I want to become a coder, please help
Hi, a little about myself. I am 18, and I am absolutely terrible at everything in life except computers. For example, I could barley tie my shoes, but I had an IT certification. I was homeschooled, have no experience with school whatsoever so I am naturally a little nervous about going to college.
Anyway I would like to become a programmer, probably applications, but I would be open to anything really. So what should I study at my community college in order to become a coder?
And preferably I would like to be able to get a decent paying job as soon as possible with this degree.
Thank you.
Anyway I would like to become a programmer, probably applications, but I would be open to anything really. So what should I study at my community college in order to become a coder?
And preferably I would like to be able to get a decent paying job as soon as possible with this degree.
Thank you.
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Maths. It will help you think like a programmer more effectively than the majority of programming courses I've seen.
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Hi, I am terrible at math, does programming require a lot of math? And I really have no time to improve my math skills, because I take a test in less then 9 hours (I should get to sleep I guess lol).
Also, can somebody please tell me exactly which course I should take at a community college?
Also, can somebody please tell me exactly which course I should take at a community college?
| Hi, I am terrible at math, does programming require a lot of math? |
Some does, some does not. The advantage math will really give you is the ability to think about problems in a coherent, logical way that lends itself to algorithmic solutions. That's what programming is; way(s) of thinking. Many programming courses teach the programming language, but fall short in teaching you how to think.
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All colleges have course counselers that can help you with getting the information you need, like what courses you should take to get a degree in computer science / specialized in application programming. So I would reccomend you going to the community college you are going to attend and ask to speak to someone in admissions that can help you figure out what courses there are to take and what they are.
Wish you the best of luck and stick with it man. College is the best thing you can do for yourself now days.
Wish you the best of luck and stick with it man. College is the best thing you can do for yourself now days.
I agree with Moschops.
A lot of the questions I see on this forum are from people who understand C++ syntax and can write code, but are unable to interpret real-world problems in a logical way.
Some mathematics is directly applicable to programming, such as the knowledge of different number bases (binary, decimal, hexadecimal etc), and basic algebra too. But more important is just the ability to consider a subject in a clear and logical way, which is one of the things you gain from maths.
Another key concept is how to break down a complex task into smaller, manageable chunks, it's another of the stumbling blocks I see often here.
A lot of the questions I see on this forum are from people who understand C++ syntax and can write code, but are unable to interpret real-world problems in a logical way.
Some mathematics is directly applicable to programming, such as the knowledge of different number bases (binary, decimal, hexadecimal etc), and basic algebra too. But more important is just the ability to consider a subject in a clear and logical way, which is one of the things you gain from maths.
Another key concept is how to break down a complex task into smaller, manageable chunks, it's another of the stumbling blocks I see often here.
| Another key concept is how to break down a complex task into smaller, manageable chunks, it's another of the stumbling blocks I see often here. |
And at risk of going off-topic, the ability to ask questions is clearly a dying art. The number of people who turn up and present their entire homework question and the statement "it do not work idk", which eventually after much pushing and poking and prodding turns into a single question along the lines of "why does 3/2 come out as 1" or "is there a function to calculate the power of a number", drives me insane.
I just wanted to echo what Mos and Cherv have stated. Before even looking at a single line of code, I'd at least suggest finishing Algebra 102, Statistics 201 (which is intro, or should be) and an intro level Geometry course. In addition to that, some kind of Logic course should be mandatory for all CS degrees. I know the Statistics might sound a bit odd, but I learned alot about applying complex maths to real world problems. Coding is exactly what this is about and all of those courses help with this. It also helps a lot to have a basic understanding of different number systems then decimal, especially binary, and a pretty decent understanding of how computers work, especially the cpu and memory at first.
Anyway, like Zereo said, the college should have some kind of counseling available to help you. Simply go to the admissions office and ask them about it. Being a community college I doubt you'll be able to complete a BS there, but most CCs have good relationships with other local colleges and universities so it won't be hard to get your associates and then transfer with all the credits being accepted at the new school.
Anyway, like Zereo said, the college should have some kind of counseling available to help you. Simply go to the admissions office and ask them about it. Being a community college I doubt you'll be able to complete a BS there, but most CCs have good relationships with other local colleges and universities so it won't be hard to get your associates and then transfer with all the credits being accepted at the new school.
Well, assuming I never become good at math, do I have a shot at becoming a good programmer?
Also, if I wanted to become a video game developer, what languages would I need to study?
Also, if I wanted to become a video game developer, what languages would I need to study?
The OP wrote:
and
Raezzor is correct. Programming doesn't take place in a vacuum. Computers are tools that are used to solve problems in LIFE. If you are as terrible about everything in life as you believe you are, and choose to remain so, then you should find a different career path. You will NOT be a successful programmer if you can't understand life's problems.
As you are only 18 and were home-schooled, I suggest you take a year or two to see life as it is lived outside your home or neighborhood. Get a low skill job at a fast food outlet or retail store. Observe the problems that such businesses, their employees, and their customers encounter in daily living. Then try to imagine how a computer program may make such problems easier to deal with.
For example, retail stores need to track inventory. Think of how a particular store might use a computer and its programs to keep better track of its inventory.
| Hi, a little about myself. I am 18, and I am absolutely terrible at everything in life except computers. |
and
| Well, assuming I never become good at math, do I have a shot at becoming a good programmer? |
Raezzor is correct. Programming doesn't take place in a vacuum. Computers are tools that are used to solve problems in LIFE. If you are as terrible about everything in life as you believe you are, and choose to remain so, then you should find a different career path. You will NOT be a successful programmer if you can't understand life's problems.
As you are only 18 and were home-schooled, I suggest you take a year or two to see life as it is lived outside your home or neighborhood. Get a low skill job at a fast food outlet or retail store. Observe the problems that such businesses, their employees, and their customers encounter in daily living. Then try to imagine how a computer program may make such problems easier to deal with.
For example, retail stores need to track inventory. Think of how a particular store might use a computer and its programs to keep better track of its inventory.
Well I did actually work at fast food for nearly 2 years...
Anyway, please answer my Q; What should I study at my community college in order to become a coder?
Anyway, please answer my Q; What should I study at my community college in order to become a coder?
@helpmeplz123plz
your not alone, buddy. I think you should take math and (of course) programming. I suggest C++, because it is the only language I know, but it's working very well. I am reading a ovar 1000 page book on C++. So math HELPS, but it's not all.
| I am absolutely terrible at everything in life except computers. For example, I could barley tie my shoes, |
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