How do I become a computer programmer?

Despite the comment about 'it doesn't matter which language' -- speaking as a long-term Basic programmer, I would seriously advise you NOT to start by learning Basic (any variant - including Visual Basic) if you want to do games programming. The only exception I guess would be something like BlitzBasic, which is specifically designed for games programming.

Start with C and you can't go wrong.

I have started programming at the age of 10. I have started learning Basic and Visual Basic. But now, for beginners, I really recommend Game Maker (downloadable on gamemaker.nl) with is an easy to use programming software (15€ only for full version, exist in freeware version, with less features) which allows two ways of programming: 1.Programming with "blocks" that you drag'n'drop 2.Programming with scripts. The programmation is objet-oriented (search google for more info on what it means). It comes with an excellent help file and there is serveral tutorial and examples that can be found on gamemaker.nl

--> A program by Mark Overmars, which I admire.

Gaspard van KO, the PROgrammor

You're so right, man. Today I regret that I wasted a couple of years on VB .NET and C#. It's just too limited. On the other hand, it makes learning C++ much easier.

There are a number of articles about "becoming a computer programmer" at http://leadership.findingsdirect.com/ or at http://leadership.findingsdirect.com/2006/06/20/become-a-computer-programmer/

hi leo. i really wanna become a programmer.. the problem is i,m already screw my degree... at most, i only can get 2.3 something for my cgpa. maybe its too late for me.. but reallyy, i like to become proggrammer. now i start to learn java.. yheah from basic.. iam really screw wtih my degree.. is it still hope for me?

It's definitely an obstacle, depending on where you plan to get hired. But nothing makes up for experience - so start programming. Learn to program and program well - on your own if you have to. As stated in the article use any excuse to program. Instead of a track record based on education, build a track record based on accomplishments. *IF* you have the ability to do that, you'll be fine.

The hesitation is that the GPA *usually*, though not always, is a result of a poor work ethic. If that's the case, it's something you'll still have to overcome.

Just a suggestion, but it worked for me. Play games that involve scripting/programming. The more fun you make it, the more likely you'll be to remember what you've learned.
You could start with WoW - learn how to create mods.
What I enjoy most, though, are MUD's ( multi-user dungeons). What these are, basically, are text-based games, most of which are RPG's, played through a client. IRE has made a few games in which combat requires scripting. Being able to script in your client's chosen language ( I use Lua ) gives you a big advantage over those of the player-base who haven't learned to script. I got into this about three years ago, and I'm still learning. While it's the most fun I have gaming, it's also sparked my interest in learning to program. What's best is I find myself grasping programming much more easily because of what I've learned while MUD'ing.

hi to all, wew! almost 1 year since i made the post. Okey no extra jokes to the new one's please join and more reading time in this website http://www.programmersheaven.com/ or www.java2s.com...i hope it can help to the new one's =)

I've been learning how to program since I was 15 and I'm still 15, but a website that really helped me grasp the basics of programming was called www.w3schools.com. It helps you to learn a whole range of programming languages. I'd recommend starting with HTML (Hyper-text mark-up language) since this is an extremely easy one to learn. Happy programming :).

Hello, guys!

I want to ask some questions...
Do I need to take a course in science or mathematics in order to write computer programs?