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What is the best way to get into the Computer/technology world?
I am a senior in high school and plan to major in computer science in college. What is the best way to start coding, and how to learn it?
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Gillian’s Answer
Hi Acree,
It's great to hear you are interested in a career in computer science as this is a growth area. Totally agree with Tushar's advice above. It's also important to understand why you are choosing this career so you can use that knowledge to lean in on the areas of computer science most interesting to you. Computer Science is a great academic choice that can lead to many different tech-related careers. It's always good to start building your knowledge by getting started as a hobby. There are lots of great links and advice on the internet and lots ots of free learning resources and communities for asking questions. Get watching, learning and experimenting. See if you enjoy it.
I also recommend you start reading online about AI-coding tools like Codeium and GitHub Copilot. These tools are going to play a huge part in the future of coding. Google terms like 'Prompt Engineering' and 'AI pair-programming'.
Also check out the philosopy around Agile sioftware development. More and more SW development teams are producing code in Agile sprints for greater agility and speed to market.
It's a real interesting area and I hope you like it.
Wishing you every success with your exploration
Check out https://blog.hubspot.com/website/how-to-start-coding
Check out https://www.techtarget.com/searchsoftwarequality/definition/agile-software-development
It's great to hear you are interested in a career in computer science as this is a growth area. Totally agree with Tushar's advice above. It's also important to understand why you are choosing this career so you can use that knowledge to lean in on the areas of computer science most interesting to you. Computer Science is a great academic choice that can lead to many different tech-related careers. It's always good to start building your knowledge by getting started as a hobby. There are lots of great links and advice on the internet and lots ots of free learning resources and communities for asking questions. Get watching, learning and experimenting. See if you enjoy it.
I also recommend you start reading online about AI-coding tools like Codeium and GitHub Copilot. These tools are going to play a huge part in the future of coding. Google terms like 'Prompt Engineering' and 'AI pair-programming'.
Also check out the philosopy around Agile sioftware development. More and more SW development teams are producing code in Agile sprints for greater agility and speed to market.
It's a real interesting area and I hope you like it.
Wishing you every success with your exploration
Gillian recommends the following next steps:
Gillian, thank you!
Acree
Updated
Tushar’s Answer
Hello Acree,
Starting to code can seem daunting, but it's actually pretty fun once you get going. Since you're interested in majoring in computer science, it's great to start early. I recommend beginning with beginner-friendly languages like Python or JavaScript. There are tons of free resources online like Codecademy, Khan Academy, and freeCodeCamp where you can learn coding basics through interactive lessons.
Additionally, consider joining coding clubs or taking coding classes at your school if available. Practice regularly, challenge yourself with coding projects, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Last thing, if your end goal is to join a FANG (Facebook, Amazon, Netflix, Google) company. I would suggest learn the basics and then start practicing on "Leetcode". In this journey, platforms like stakeoverflow and youtube will be your best friend.
Happy coding!
Starting to code can seem daunting, but it's actually pretty fun once you get going. Since you're interested in majoring in computer science, it's great to start early. I recommend beginning with beginner-friendly languages like Python or JavaScript. There are tons of free resources online like Codecademy, Khan Academy, and freeCodeCamp where you can learn coding basics through interactive lessons.
Additionally, consider joining coding clubs or taking coding classes at your school if available. Practice regularly, challenge yourself with coding projects, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Last thing, if your end goal is to join a FANG (Facebook, Amazon, Netflix, Google) company. I would suggest learn the basics and then start practicing on "Leetcode". In this journey, platforms like stakeoverflow and youtube will be your best friend.
Happy coding!
Thank you!
Acree
Updated
Samuel’s Answer
There's a whole world of opportunities waiting for you in the field of Computer Science. You don't necessarily have to pursue a university degree to break into this exciting industry. There's a wealth of resources available online, including numerous technology vendors and websites offering vital certifications that can help you kick-start your career.
I'd encourage you to explore certifications from leading cloud service providers like AWS, Google, or Microsoft. At certain times throughout the year, they even provide free preparation courses for their exams. These certifications can truly propel your career forward.
Joining the Open Source community is another fantastic way to engage in side projects and connect with brilliant individuals. This community can offer you guidance, support, and serve as a networking platform, helping you make those crucial first steps into the industry.
Don't forget to look into internships or summer roles at tech companies. A simple LinkedIn search can reveal companies offering internships, providing another excellent opportunity to get started.
Lastly, don't hesitate to reach out to people who are further along in their careers. Their advice can be invaluable, and they might even help you secure a position at their company through internal referral policies. So, step out, connect, and embrace the opportunities that await you in the world of Computer Science!
Check our Certs from Tech Vendors IBM, Google Cloud, Microsoft, Cloudera, Amazon, Etc..
Check out the OpenSource community
Check out top start ups in your area that are hiring
Connect with people in the roles your want on LinkedIn with a nice note in your connection on why you want to connecty
Check out internship roles offered by Big Tech Companies
I'd encourage you to explore certifications from leading cloud service providers like AWS, Google, or Microsoft. At certain times throughout the year, they even provide free preparation courses for their exams. These certifications can truly propel your career forward.
Joining the Open Source community is another fantastic way to engage in side projects and connect with brilliant individuals. This community can offer you guidance, support, and serve as a networking platform, helping you make those crucial first steps into the industry.
Don't forget to look into internships or summer roles at tech companies. A simple LinkedIn search can reveal companies offering internships, providing another excellent opportunity to get started.
Lastly, don't hesitate to reach out to people who are further along in their careers. Their advice can be invaluable, and they might even help you secure a position at their company through internal referral policies. So, step out, connect, and embrace the opportunities that await you in the world of Computer Science!
Samuel recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Acree
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Acree, stepping into the realm of computer technology, particularly as a high school senior with aspirations to major in computer science in college, opens up a world of opportunities for personal growth, creative innovation, and professional progression. As you prepare to set sail on this exciting journey and dive into coding, rest assured that there are plenty of effective strategies and resources at your disposal to help you hone your programming skills and flourish in the computer technology landscape.
First and foremost, it's crucial to lay a robust groundwork in the basics of computer science. This involves building a comprehensive understanding of programming principles, data structures, algorithms, and the tenets of software development. While your college curriculum may touch upon some of these subjects, you can get a leg up by delving into online resources like coding tutorials, textbooks, and e-learning courses to acquaint yourself with pivotal concepts and programming languages.
One of the most effective ways to kickstart your coding journey is to select a programming language to concentrate on and start mastering its syntax, semantics, and best practices. Beginner-friendly programming languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript, and C++ are a good place to start. Each language boasts its own strengths and uses, so keep your interests and career aspirations in mind when picking a language to learn. Online learning platforms like Codecademy, Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer engaging coding courses and tutorials tailored to newcomers, complete with practical exercises to reinforce your learning.
Moreover, Acree, it's important to immerse yourself in coding projects and hands-on exercises to put your newfound knowledge to the test and refine your programming skills. Start with small, manageable projects like designing simple games, developing web applications, or tackling coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. Team up with fellow coders, participate in coding clubs or hackathons, and contribute to open-source projects to gain real-world experience, broaden your network, and sharpen your problem-solving skills.
In addition, don't hesitate to seek advice and mentorship from seasoned professionals in the computer science and technology sector. Connect with professors, industry experts, or college alumni who can offer valuable insights, guidance, and encouragement as you navigate your path in computer technology. Consider getting involved in internships, co-op programs, or research projects to gain hands-on experience, explore various facets of computer science, and uncover your interests and strengths.
Finally, Acree, it's essential to cultivate a growth mindset and commit to lifelong learning as you continue to enhance your coding skills and carve out a career in computer technology. The field is in a constant state of evolution, with fresh technologies, tools, and programming languages cropping up regularly. Remain inquisitive, keep up with industry developments, and stay open to exploring new areas of interest within computer science. By dedicating yourself to ongoing learning, practice, and self-improvement, you're sure to build a successful and fulfilling career in the vibrant and ever-growing world of computer technology.
First and foremost, it's crucial to lay a robust groundwork in the basics of computer science. This involves building a comprehensive understanding of programming principles, data structures, algorithms, and the tenets of software development. While your college curriculum may touch upon some of these subjects, you can get a leg up by delving into online resources like coding tutorials, textbooks, and e-learning courses to acquaint yourself with pivotal concepts and programming languages.
One of the most effective ways to kickstart your coding journey is to select a programming language to concentrate on and start mastering its syntax, semantics, and best practices. Beginner-friendly programming languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript, and C++ are a good place to start. Each language boasts its own strengths and uses, so keep your interests and career aspirations in mind when picking a language to learn. Online learning platforms like Codecademy, Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer engaging coding courses and tutorials tailored to newcomers, complete with practical exercises to reinforce your learning.
Moreover, Acree, it's important to immerse yourself in coding projects and hands-on exercises to put your newfound knowledge to the test and refine your programming skills. Start with small, manageable projects like designing simple games, developing web applications, or tackling coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. Team up with fellow coders, participate in coding clubs or hackathons, and contribute to open-source projects to gain real-world experience, broaden your network, and sharpen your problem-solving skills.
In addition, don't hesitate to seek advice and mentorship from seasoned professionals in the computer science and technology sector. Connect with professors, industry experts, or college alumni who can offer valuable insights, guidance, and encouragement as you navigate your path in computer technology. Consider getting involved in internships, co-op programs, or research projects to gain hands-on experience, explore various facets of computer science, and uncover your interests and strengths.
Finally, Acree, it's essential to cultivate a growth mindset and commit to lifelong learning as you continue to enhance your coding skills and carve out a career in computer technology. The field is in a constant state of evolution, with fresh technologies, tools, and programming languages cropping up regularly. Remain inquisitive, keep up with industry developments, and stay open to exploring new areas of interest within computer science. By dedicating yourself to ongoing learning, practice, and self-improvement, you're sure to build a successful and fulfilling career in the vibrant and ever-growing world of computer technology.