5 answers
Caleb
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
502 views
How do I become a programmer?
I have always enjoyed programming and my grandpa is a computer programmer. I also want to know what is a good programming career path. As I said I have always enjoyed programming from Lego robots, to scratch games.
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5 answers
Frank Scalia
16
Answers
Updated
Frank’s Answer
Hi Caleb,
Becoming a programmer is an exciting journey! Here are some steps to help you get started:
Choose Your Path: Decide which area of programming interests you the most, such as web development, software engineering, data science, or mobile app development.
Learn the Basics: Start with fundamental programming languages like Python, JavaScript, or Java. There are plenty of online resources, including free courses on platforms like Coursera.
Formal Education: While not always necessary, earning a degree in computer science or a related field can be beneficial. Alternatively, coding bootcamps and online certifications are great options.
Build Projects: Practice by working on personal projects or contributing to open-source projects. This helps you apply what you’ve learned and build a portfolio.
Gain Experience: Look for internships or entry-level positions to gain practical experience.
Stay Updated: Technology evolves rapidly, so continuous learning is crucial. Follow industry news, take advanced courses, and participate in coding communities.
Hope this helps.
Becoming a programmer is an exciting journey! Here are some steps to help you get started:
Choose Your Path: Decide which area of programming interests you the most, such as web development, software engineering, data science, or mobile app development.
Learn the Basics: Start with fundamental programming languages like Python, JavaScript, or Java. There are plenty of online resources, including free courses on platforms like Coursera.
Formal Education: While not always necessary, earning a degree in computer science or a related field can be beneficial. Alternatively, coding bootcamps and online certifications are great options.
Build Projects: Practice by working on personal projects or contributing to open-source projects. This helps you apply what you’ve learned and build a portfolio.
Gain Experience: Look for internships or entry-level positions to gain practical experience.
Stay Updated: Technology evolves rapidly, so continuous learning is crucial. Follow industry news, take advanced courses, and participate in coding communities.
Hope this helps.
Sav Savage
UX Design
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Sav’s Answer
Hi!
I'm excited to hear you're looking to pursue a career in programming! I wanted to share some insights based on my own journey, which may help you avoid some of the pitfalls I encountered.
Education & Self-Learning
If you don't already have a degree, I'd recommend pursuing one. From my experience (I'm currently in the process of earning mine), hiring algorithms often filter out resumes without formal education, leading to endless cycles of applications without responses. A degree can significantly increase your chances of landing interviews.
That said, I learned a lot using online resources before starting my degree. I highly recommend Zero to Mastery (ZTM)—it was more comprehensive than other platforms like Coursera and provided access to a strong community of learners and professionals. Although I don't work for them, I found their flexible learning schedule a great asset, especially since I completed their courses quickly while balancing other commitments.
Building Projects & Collaboration
One of the most enjoyable parts of switching careers to tech from dental was building my own projects. However, it’s important to participate in team projects to improve your communication and collaboration skills. Employers want to see how well you work with others, and open-source contributions are a fantastic way to showcase this in your portfolio.
Internships are another great opportunity to gain real-world experience. But be cautious—many entry-level positions still require degrees, and those that don't may require thorough research to ensure they’re legitimate.
First Project Experience
My first contract was as the Lead Frontend Developer for a crypto blockchain project, and it turned out to be far more challenging than I anticipated. The project design I received was poorly done, so I had to recreate it using Figma, improving the quality, color scheme, fonts, and overall design. This included converting everything for mobile since the investor wanted a mobile version, not just a web version.
I had only a personal understanding of crypto, so I had to take additional courses through ZTM to prepare for the project, especially since I needed to set up my development environment to work with blockchain. The project had tight deadlines, and I had to maintain regular communication with the investor, explaining every design decision and how I used my time.
Challenges & Lessons Learned
While the frontend was completed, the investor asked me to handle the backend as well, which was far beyond the initial agreement. Despite my learning curve in backend development, I gave it a shot. Unfortunately, after three months, I was not paid the full amount we agreed upon, so I only delivered a partially completed backend.
This experience taught me the importance of understanding contracts and proper workflows, which a formal degree would have covered. The project was an excellent learning experience but also a reminder to be cautious about taking on more than you can handle early in your career.
Final Thoughts
My advice:
Research thoroughly before taking on projects.
Start networking with professionals in the field to learn from their experiences.
Consider contributing to open-source projects to build your portfolio and demonstrate teamwork.
I hope this helps as you embark on your programming journey!
I'm excited to hear you're looking to pursue a career in programming! I wanted to share some insights based on my own journey, which may help you avoid some of the pitfalls I encountered.
Education & Self-Learning
If you don't already have a degree, I'd recommend pursuing one. From my experience (I'm currently in the process of earning mine), hiring algorithms often filter out resumes without formal education, leading to endless cycles of applications without responses. A degree can significantly increase your chances of landing interviews.
That said, I learned a lot using online resources before starting my degree. I highly recommend Zero to Mastery (ZTM)—it was more comprehensive than other platforms like Coursera and provided access to a strong community of learners and professionals. Although I don't work for them, I found their flexible learning schedule a great asset, especially since I completed their courses quickly while balancing other commitments.
Building Projects & Collaboration
One of the most enjoyable parts of switching careers to tech from dental was building my own projects. However, it’s important to participate in team projects to improve your communication and collaboration skills. Employers want to see how well you work with others, and open-source contributions are a fantastic way to showcase this in your portfolio.
Internships are another great opportunity to gain real-world experience. But be cautious—many entry-level positions still require degrees, and those that don't may require thorough research to ensure they’re legitimate.
First Project Experience
My first contract was as the Lead Frontend Developer for a crypto blockchain project, and it turned out to be far more challenging than I anticipated. The project design I received was poorly done, so I had to recreate it using Figma, improving the quality, color scheme, fonts, and overall design. This included converting everything for mobile since the investor wanted a mobile version, not just a web version.
I had only a personal understanding of crypto, so I had to take additional courses through ZTM to prepare for the project, especially since I needed to set up my development environment to work with blockchain. The project had tight deadlines, and I had to maintain regular communication with the investor, explaining every design decision and how I used my time.
Challenges & Lessons Learned
While the frontend was completed, the investor asked me to handle the backend as well, which was far beyond the initial agreement. Despite my learning curve in backend development, I gave it a shot. Unfortunately, after three months, I was not paid the full amount we agreed upon, so I only delivered a partially completed backend.
This experience taught me the importance of understanding contracts and proper workflows, which a formal degree would have covered. The project was an excellent learning experience but also a reminder to be cautious about taking on more than you can handle early in your career.
Final Thoughts
My advice:
Research thoroughly before taking on projects.
Start networking with professionals in the field to learn from their experiences.
Consider contributing to open-source projects to build your portfolio and demonstrate teamwork.
I hope this helps as you embark on your programming journey!
Oleg Slobodianiuk
software engineer
2
Answers
Budva, Budva Municipality, Montenegro
Updated
Oleg’s Answer
It’s great that you’re into programming! Here’s a simple step-by-step plan to help you become a programmer:
Start with the basics. Pick an easy-to-learn programming language like Python. It’s simple and widely used.
Take the CS50 course. This is a free course from Harvard, available on YouTube. It teaches the fundamentals of programming and gives you a solid foundation.
Practice every day. Find simple coding challenges and solve them. You can use sites like LeetCode or Codewars to improve your skills.
Build projects. Start with something simple, like a calculator or a small game. Projects help you apply what you’ve learned.
Look at other people’s code. Visit GitHub and see how others write code. Learning from others is a great way to pick up new tricks and improve your coding style.
Connect with other programmers. Join online communities, forums, and participate in hackathons and meetups. This will give you support and advice.
Don’t be afraid of mistakes. Making mistakes is normal. They’re part of the learning process. The key is to learn from them and keep moving forward.
Build a portfolio. Showcase your projects and achievements. This will help you find internships or your first job.
I hope these tips help you get started on your programming journey. Good luck, and don’t forget to have fun along the way!
Start with the basics. Pick an easy-to-learn programming language like Python. It’s simple and widely used.
Take the CS50 course. This is a free course from Harvard, available on YouTube. It teaches the fundamentals of programming and gives you a solid foundation.
Practice every day. Find simple coding challenges and solve them. You can use sites like LeetCode or Codewars to improve your skills.
Build projects. Start with something simple, like a calculator or a small game. Projects help you apply what you’ve learned.
Look at other people’s code. Visit GitHub and see how others write code. Learning from others is a great way to pick up new tricks and improve your coding style.
Connect with other programmers. Join online communities, forums, and participate in hackathons and meetups. This will give you support and advice.
Don’t be afraid of mistakes. Making mistakes is normal. They’re part of the learning process. The key is to learn from them and keep moving forward.
Build a portfolio. Showcase your projects and achievements. This will help you find internships or your first job.
I hope these tips help you get started on your programming journey. Good luck, and don’t forget to have fun along the way!
Thank you, another question I have is what is a good starter language that I can access easier? Or what careers are good for programming?
Caleb
Sheraz Khan, MBA
Engineering Manager
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Sheraz’s Answer
Becoming a programmer is one of the most easiest career paths to embark upon these days. There are a ton of online self help resources that allow you to learn coding at your own pace. You should look at pursuing a degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering (take your pick), both can lead you to a successful software engineering career. Best way to learn is by doing, can't be any better learning than building things - so once you have the fundamentals and basics embark on a project you enjoy to really master your skills. You will learn once you are trying to create a finished project/product. Sky is the limit!
Rebecca Samuel
I am an educator
2
Answers
Kano, Nigeria
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Hi Caleb!
1. Understand What Programming Involves
Programming, also known as software development or coding, involves writing code to create software applications, websites, mobile apps, and more. Programmers use various languages (such as Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, etc.) to build software that solves problems, performs tasks, or provides services. It requires logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity.
2. Assess Your Interest and Aptitude
Before diving into programming, it’s important to assess your interest and aptitude for it. Ask yourself the following questions:
Do you enjoy solving puzzles and logical problems?
Are you curious about how technology works?
Are you willing to learn and continuously improve your skills?
Do you have patience and perseverance to debug and troubleshoot code?
If you find yourself answering "yes" to most of these questions, programming might be a good fit for you!
3. Choose a Programming Language to Start With
There are many programming languages, and the right one to start with depends on your goals. Here are some common languages and their applications:
Python: Great for beginners due to its simple syntax; widely used in web development, data science, automation, and artificial intelligence.
JavaScript: Essential for front-end web development; allows you to create interactive websites and is also used for back-end development with frameworks like Node.js.
Java: Commonly used in enterprise software, Android app development, and large-scale systems.
C++: Used in game development, system programming, and applications requiring high performance.
I recommend starting with Python due to its readability and versatility. It’s an excellent language for beginners and is highly in demand in the job market.
4. Start Learning Through Structured Resources
There are several ways to learn programming, including online courses, coding bootcamps, and self-study. Here’s a breakdown of these options:
Online Courses and Platforms: Websites like Coursera, Udemy, Codecademy, and freeCodeCamp offer courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels. These courses provide hands-on exercises and projects that help you apply what you've learned.
Books and Tutorials: There are many beginner-friendly books like "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python" by Al Sweigart, which is an excellent resource for beginners to start learning Python.
Coding Bootcamps: Intensive coding bootcamps offer immersive learning experiences that can help you become job-ready in a shorter period (typically 3 to 6 months). They provide structured curricula, mentorship, and career support.
University Degrees: A degree in computer science or software engineering provides a solid foundation in programming, algorithms, data structures, and computer systems. However, it's not always necessary to have a degree to become a successful programmer.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
Programming is a skill that you get better at with practice. Here’s how you can practice effectively:
Build Projects: Start with small projects, such as creating a personal website, a to-do list app, or a simple game. Gradually take on more complex projects as you gain confidence.
Contribute to Open Source: Join platforms like GitHub and contribute to open-source projects. This will help you learn from others, collaborate, and build a portfolio of work that you can showcase to potential employers.
Solve Coding Challenges: Websites like LeetCode, HackerRank, and Codewars offer coding challenges that help you improve your problem-solving skills and prepare for technical interviews.
6. Learn About Software Development Fundamentals: While learning to code, it's important to understand fundamental software development concepts such as:
* Algorithms and Data Structures: These are crucial for efficient coding and problem-solving.
* Version Control Systems: Used for managing code changes and collaborating with others.
* Databases: Understanding how to work with databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB is important for backend development.
* Software Development Methodologies: Learn about Agile, Scrum, and other methodologies to understand how software projects are managed.
7. Build a Portfolio and Showcase Your Skills
A portfolio is essential for showcasing your skills and projects to potential employers. Include the following in your portfolio:
* Personal projects and applications you've built.
* Contributions to open-source projects.
* Any internships, freelance work, or collaborative projects.
* Host your code on platforms like GitHub and create a personal website to display your work, resume, and contact information.
8. Network and Join the Programming Community
Networking is crucial for career growth in any field, including programming. Here are ways to connect with other programmers
9. Keep learning and evolving: Technology is always evolving, and continuous learning is essential for staying relevant in the field of programming. Keep up with new languages, frameworks, and best practices. Consider specializing in an area of interest, such as web development, mobile development, data science, cybersecurity, or artificial intelligence, to become an expert in that niche.
Conclusion
Becoming a programmer is a journey that requires curiosity, dedication, and a willingness to learn. Start by mastering the fundamentals, practice consistently, build a portfolio, and network with others in the industry. With determination and the right resources, you can build a successful and fulfilling career as a programmer.
1. Understand What Programming Involves
Programming, also known as software development or coding, involves writing code to create software applications, websites, mobile apps, and more. Programmers use various languages (such as Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, etc.) to build software that solves problems, performs tasks, or provides services. It requires logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity.
2. Assess Your Interest and Aptitude
Before diving into programming, it’s important to assess your interest and aptitude for it. Ask yourself the following questions:
Do you enjoy solving puzzles and logical problems?
Are you curious about how technology works?
Are you willing to learn and continuously improve your skills?
Do you have patience and perseverance to debug and troubleshoot code?
If you find yourself answering "yes" to most of these questions, programming might be a good fit for you!
3. Choose a Programming Language to Start With
There are many programming languages, and the right one to start with depends on your goals. Here are some common languages and their applications:
Python: Great for beginners due to its simple syntax; widely used in web development, data science, automation, and artificial intelligence.
JavaScript: Essential for front-end web development; allows you to create interactive websites and is also used for back-end development with frameworks like Node.js.
Java: Commonly used in enterprise software, Android app development, and large-scale systems.
C++: Used in game development, system programming, and applications requiring high performance.
I recommend starting with Python due to its readability and versatility. It’s an excellent language for beginners and is highly in demand in the job market.
4. Start Learning Through Structured Resources
There are several ways to learn programming, including online courses, coding bootcamps, and self-study. Here’s a breakdown of these options:
Online Courses and Platforms: Websites like Coursera, Udemy, Codecademy, and freeCodeCamp offer courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels. These courses provide hands-on exercises and projects that help you apply what you've learned.
Books and Tutorials: There are many beginner-friendly books like "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python" by Al Sweigart, which is an excellent resource for beginners to start learning Python.
Coding Bootcamps: Intensive coding bootcamps offer immersive learning experiences that can help you become job-ready in a shorter period (typically 3 to 6 months). They provide structured curricula, mentorship, and career support.
University Degrees: A degree in computer science or software engineering provides a solid foundation in programming, algorithms, data structures, and computer systems. However, it's not always necessary to have a degree to become a successful programmer.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
Programming is a skill that you get better at with practice. Here’s how you can practice effectively:
Build Projects: Start with small projects, such as creating a personal website, a to-do list app, or a simple game. Gradually take on more complex projects as you gain confidence.
Contribute to Open Source: Join platforms like GitHub and contribute to open-source projects. This will help you learn from others, collaborate, and build a portfolio of work that you can showcase to potential employers.
Solve Coding Challenges: Websites like LeetCode, HackerRank, and Codewars offer coding challenges that help you improve your problem-solving skills and prepare for technical interviews.
6. Learn About Software Development Fundamentals: While learning to code, it's important to understand fundamental software development concepts such as:
* Algorithms and Data Structures: These are crucial for efficient coding and problem-solving.
* Version Control Systems: Used for managing code changes and collaborating with others.
* Databases: Understanding how to work with databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB is important for backend development.
* Software Development Methodologies: Learn about Agile, Scrum, and other methodologies to understand how software projects are managed.
7. Build a Portfolio and Showcase Your Skills
A portfolio is essential for showcasing your skills and projects to potential employers. Include the following in your portfolio:
* Personal projects and applications you've built.
* Contributions to open-source projects.
* Any internships, freelance work, or collaborative projects.
* Host your code on platforms like GitHub and create a personal website to display your work, resume, and contact information.
8. Network and Join the Programming Community
Networking is crucial for career growth in any field, including programming. Here are ways to connect with other programmers
9. Keep learning and evolving: Technology is always evolving, and continuous learning is essential for staying relevant in the field of programming. Keep up with new languages, frameworks, and best practices. Consider specializing in an area of interest, such as web development, mobile development, data science, cybersecurity, or artificial intelligence, to become an expert in that niche.
Conclusion
Becoming a programmer is a journey that requires curiosity, dedication, and a willingness to learn. Start by mastering the fundamentals, practice consistently, build a portfolio, and network with others in the industry. With determination and the right resources, you can build a successful and fulfilling career as a programmer.