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What is the best route to becoming a computer programmer.?

I want to become a computer programmer and coder. I am interested in tech and feel kike pursuing something in this field will help me the most on my journey

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Adit’s Answer

Here's an uplifting version of your guide to becoming a computer programmer:

Start with the Basics: Embark on your journey with user-friendly languages such as Python or JavaScript. These are perfect for establishing your core skills.

Engage in Courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, or freeCodeCamp offer structured learning experiences that will deepen your understanding of programming concepts.

Dive into Projects: Bring your skills to life by creating simple websites, apps, or games. This not only applies your learning but also helps you build a robust portfolio.

Discover Specialized Languages: Tailor your learning to your interests. Explore Java or C++ for software development, or SQL for data science.

Practice Regularly: Hone your problem-solving skills by tackling coding challenges on sites like LeetCode or HackerRank.

Following this path will solidify your programming skills, preparing you to shine in the job market.
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Aman’s Answer

Hi Christian Beverly,

Great to hear that you're interested in becoming a computer programmer! The journey can be incredibly rewarding, and there are several paths you can take to get there. First, I’d suggest starting with some basic coding skills. Websites like Codecademy and freeCodeCamp offer free resources that can guide you through the fundamentals of programming. These platforms allow you to learn languages like Python or JavaScript, which are both beginner-friendly and widely used in the industry.

Once you have a good grasp on the basics, consider enrolling in a structured course or boot camp. For instance, General Assembly has amazing part-time and full-time coding boot camps that are intensive and often yield great results. Alternatively, if you prefer a more traditional route, a degree in computer science or software engineering can provide you with in-depth knowledge and valuable connections in the tech industry.

Engaging with the programming community is also crucial. Join forums, attend local meetups in South Carolina, or even participate in hackathons—you’ll learn a lot from more experienced programmers and make invaluable connections. Platforms like GitHub can also help you showcase your projects and collaborate with others. Don’t forget to practice by working on personal projects or contributing to open-source projects as well, as this hands-on experience is what employers typically look for.

Lastly, remember that learning to code is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep your curiosity alive, stay resilient, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. Good luck with your journey; you’ve got this!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it. David
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Dat’s Answer

To become a computer programmer, here’s an effective route to follow:

Learn the Basics: Start with foundational programming languages like Python or JavaScript, as they're beginner-friendly and widely used.

Get Formal Education or Self-Learn: A degree in computer science can be beneficial, but many programmers succeed with self-taught skills or boot camps, which offer structured learning in less time.

Practice Coding Regularly: Build small projects, practice on coding platforms (e.g., LeetCode, HackerRank), and contribute to open-source projects to sharpen your skills.

Choose a Specialization: Based on your interests, you might focus on web development, mobile app development, software engineering, or data science.

Build a Portfolio: Showcase your projects on GitHub or a personal website to demonstrate your skills to potential employers.

Stay Updated and Keep Learning: Tech evolves rapidly, so continuous learning is essential. Try new languages, frameworks, and tools to broaden your expertise.

By following this path, you’ll develop both the technical skills and practical experience needed to succeed as a computer programmer.
Thank you comment icon Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action! David
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Michael’s Answer

Explore websites like Udemy and Coursera to find free or inexpensive courses that pique your interest. Start with classes that provide a basic understanding, then move on to more specific introductory coding courses to build your skills.
Thank you comment icon I'm excited to put your great advice to good use! Christian Beverly
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Wojciech’s Answer

Hi, to become a computer programmer, start by learning a beginner-friendly programming language like Python, which is widely used and has straightforward syntax. Focus on foundational programming concepts like variables, loops, functions, and data structures, as these are the building blocks of coding. Practice regularly by working on small projects, like creating a calculator or a to-do list app, which will help you solidify your skills and gain confidence. Once comfortable, explore other languages such as JavaScript for web development or Java for general-purpose programming. Consider formal learning through online courses, coding bootcamps, or a degree in computer science, depending on your learning style and career goals. Joining programming communities or contributing to open-source projects can also provide real-world experience and networking opportunities. Finally, build a portfolio to showcase your projects and code, as this will be essential for landing a job in the tech field.
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Biju’s Answer

- Start with learning fundamental programming languages like Python or Java, as they are beginner-friendly and widely used.
- Getting a computer science or related degree can provide a strong foundation in algorithms, data structures, and problem-solving skills, but many successful programmers are self-taught through online courses and tutorials.
- Practice is key, so building small projects, participating in coding challenges, or contributing to open-source projects helps reinforce learning.
- As you advance, learning specialized areas like web development, mobile app development, or software engineering broadens your expertise.
- Try to network through tech communities, attend coding bootcamps etc. can open doors to practical experience and job opportunities in the field.
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Anthany’s Answer

I think there's many paths into this field so I'll give a way that worked for me. Starting off, look online for some tutorials on coding; there's a lot of sources that will offer that for you. Then take classes and a major that are in the field such as Computer Science, Digital Media, etc. Then one of the biggest things you can do is do an internship with a company or multiple companies until you find one that you like! Then when you're done, your chances of getting hired at that company are much higher!
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Patrick’s Answer

Embarking on a career as a computer programmer is a thrilling and fulfilling path, particularly in light of the increasing need for tech experts across all sectors. The optimal approach to breaking into this field blends formal education, self-guided study, and hands-on experience.

Start by establishing a firm grasp of programming language basics, algorithms, and principles of computer science. This can be achieved by enrolling in high school computer science or coding courses, if accessible, or by utilizing online resources, coding bootcamps, and complimentary tutorials in languages like Python, Java, or C++. These languages are prevalent and offer a robust foundation for understanding how to compose and troubleshoot code.

Post-high school, it's common to pursue a degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related discipline from a university or community college. Formal education offers a more profound comprehension of computer theory, programming concepts, and problem-solving methods. However, many accomplished programmers have crafted their careers without a conventional degree, instead, capitalizing on alternative avenues like coding bootcamps. These intensive, short-duration programs concentrate on honing specific programming skills in a practical, project-oriented setting, and are highly regarded by employers, particularly for those seeking to rapidly acquire practical coding experience.

Parallel to formal education or coding bootcamps, acquiring hands-on experience is vital. Begin by creating your own coding projects, contributing to open-source software, or engaging in coding challenges and hackathons. These activities will not only boost your technical abilities but also illustrate your capacity to apply your knowledge in real-world situations. Furthermore, crafting a robust portfolio of projects on platforms like GitHub will attest to your skills and enthusiasm for programming, which is crucial when job hunting. Networking with fellow developers, becoming part of tech communities, and pursuing internships or freelance opportunities can also offer valuable contacts and keep you informed about the latest industry trends and technologies.

In conclusion, the path to becoming a computer programmer is a fusion of education, practice, and perseverance. Whether you opt for a formal degree, join a bootcamp, or self-educate, the key is to stay dedicated, continuously refine your skills, and construct a portfolio that displays your work. The tech industry is expansive and perpetually evolving, offering boundless opportunities for growth and innovation to those with the appropriate skills and attitude.
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Yagnesh’s Answer

To become a computer programmer, start by learning a beginner-friendly language like Python or JavaScript. Practice by building small projects, like websites or games, to grow your skills. Take free or paid online courses to understand coding basics and key concepts. Once confident, apply for internships or entry-level jobs to gain real-world experience. Stay curious and keep learning!

Yagnesh recommends the following next steps:

Start a small coding project and explore free online courses to strengthen your programming basics.
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Jocelyn’s Answer

My suggestion will be to first of all, start studying the college degree in software engineering, before completing your career start connecting with IT companies that offer a large number of opportunities or internship programs that will help you to train for the real-world scenarios for you to face as a coder. This is highly demanded for IT companies, and you'll learn a lot from this internship programs.
Thank you comment icon I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question. Christian Beverly
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Guy’s Answer

Becoming a computer programmer is an exciting and rewarding journey that can lead to a variety of career opportunities. The best route depends on your interests, learning style, and resources, but here’s a comprehensive roadmap:

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### **1. Understand the Basics**
Start by grasping fundamental concepts in programming and computer science:
- **Learn What Programming Is**: Understand how code creates software, websites, games, and apps.
- **Familiarize Yourself with Computational Thinking**: Practice breaking problems into smaller, manageable steps (algorithmic thinking).

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### **2. Learn a Programming Language**
Begin with beginner-friendly languages and gradually expand your skills:
- **Recommended Starter Languages**:
- **Python**: Great for beginners due to its readability; used in web development, data analysis, and AI.
- **JavaScript**: Essential for web development.
- **Scratch**: A visual programming language ideal for absolute beginners (great for younger learners).
- **HTML/CSS**: Basics of web development.
- **Practice**: Build small projects (calculators, simple games) to apply what you learn.

---

### **3. Build a Strong Foundation**
Learn fundamental computer science concepts that will help in all programming:
- **Data Structures and Algorithms**:
- Arrays, lists, and trees.
- Sorting and searching algorithms.
- **Version Control**: Learn tools like Git/GitHub to manage your code.
- **Basic Math and Logic**: Skills in algebra, logic, and problem-solving are essential.
- **Problem-Solving Practice**:
- Use platforms like **LeetCode**, **HackerRank**, or **Codewars** to practice coding problems.

---

### **4. Explore Different Programming Fields**
Find your area of interest and dive deeper:
- **Web Development**: Learn JavaScript, React, Node.js, and databases (SQL, MongoDB).
- **Mobile App Development**: Explore Swift (iOS) or Kotlin (Android).
- **Game Development**: Learn C# (Unity) or C++ (Unreal Engine).
- **Data Science and Machine Learning**: Focus on Python libraries like Pandas, NumPy, TensorFlow.
- **Cybersecurity**: Learn C, Python, and networking fundamentals.
- **Embedded Systems**: Work with languages like C and understand hardware concepts.

---

### **5. Get Hands-On Experience**
- **Build Projects**:
- Create personal or collaborative projects like a website, app, or game.
- Share your work on platforms like GitHub to showcase to potential employers.
- **Contribute to Open Source**: Work on real-world projects with other programmers.
- **Freelance or Intern**: Gain professional experience through internships or freelancing platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.

---

### **6. Education Pathways**
Depending on your circumstances, choose one or a combination of these:
- **Self-Taught**:
- Use free and paid resources like **freeCodeCamp**, **Khan Academy**, or **Coursera**.
- Follow online tutorials and courses tailored to your interest (e.g., Udemy, Codecademy).
- **Formal Education**:
- Pursue a degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering.
- Many jobs require a degree, though this is becoming less critical with experience and a strong portfolio.
- **Coding Bootcamps**:
- Short-term, intensive programs focused on specific programming skills.
- Good for job-readiness in fields like web development.

---

### **7. Develop Soft Skills**
Being a good programmer isn't just about technical skills:
- **Problem-Solving**: Practice tackling complex problems logically.
- **Teamwork**: Collaboration is key in software development.
- **Communication**: Learn to explain technical ideas clearly to non-technical audiences.

---

### **8. Build a Portfolio**
Create a portfolio to showcase your skills to potential employers:
- Include projects that highlight your abilities (e.g., personal websites, apps, or games).
- Use platforms like **GitHub** to display your code and contributions.

---

### **9. Stay Up-to-Date**
Technology evolves rapidly; keep learning and adapting:
- **Follow Trends**: Read blogs, watch tutorials, and attend tech conferences.
- **Learn New Tools and Frameworks**: Stay familiar with in-demand technologies in your chosen field.
- **Join Communities**: Engage with programmers on platforms like Stack Overflow, Reddit, or Discord.

---

### **10. Seek Employment**
When you're ready, apply for jobs or internships:
- **Entry-Level Roles**: Look for roles like Junior Developer, Software Tester, or Technical Support.
- **Customize Your Resume**: Highlight relevant projects, certifications, and experiences.
- **Network**: Connect with professionals on LinkedIn or through local meetups.

---

By following this roadmap and consistently practicing, you'll build the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed as a computer programmer!
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