2 answers
Emma
Student
1
Question
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How do I become a programmer and what is the best university in this field?
I want to learn programming and I hope you can help me achieve my goal
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2 answers
William Phelps
Computer solutions consulting
15
Answers
Danville, Virginia
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Emma, a wonderful question... I will give you an answer that will be largely unexpected. But don't be scared to think outside of the proverbial box.
"Which university is best" is going to be wildly subjective, and more than likely totally irrelevant. Let me explain.
Computers only understand 2 things: 1s and 0s. 1+1 binary is still going to equal 10 binary regardless of the university/technical school that issued the degree on your wall.
Most any university/college/technical school will give you the foundational basics. Cost-wise, you may be better served going to a junior college or community college, and take courses that can be transferred. The really nice thing with this approach is that you get a kind of "try it before you buy it" scenario, meaning you simply may not like computer work at all... in that case, you haven't burned a couple of years of time working through prerequisite courses (and cash) to get to the point of realizing that this line of work isn't for you.
The traditional thought "best schools" also may simply be too expensive or competitive to get into, or located somewhere that makes attending not feasible. Clearly, not everybody comes out of "the best schools".
Good luck!
"Which university is best" is going to be wildly subjective, and more than likely totally irrelevant. Let me explain.
Computers only understand 2 things: 1s and 0s. 1+1 binary is still going to equal 10 binary regardless of the university/technical school that issued the degree on your wall.
Most any university/college/technical school will give you the foundational basics. Cost-wise, you may be better served going to a junior college or community college, and take courses that can be transferred. The really nice thing with this approach is that you get a kind of "try it before you buy it" scenario, meaning you simply may not like computer work at all... in that case, you haven't burned a couple of years of time working through prerequisite courses (and cash) to get to the point of realizing that this line of work isn't for you.
The traditional thought "best schools" also may simply be too expensive or competitive to get into, or located somewhere that makes attending not feasible. Clearly, not everybody comes out of "the best schools".
Good luck!
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Emma
Rajesh Kumar Subbiah
Manager
39
Answers
Florham Park, New Jersey
Updated
Rajesh Kumar’s Answer
Becoming a programmer is an exciting and rewarding journey. Here are some steps you can take to get started:
1. Choose a Programming Language: Decide which programming language you want to learn. Popular choices include Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript. Each language has its own strengths and applications, so consider your goals and interests when making a choice.
2. Learn the Basics: Start with the fundamentals of programming, including concepts like variables, data types, loops, conditionals, and functions. Online resources, tutorials, and books are excellent starting points for self-study. Websites like Codecademy, Coursera, and Udemy offer comprehensive programming courses.
3. Practice and Build Projects: Apply your knowledge by working on small programming projects. Practice is crucial to reinforce your skills and gain practical experience. Start with simple projects and gradually tackle more complex ones as you progress.
4. Join Coding Communities: Engage with coding communities and forums to connect with fellow programmers, ask questions, and seek advice. Platforms like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and Reddit are great places to interact with experienced programmers and learn from their expertise.
5. Pursue a Degree or Certificate: While not mandatory, pursuing a degree or certificate in computer science or a related field can provide a structured and comprehensive education in programming. Many universities offer excellent programs in computer science, such as MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Carnegie Mellon. However, the "best" university ultimately depends on your personal circumstances, preferences, and the specific resources and opportunities available at each institution.
6. Build a Portfolio: As you gain experience, create a portfolio of your projects to showcase your skills to potential employers. This demonstrates your practical abilities and dedication to programming.
7. Stay Updated: Programming is a continuously evolving field, so it's essential to stay updated with new technologies, tools, and programming languages. Follow industry blogs, attend webinars or conferences, and explore online resources to keep your skills sharp.
Remember, becoming a programmer requires perseverance, continuous learning, and hands-on experience. With dedication and consistent effort, you can achieve your goal. Good luck on your programming journey!
Note: Coding using AI is evolving fast. AI can help write code and debug. So understand the basics of programming and utilize AI to discover more and code fast.
1. Choose a Programming Language: Decide which programming language you want to learn. Popular choices include Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript. Each language has its own strengths and applications, so consider your goals and interests when making a choice.
2. Learn the Basics: Start with the fundamentals of programming, including concepts like variables, data types, loops, conditionals, and functions. Online resources, tutorials, and books are excellent starting points for self-study. Websites like Codecademy, Coursera, and Udemy offer comprehensive programming courses.
3. Practice and Build Projects: Apply your knowledge by working on small programming projects. Practice is crucial to reinforce your skills and gain practical experience. Start with simple projects and gradually tackle more complex ones as you progress.
4. Join Coding Communities: Engage with coding communities and forums to connect with fellow programmers, ask questions, and seek advice. Platforms like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and Reddit are great places to interact with experienced programmers and learn from their expertise.
5. Pursue a Degree or Certificate: While not mandatory, pursuing a degree or certificate in computer science or a related field can provide a structured and comprehensive education in programming. Many universities offer excellent programs in computer science, such as MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Carnegie Mellon. However, the "best" university ultimately depends on your personal circumstances, preferences, and the specific resources and opportunities available at each institution.
6. Build a Portfolio: As you gain experience, create a portfolio of your projects to showcase your skills to potential employers. This demonstrates your practical abilities and dedication to programming.
7. Stay Updated: Programming is a continuously evolving field, so it's essential to stay updated with new technologies, tools, and programming languages. Follow industry blogs, attend webinars or conferences, and explore online resources to keep your skills sharp.
Remember, becoming a programmer requires perseverance, continuous learning, and hands-on experience. With dedication and consistent effort, you can achieve your goal. Good luck on your programming journey!
Note: Coding using AI is evolving fast. AI can help write code and debug. So understand the basics of programming and utilize AI to discover more and code fast.