How do I become a computer programmer?

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I'm currently enrolled at a community college for the past 2 years now. I first enrolled to become a computer programmer and I still thrive to be one. But since I've been in college for 2 years now I've only been able to take three programming classes because of all the required classes that students are forced to take to fulfill there needs to get a bachelors degree. I'm fairly close to getting AAoT( Assosiates of Arts Transfer Degree, the reason I went with art instead of science is because Science requires you to take more Science classes not computer science)

I was really looking for some advice on what I should do. I was recently talking with my father about Apprenticeship's since he's a mechanic and did an Apprenticeship with an old family friend to become a mechanic and then my brother did the same thing with my dad to become an mechanic. Anyhow we were talking about apprenticeships and he asked me why I didn't ask my uncle about being an apprentice under my uncle when I had the chance. The only reason I didn't ask because it never crossed my mind that my uncle was a programmer other then a CnC programmer but supposedly he is an all around programmer.

So my question is. Are Apprenticeship's recognized by company's?
Since its basically have experience in the field

or

Do you think I should stick it out in college and finish my degree

I'm struggling in a couple of classes if why I'm a bit sketchy currently such as physics. But all around I'm a 3.0 student.

I apologize for the long winded question. Just have many things on my mind and no one to really talk to about them.

i want to study computer science will i have a knowledge of programming.

i undergo a computer training for a year in one of our colleges, and really i found programming to be interesting to learn.Can i learn it hear ?

I read the information regarding the future world in the Software Development field. But I am more interested in the Game Development field poker site as well as in robotics. I consider myself as a fantasy person with a dream of inventing ideas and turninng them into reality. Would a career in game designs/development be suitable for me || web/Business Applications based upon my personality?

I'm 13 years old, and my dream job has always either become a doctor, or a computer programmer. I'm fairly smart in class, and get better grades than most kids I know. I saw a form which included the requirements needed to become a computer programmer, and what they do. I see that they create computer games, and learn to code, and find problems within the computer. After looking closer, I found out that computer programming is for me. I was wondering what I could to inorder to improve my skills in coding, and animating things using codes. If you respond, I'd really appreciate the word you've given me, and use it for the future. The requirements were completing high school, and going to university for 4 years. Then getting the bachelor's degree, and completing Computer Science in school. If this is true or not, please respond. Thank you for your time. Regards~Michael

I have just completed my IGCSE and I have always been a straight A student. I am quite confident with my English, although it is not my first language. I want to be a computer programmer because Math is my favourite subject and making & breaking codes are my hobbies. I have learned the basics of c++ through various websites by myself but I can only make simple programmes, the most complex of which is probably the pyramid of numbers. However, I am not sure about what programmes I will make if I really become a computer programmer. I mean, there are games and encryptions and application softwares. I am not interested in making games but, given the two choices :encryption and application softwares, which one do you think will suit me the most? (A detailed definition (salary, competitiveness, good colleges,etc.) for each will be most helpful)
Oh yeah, what other programming languages should I learn after I have mastered the basics of c++, because I read that I don't have to know every commands for c++ because I won't need most of them.

Hello Leo

I am a dycalculic and I was wondering if it is at all possible for me to become a computer programmer. I think it is something I could be very passionate about, however, I am under the impression that computer programmers must excel at math. I am 24 years old and have not yet entered college because basically everything I would like to do pretty much requires me to learn and know heavy mathematics such as calculus and what not. While I have never really attempted complicated math, I highly doubt my abilities in that specific area. My dyscalculic mind set is not severe, but I clearly do have a very difficult time trying to solve math problems and even retaining the information sometimes.

Thanks

Dear Leo

My name is Cody and I want to become a computer programmer and i have been writing code since i was 11 i am now 14 and i started in CMD with stupid BATCH files then HTML then went on to various web languages such as CSS, PHP, Javascript, and MYSQL

Then about a year and a half ago i started in more serious computer programming languages such as C, C++, and touching in Java.

I was curious about a couple things.

I have heard of some differences between C and C++ like C++ is object oriented, and that C generally compiles to a smaller file (which may or may not be true i just noticed it when i would compile the programs)

But what does Object Oriented mean, and why does C compiler into a smaller file.

But most importantly I would like to know if you know of any companies that are a good start for a computer programmer after they get there degree.

I would like to express that i have a fairly good understanding of
computer programming and responding to me would not be a waste of your time.

, thank you

Leo's suggestion is quite something, he's right.
Although, there are some key factors your son should look into. He needs to figure out what he enjoys the most and what he would prefer to do in a development team, that will help him figure out if he is a programmer, artist, game/level designer, resource engineer, or tester.

He should first do like Leo said, attempt to learn to program, my suggestion is learn a language with a large community that you can get help from if need be.
Even if he doesn't like it at first, he should attempt to learn the basics, then if he succeeds in that, move on to more advanced programming.
Then if after attempting that he doesn't like programming, he should see whether he likes to create art or compose music.
Programming isn't the only required aspect of game design, that's why he could also look into game/level design, that's where most of the ideas and thoughts come out to be discussed.
Still, if he doesn't like that, he could always become a tester, but becoming a professional tester requires looking outside of the box, figuring out what is wrong and what should be there.

There is no guarantee he will get a job in any of the fields listed above, the game development industry is a HUGE competition, but that also doesn't mean he can't. With lots of practice, learning and thinking outside the box, figuring out problems that persist through masses of headache's and strife, he should be able to get a job in one of the game development fields.

I've been programming computer's for 4.5 years, led small amateur development teams, and accomplished literally TONS of research in order to find information required to get into the game dev. industry. Myself, I have partaken in every aspect of game development, from managing, designing, programming, creating something from nothing, sound engineering, and the works. You can do much at an early age, and it's no small task, he just needs to put much effort into what he wants to do, and have alot of motivation if he plans on getting a job in the industry. Oh, and I'm only 18.

Hey there! My name is Chris and I would LOVE to be a programmer. I have always had a passion for games. I want to program games for a living. But I'm kind of worried. I am 20 years old, almost 21 and all the comments I read about programming on this site and many others are people who are around 13 to 17 and already have a lot of experience. Am I too late? Did I miss my opportunity? Or can I still pursue my dream of becoming a programmer?

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