So You Want to Be a Programmer?
Don’t have a bachelor’s in computer science but want to become a programmer? It’s absolutely possible and I’ll guide you through it.
The most important thing you can have is motivation. If you have enough drive, you can do it on your own.
The following steps and respective online learning websites can help you on the journey to a new career path:
- Learn HTML.
- Learn Python/JavaScript These languages are useful for front-end and back-end development.
- Open a GitHub account and upload all your code there — you’ll need to learn how to manage code with git.
- Learn Linux as your operating system as most developer tools have a better integration with it.
- Learn Data Structures/Algorithms.
- Understand Databases.
- Learn Object Oriented Analysis & Design.
- Understand Software testing.
- Learn Design Patterns.
- Don’t reinvent the wheel and try to use existing libraries/open source projects if it satisfactorily handles your needs.
- First make it work then do refactoring to your code.
- Be very good at your choice of text editor (know all the short-cuts etc.).
- Try to get experience estimating a task.
- While learning above topics, it can be nice to focus on only one aspect of the programming that most appeals to you. Such as: — Front-End Web Developer — Android Developer — Data Analyst — IOS Developer — Full-Stack Developer
- Have a road map for yourself that where you want to be in 1, 2, and 5 years. Defining these goals helps you make tangible goals to get you where you want to be.
- Consider earning certifications as a way to set yourself from the pack.
- Stay relevant in the workforce: — Commit to being a lifelong learning and keep up with new technology — Follow relevant websites such as InfoQ, Dzone, and Reddit — Read interesting blogs and software development books — Try to be committer on a open source project — Open a blog and blog about your learning; you can get feedback from other people and learn from others. Since you are new in programming, being a committer on a open source project, GitHub account and blog post would help online presence.
- Try to practice what you learn on some real projects. The best way to get better at coding is to do lots of it!
While your software skills may qualify you for a technical job in the first place, don’t completely forget about the soft skills that will set you apart from the rest. All companies have their own culture that they look out for to see if you would fit in and be happy there. Be mindful of your soft skills. Make an effort to display them and make it apparent that you value these skills:
- Communication skills (read, write, and speak clearly and effectively)
- Being a critical thinker
- Being a great team player
- Teaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing
Finally, you can take courses and get certifications from the following sites:
Some of the best programmers in our industry are self-thought. You can be one of them as well. All you need is passion and hard work. Start by creating a web site on a topic you love. Do lots of experimental projects. Learn everything you can and show off those skills in your web sites.
Start today!
