Is there any practical advice on how to study programming fast? Or how to code like a pro if you have no idea where to start? Is studying software engineering in university the only way to become a developer? And what is it about being a self-taught programmer?
Believe it or not, but you don’t have to study computers in the college to become a successful developer, QA engineer, or program manager. Do you remember Steve Job’s thoughts on this topic? Everybody in this country should learn how to program a computer because it teaches you how to think. So, why not?
Building a computer program is difficult, but not impossible. Especially, if you know a few tricks on how to learn it better.
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Coding for Beginners
You don’t have to go to college or uni to become a professional developer. Of course, taking programming classes or visiting special courses can drastically add to your career. But they are not the only way to become a programmer. Many programmers and QA engineers are self-taught specialists, who work in the best-paying companies all over the world. As a beginner, you just have to know how to study effectively and where to start.
So, here are a few tips on how to study software engineering and the process of interacting with data better.
1. Decide which field you want to work in.
Data structures? Networking? App or web development? Make a clear decision on what to learn. Whether you write code jargon or write an essay for money, finding true achievement requires dedication to your craft, be it writing essays or programming languages to earn money. Never learn everything at once. That’s the biggest mistake most beginners make. Define a certain field or language you want to program with.
2. Follow the principle of small bites where you do everything step by step.
Do not try to do too much at one time or to learn the hardest language at the very beginning of your journey. What language to pick first? Java? Python? Ruby? SQL? C++? It depends. For now, Java is a universal language that is in high demand. So, Java is recommended for beginners specifically.
3. Join online education platforms.
The online educational space is huge right now. There are both free and paid courses that can teach you programming as well as many universities do. Watch tutorials on the Internet to understand the basics of programming faster.
4. Don’t forget about books as well.
There are lots of good books on computer science and programming, particularly in libraries. For example, «The Art of Computer Programming» by Donald E. Knuth. It is very important to understand theory first. Don’t start with practical tutorials without following them with theory.
If you want to learn one programming language or to become a professional in several languages, always start with the basic one to get a deeper understanding of all of them.
