How do you learn to be a programmer? There are any number of ways that you can learn how to code, from going back to school and studying computer science or engineering, to enrolling in online courses. In this post, we’re going to explore 5 different options for learning how to program and how to launch a successful career!

program code on a monitor SBI 300199032
Program code on a monitor

How To Learn To Be A Programmer?

MOOCs

If you’re not interested in or can’t afford a college degree, there are plenty of other options for learning to code. A growing number of online courses or MOOCs (massive open online courses) offer comprehensive programming curricula, often taught by experts in the field from very reputable institutions. These courses can be taken at your own pace and usually cost far less than traditional degrees. Many of these courses allow you to connect with fellow programmers to help you on your

Make sure you choose one that has an engaging virtual environment so you stick with it. Employers these days are more accepting of applicants who have completed an online coding course to gain programming skills than they used to be.

Coursera – Pick an online course suitable for you. Many popular programming languages are available.

Edx – Learn programming with their self-directed courses to get your coding skills and problem-solving up to speed.

Udacity – Learn data science, machine learning, and develop significant projects with their hands-on approach to get you to write code.

Online Tutorials

Taking courses and reading books are great ways to learn how to code, but sometimes you just need a bit of guidance from an expert. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of online tutorials that can help you get started or take your skills up a notch. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start coding!

Coding Ninjas

Udemy

Coding Bootcamps

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Coding boot camps are a relatively new phenomenon, and they’ve been growing in popularity over the past few years. These intensive programs usually last for 12-16 weeks, and during that time you’ll learn everything you need to know to be a professional programmer.

Bootcamps often focus exclusively on teaching one or two programming languages, as well as teaching you how to use various programming tools and frameworks. They can be a great option if you’re looking to get a job as a programmer quickly, but they can also be quite expensive. The good thing is that you can find a BootCamp for the programming language you want.

University of California Los Angeles Extension Bootcamp

Books

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If you’re more of a hands-on learner, books can be a great way to learn how to code. There are literally thousands of programming books available, covering everything from the basics of coding to specific languages and technologies. If you are choosing this path, I encourage you to choose one of the more popular programming languages as the resources, online communities, and job opportunities are more plentiful. Just be sure to do your research before buying any book, as not all of them are created equal! Here again, you can find the programming language you want to target and gain the skills you want.

O’Reilly – large selection of computer programming and computer systems books.

College Degrees in Computer Science

How to Learn to Be a Programmer - College Degrees in Computer Science

If you’re looking to get a formal education in programming, then studying computer science or engineering at a college or university is the way to go. A four-year degree in computer science will give you a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of programming, and most degrees also include courses in topics like software development, database design, networking, and operating systems. They also tend to cover multiple programming languages so you have a better foundational knowledge of programming skills.

I have a degree in computer science, which at the time I received it, was the only way to break into the field. Today, there are other options. I was able to learn java when it was first introduced, had courses in (very early) web development, operating systems, had access to some knowledgeable industry professionals, and about 7 other programming languages.

University of London – Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Southen New Hampshire University – Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

What Do I Need To Learn To Become A Programmer?

In order to become a programmer, most people think you need to learn how to code, but in reality, you need to learn how to think about solving problems. Once you learn that skill, your coding journey becomes much easier. In addition, it’s also important to know multiple programming languages, data structures, HTML code, computer systems, and basic concepts which are common across all programming languages.

Once you have mastered the basics of programming it’s helpful to have at least a cursory knowledge of web development, data science, mobile app development, artificial intelligence, file management best practices(git), knowledge of a development environment, and database technologies. The other thing is to constantly learn different languages.

What Does it Take To Be A Programmer?

What does it take to be a programmer? A lot of hard work and perseverance. Programming is not easy, even for the pros! You have to put in plenty of time learning how to code before you can build anything really useful or apply your knowledge at work. But if you’re willing to study hard and invest some effort into learning how to program, the possibilities are endless.

If you are interested in starting a career as a computer programmer from scratch without a degree, you will need to develop your own projects you can display to potential employers. I would suggest having a portfolio website, this can be your own website (under your name), or an open-source or paid project you are allowed to share. Almost every computer programming language today has some way of creating a web page for the user interface. I would lean toward more interactive websites or projects. This is especially critical if you want to be a web developer.

What is it Like Being A Computer Programmer?

So what is it like being a computer programmer? Well, that really depends on the job. There are a lot of different career paths for computer programming. Some programmers work on small, specific projects while others are responsible for developing and maintaining entire software systems. But in general, programming is a challenging and rewarding field that offers plenty of opportunities for career growth. What your job is like is more dependent on your employer and the company culture than the actual job itself. Make sure you choose your employer wisely.

Is Programming Hard To Learn?

Is programming hard to learn? For the most part, no. With a little dedication and effort, anyone can learn how to code. However, it is important to remember that programming is not easy – it takes time and practice to get good at it! But if you’re willing to put in the work, learning to program can be an incredibly rewarding and lucrative career. I have been doing it for 20 plus years. Every year, week, and day brings new challenges and stimulations.

What Programming Languages Are Available?

As a beginner, you have the luxury of choosing from a variety of programming languages. While some languages may be more popular than others, there is no wrong language to learn as long as you are interested in it and willing to put in the effort. Though there are some that you probably prioritize if you want to break into the programming field. Some of the most popular computer languages include:

  • Python – The most popular programming language currently, Python syntax is easy to understand and easy to get started writing code. Easy to start with no prior knowledge.
  • Java – Many enterprises use this and it is still a good first step for learning programming.
  • Javascript – A very popular programming language and a must-learn for any web developer.
  • C# – If you want to concentrate on the Windows operating system and desktops apps, this is a must-learn for the burgeoning computer programmer.
  • C/C++ – Anyone who wants to get into computer programming for gaming will need to learn this eventually. It’s also good for anyone who wants to get into finance programming.
  • PHP – This is a necessary evil for web developers. Much of the internet is based on WordPress and PHP. I think it’s a poorly constructed language and it will allow you to get away with a lot of programming bad habits.
  • Swift – This is an Apple language and if you want to develop high-performing mobile apps or break into mobile app development, then this is the language for you.

How Do I Choose A Programming Language?

When choosing a first programming language you should consider these things:

  1. Easy to Learn – you want something relatively easy so you don’t give up learning programming skills.
  2. Have lots of readily available resources – you need resources and other developers to help you start programming and to keep going.
  3. Have the ability to develop complex projects – you will need something beyond a hello world personal project to show potential employers.
  4. Have a good amount of demand in the marketplace – if you want to become a programmer and have a successful career as a software engineer, then you need to know there are employers looking for the specific programming languages you know.

Summary

In this post, we’ve explored seven different ways to learn to program. Whether you’re looking for formal education or want to teach yourself, there’s a great option out there for everyone! So what are you waiting for? Start your programming journey today, complete a computer programming course, search for entry-level programming jobs, and start your coding career today.