore the entry criteria of the subject in the colleges. You can work hard to meet the academic requirement.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Identify a simple programming to start first, e.g. Python, Scratch, etc.
2. Learn the structure and syntax of the programming languages. There are plenty of resources online.
3. Start doing some simple programming. Then, you can do some small projects, e.g. control a toy car, robotic arm, etc.
4. After you have familiar with one programming language, you can start learning another one.
5. I strongly recommend you to take the Computer Science course in the college. This can help you to understand the basic computing theory and programming skills. You can explore the entry criteria of the subject in the colleges. You can work hard to meet the academic requirement.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Mike
wassim hamade
4
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
wassim’s Answer
the best major will be computer science
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6175
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Mike,
Back in 1972 things were a bit different! A computer occupied a whole floor of a physics department at university. Programming was via cards marked with an HB pencil. Personal computers did not exist and Bill Gates was just starting with MS-DOS.
There was no Microsoft Office until 1983. Ten computer languages later I settled for VB.NET. Me I taught myself the ropes. Needless to say nothing daunts me. Now with AI nothing much more surprises me. They do predict there will be no more human programmers soon.
Hey, do me a favor with AI? Prohibit it from running a country. There are already hints of that rot. I think my AI system wants to throw its weight around with a new clear warhead!
There are more sites than you can poke a stick at for learning coding. Like The Code Project. Explore free offerings of E-books from PDFDrive!
Get a Masters in software design from Harvard or Stanford or Johns Hopkins!
The world is your oyster!
Oh, and another thing don't believe that is right about software programmers being defunct and out of a job. There is just too much to be done even with AI this show will not run itself advisors for programmatic work will always be required. I think my computer needs counseling; It is starting to throw spack attacks at me.
JAMES CONSTANTINE.
Back in 1972 things were a bit different! A computer occupied a whole floor of a physics department at university. Programming was via cards marked with an HB pencil. Personal computers did not exist and Bill Gates was just starting with MS-DOS.
There was no Microsoft Office until 1983. Ten computer languages later I settled for VB.NET. Me I taught myself the ropes. Needless to say nothing daunts me. Now with AI nothing much more surprises me. They do predict there will be no more human programmers soon.
Hey, do me a favor with AI? Prohibit it from running a country. There are already hints of that rot. I think my AI system wants to throw its weight around with a new clear warhead!
There are more sites than you can poke a stick at for learning coding. Like The Code Project. Explore free offerings of E-books from PDFDrive!
Get a Masters in software design from Harvard or Stanford or Johns Hopkins!
The world is your oyster!
Oh, and another thing don't believe that is right about software programmers being defunct and out of a job. There is just too much to be done even with AI this show will not run itself advisors for programmatic work will always be required. I think my computer needs counseling; It is starting to throw spack attacks at me.
JAMES CONSTANTINE.
guido giron
computer science
2
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
guido’s Answer
Hey Mike, you have the fantastic opportunity to begin discovering the wealth of knowledge available on online platforms like Khan Academy.
Sarah M
Software Engineer
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Hello Mike!
I got started in my career as a software engineer with a background in a tech related major (more closely aligned with UX/UI Design) and a Computer Science and Engineering minor during my undergraduate studies at university. I've found that a vast majority of my peers who have careers in software development majored in Computer Science or some other programming related field of study. I personally recommend this route over self-studying and learning programming languages. The vast network of connections you make when pursuing an education in software engineering are so valuable to jumpstarting your career as a developer-- from learning the material with classmates & peers, to meeting college professors with years of experience, and attending the career fair opportunities offered in partnership with universities.
I got started in my career as a software engineer with a background in a tech related major (more closely aligned with UX/UI Design) and a Computer Science and Engineering minor during my undergraduate studies at university. I've found that a vast majority of my peers who have careers in software development majored in Computer Science or some other programming related field of study. I personally recommend this route over self-studying and learning programming languages. The vast network of connections you make when pursuing an education in software engineering are so valuable to jumpstarting your career as a developer-- from learning the material with classmates & peers, to meeting college professors with years of experience, and attending the career fair opportunities offered in partnership with universities.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Mike