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where should i start to become a computer coder ?

where should i start to become a computer coder ?

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Anne’s Answer

Hello Lorraine,

Firstly, I'd suggest exploring any computer science programs or classes that might be available at your school or within your local community.

In addition, you can begin honing your skills through FreeCodeCamp.com, a free platform that offers a solid foundation in various coding languages and their functionalities. If you don't have a personal computer, don't worry! Libraries are fantastic to use this resource.

If you find yourself enjoying these free resources and feeling interested, it might be time to consider enrolling in a community college or university program that catches your interest. Most software engineering roles do require a formal degree.

While my professional expertis is in the realm of hardware rather than software engineering, the advice from others here offers guidance on how to advance in this field. My advice would be to kickstart your journey with free resources to boost your confidence and spark your interest. Then, gradually build up your skills and portfolio as you move forward. Remember, every expert was once a beginner.
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Xing’s Answer

Hi Lorraine,

It's awesome that you're interested in coding! It's a fun and rewarding skill to learn. Everyone starts somewhere, so I'll share my own journey from a beginner to a software engineer to give you some ideas.

1. Getting Comfortable with Computers
I'm guessing you're already familiar with the basics of using a computer – things like browsing the web, installing/uninstalling programs. If you've ever installed an operating system (like Windows or macOS), that's a plus, but not a requirement. The more you use computers, the better you'll understand how software works.

2. Choosing a Programming Language
The next step is to pick a programming language. Popular choices include Python, C++, JavaScript, and others. Start by learning the basic grammar and writing simple programs. As you start coding, you'll begin to see the logic behind everyday software. For example, when you play a video game, you might start thinking about how the game calculates the damage from an attack. If you get stuck, don't worry! It's totally normal. There are tons of resources available – online courses, local classes, and free tutorials.

3. Practice Makes Perfect
This is the most important part! If you have ideas for projects, start coding! You can build your own website, backend services, database, anything! If you're not sure what to build, websites like LeetCode and Codeforces offer coding challenges to help you learn and improve.

4. Get Experience Through Work
Finally, try to get a job! If you're a student, look for internships. Otherwise, apply for software engineer positions. Working with experienced engineers will give you mentorship, expose you to the developer community, and help you grow your skills tremendously.

I hope this helps you on your coding journey! Feel free to ask if you have any more questions.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you like programming.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Identify a simple programming language to start first, eg scratch, pythons, etc
2. Find out the syntax and structure. There are plenty of resources online.
3. Start doing some simple programming. Then, you can do some simple projects, eg control toy car, robotic arm, etc
4. Attend the information session hosts by computer science department. Identify the entry criteria
5. Work hard to meet the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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Ravi’s Answer

Consider pursuing a degree or certificate in Computer Programming from a Community College. Here's an example: https://www.eastms.edu/programs/career-technical/computer-programming.html. This could be a great start.
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Frank’s Answer

Congratulations Lorraine,

You are going to enjoy your new career. Starting your journey to become a computer coder can be both exciting and rewarding! Here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Choose a Programming Language
Python: Great for beginners due to its readability and simplicity.
JavaScript: Essential for web development.
Java: Widely used in enterprise environments.
C++: Good for understanding low-level programming concepts.

2. Learn the Basics
Online Courses: Websites like Codecademy, Coursera, and freeCodeCamp offer excellent beginner courses.

3. Practice Regularly
Coding Challenges: Platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, and Codewars provide problems to solve.
Projects: Start small projects to apply what you’ve learned. Building a personal website or a simple game can be a good start.

4. Join a Community
Forums and Groups: Join communities like Stack Overflow, Reddit, or local coding meetups.
Mentorship: Find a mentor who can guide you through your learning process.

5. Build a Portfolio
GitHub: Create a GitHub account and start uploading your projects. This will showcase your work to potential employers.
Personal Website: Build a personal website to display your projects and skills.

6. Stay Updated
Blogs and News: Follow coding blogs and tech news to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies.
Continuous Learning: Technology evolves rapidly, so keep learning new languages and tools.

7. Consider Formal Education
Bootcamps: Coding bootcamps like General Assembly or Flatiron School offer intensive training programs.
Degrees: While not always necessary, a degree in computer science or Management Information Systems can provide a strong foundation.

Starting with these steps will set you on the right path to becoming a proficient coder. Good luck!
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Billy’s Answer

Hi Lorraine, Programming can be fulfilling in many ways while also being challenging. Formal training is critical for building foundational knowledge and practice critical and logical thinking. Labs/assignments provide hands on experience to further reinforce theoretical knowledge. Here some other things I would recommend that you do to start your journey in this field:

1. Network with a group of smart Coders that are all passionate about the field and this way you can learn from each other.

2. Learn from mentors on how to be successful in the industry.

3. Stay on top of technology news (Bloomberg Technology Program) that informs you on what is happening in the industry.

4. Seek internships where you will get a taste work life. Build your experience and network as you do this.

5. Participate in any competitive projects organized by the school or industry (e.g. Hackathons).

6. In addition to being a technology consumer, strive to be a technology creator - new ideas and innovation are so important.
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