Comments for How do I become a computer programmer?

Comment from Ian Canida on 2008-11-12

2008-11-12T20:10:59Z

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

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.

Unfortunately there's no clear answer. I would have steered you at the science degree earlier on, and suggested you complete that. Given where you're at, if you're "fairly close" I'd finish it (looks better on the resume than bailing near the end). But I'd be looking for any way I could to get experience in the field. Not all companies recognize "apprenticeships" per se, but most do recognize and value honest experience; the more the better. (Typically the term "internship" is actually somewhat more common, but amounts to the same thing.)

Best of luck,

- Leo
13-Nov-2008

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Comment from matthew on 2008-11-11

2008-11-11T21:30:44Z

ok i am 12 and im sure you have heard of the game runescape. Well i was great at that game when i played. So anyways i love to create computer games and stuff so i wanted to create make my own game like runescape but way better and better graphic system. i was going to get a car and than get a job and than save up for the $2000 gaming computer and start it out on there. Your advice has helped me greatly. And i look forward to making it so i can make money off of it while im out there doing whatever i want. Like pyrotecnition or anything like that because i was going to make it a 24\7 server with a high detailed graphic system.

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Comment from jenn on 2008-11-01

2008-11-02T06:44:01Z

i guess i have a question, or more accurately, a request for advice...
a long time ago i was very into MUDs... especially once i discovered building...
what i really loved about building was being able to code all sorts of different things, and kind of create life out of text and code... i loved being able to think out of the box and finding new challenges to chew on. i loved the problem solving aspect of it, and i was surprised to learn that you could be creative with computer code... it wasn't just number crunching at all... eventually, over time, i came to resent that i had to ask the MUD administrator to code new things for me every time i wanted a mob to do something really cool and unique... i wanted to be able to do this myself... and finally i came to appreciate just how limitless the world of computer code can be... i was intrigued... i bought a bunch of those books that are supposed to teach you C++... unfortunately i could never get the compiler to work and my computer ended up crashing (totally unrelated to the compiler) and i kind of forgot about my desire to learn to code...
recently i got a new computer and the thought has been creeping back into my mind on whether to go to school for programming and pursue it as a career...

i know that was really long rant, but i guess basically my question is this:
would actual computer programming be as interesting to me as building on my old MUD was? i mean, am i deluding myself in believing that just because i had so much fun creating mobprogs and ifchecks and whatnot i would probably enjoy tackling programming languages?
my goal here really is not to get into game programming neccessarily, i really just want to learn programming for its own sake, and i don't want to spend a bunch of money on school and throw myself into it only to be disappointed and find that what i thought computer programming was was entirely off the mark...

did that make sense? i could really use some advice on this... thanks so much!!!

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Comment from ELIOR MAIMON on 2008-09-28

2008-09-28T07:49:19Z

I HAVE NO COLLEGE DEGREE ... IS IT A MUST?? CAN I GO TO A CAREER COLLEGE AND HOW LONG IS IT REQUIED??

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Comment from chris humphries on 2008-09-09

2008-09-09T09:56:02Z

leo pls can you help me, i am not a computer programmer thou i do have an amazing idea for a computer programme for athletes. i belive if i can get my idea of the grnd it will be HUGE. but i have only that, ... my idea i havent got the knowledge an skill to take it any further and do not know where to go to get the advise i need. pls help many thanks chris humphries

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Comment from some guy on 2008-08-22

2008-08-22T22:16:19Z

Hey Leo,
I'd like to become a Computer Programmer. I have just left school and about to start college. I have no previous experience in programming but will learn it in College.
My concern is that I heard programming requires a lot of Mathematics...I'm not the best at Maths although I did pass my GCSE in Maths.
Do you think I should still try and become a programmer even though maths isnt really one of my strenghts?

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Comment from Jon on 2008-08-20

2008-08-21T06:20:05Z

Dear Leo- I am an arabic linguist in the USN and am interested in programming. Is there any jobs that you know of that would be able to use both my language skills and my hopeful programming dreams?

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Comment from Mohini Hersom on 2008-08-05

2008-08-05T22:31:09Z

They won't talk to me/ give any info at the BCS. I would like to know what computer programming languages to learn by knowing what's in demand. I'd like to know if I can get jobs or freelance as programmer as older person.

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Comment from Nikita R. on 2008-07-25

2008-07-25T19:44:32Z

I don't have a comment,yet.I want to learn how to become a computer programmer, pls help!It's a dream of mine,pls. show me where and how to start. Thank you kindly.

Did you read the article you just commented on? It answers your question.

-Leo

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Comment from Shikha on 2008-07-04

2008-07-04T10:39:49Z

Dear Leo,

I am extremely confused, 30 years old. I have a math phobia. My dad and my schoolteacher had a great contribution to my dislike of math, even though i have known many people who are enjoying math, and have enviable careers.

I have always been shying away from the subject due to embarrassment. I want to now give a second chance before concluding that it is not for me.
I have a knowledge of computer graphics and there are many design and animation software that require programming skills, and for learning those skills you need to learn basic math, which I also read in your website –
http://ask-leo.com/how_hard_is_it_to_learn_programming.html

What advise do you have for me? My trouble with math is that my mind freezes when trying to solve basic addition or subtraction problem. I do know how to approach with the aid of a calculator. My first question is do I need to be a wizard to solve all the problems in my head? For learning programming skills required in animation and graphic software, what level of math is required?
Look forward to your reply.
Thanks,
Shikha

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Comment from ABORISADE ISRAEL on 2008-05-23

2008-05-23T15:23:38Z

I AM ABOUT TO STUDY COMPUTER SCIENCE IN HIGHER INSTITUTION, PLIS I NEED YOUR ADVICE, WHAT ARE THOSE POTENTIALS I REALLY NEED TO POSSESS IN ORDER TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS FIELD

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Comment from Tyler Cone on 2008-05-21

2008-05-22T02:37:45Z

I would just like to know if I were to pursue a career in Game Development or programing would it be better for me to go to a career college for game development, like Full Sail, or go for a four-year degree from a local school?(assuming that I do fairly well in either school.)

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Comment from Abdul Rahim on 2008-05-08

2008-05-08T22:37:04Z

All the information that i have read from this site has benefited me alot. Thanks to all the people who have made it to be come available to everybody.

Quetion: I am 18yrs still at college and want to become a programmer but i don't know which lanugauge i should start with.
Hope to hear from u soon. Chao...

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Comment from Abdul Rahim on 2008-05-08

2008-05-08T22:35:43Z

All the information that i have read from this site has benefited me alot. Thanks to all the people who have made it to be come available to everybody.

Quetion: I am 18yrs still at college and want to become a programmer but i don't know which lanugauge i should start with.
Hope to hear from u soon. Chao...

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Comment from Ben on 2008-02-29

2008-03-01T01:04:11Z

>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?

You could take a few programming courses at a technical college. If you are already in a 4-yr program, you should have no problem getting in. They usually allow you to get to programming classes quicker than some 4-yr colleges, and most of your 4-yr classes should transfer as credit for the prerequisites.

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Comment from Kennerz on 2008-02-04

2008-02-04T18:03:12Z

What kind of science do you need to become a computer programmer because I took dbl ICT and maths for A levels. Not doing them yet though, still in year 11.

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Comment from Changing Gears on 2007-12-01

2007-12-01T15:12:03Z

Hi Leo - enjoyed reading the page. I have a BS in marketing and 18 years of career experience in sales. I really want to shift gears and get into programming as a profession, but does that mean I need to get a 2nd degree in computer science to earn well? I've always had a burning desire to program since I had my Atari 800 and started playing with Basic, but defaulted into a sales career.

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Comment from tuatimi michael on 2007-11-21

2007-11-21T10:38:42Z

how can i make good business in software development.thank u

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Comment from Leo A. Notenboom on 2007-11-14

2007-11-14T23:15:13Z

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This article actually includes comments on that:
http://ask-leo.com/how_hard_is_it_to_learn_programming.html

Thanks,

Leo

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Comment from Vincent on 2007-11-14

2007-11-14T15:58:10Z

Hi Leo, Am 16 and I want to know how to program, I hav read the Article and it has realy inspired me more to take up computer programing, but am not sure which language to start with right now because the languages I have access to are in the house are C++,C,VB, C.NET,VB.NET, Java sixth edition and ADO.NET. So am kinda not sure which one 2 start with?

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Comment from Leo A. Notenboom on 2007-09-28

2007-09-28T19:54:44Z

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Technically, no, but practically yes.

You can learn to program on your own without math and science, but many
employers will require degrees that require science and math courses.

And in all honesty, science and math help ... a lot.

Leo

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Comment from dark programmer on 2007-09-27

2007-09-27T07:06:09Z

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?

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Comment from Kennerz on 2007-09-25

2007-09-25T17:55:56Z

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 :).

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Comment from khen carl soronio on 2007-07-07

2007-07-07T16:31:10Z

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 =)

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Comment from Jay on 2006-12-30

2006-12-31T05:13:26Z

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.

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Comment from Leo Notenboom on 2006-11-08

2006-11-08T23:06:54Z

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.

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Comment from syah on 2006-11-08

2006-11-08T22:26:22Z

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?

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Comment from simi king on 2006-06-25

2006-06-26T01:57:17Z

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/

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Comment from Holly Johnson on 2006-04-09

2006-04-09T21:24:43Z

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.

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Comment from Gaspard on 2005-12-03

2005-12-03T13:37:40Z

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

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Comment from Taras on 2005-11-28

2005-11-28T18:38:15Z

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.

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