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Teaching yourself how to program

Discussion in 'Programming' started by Espi, Apr 19, 2016.

  1. Espi

    Espi New Member

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    Pros and Cons anyone?

    I've heard that people who don't have the credentials will most likely never amount to anything in the world of software development, web development, etc.

    I personally believe that this is a lie, and is just basic rhetoric coming from those who knock anyone who did not come from the professional arena of individuals who ended up with degrees in computer science and what not.

    Can you really make it as a self taught computer programmer?
     
    jeanell likes this.
  2. BoWaddy

    BoWaddy New Member

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    Hi Espi! I thought we were just game players. I didn't know we were programmers too.

    It is pretty much possible for someone to make it as a self-taught computer programmer. In my opinion, It is the skill that matters most not the certificate. I really don't think the presence or absence of certificate as a big issue. In fact, I prefer portfolio to certificate if I were to hire a programmer. Moreover, there are corporate bodies online that can give you a good certificate on programming like the W3School.com which I am sure you know about because I read one of your posts where you mentioned them.

    Because of these recognized bodies that can award anyone a good certificate on computer programming, I really believe anyone can make it in the world of software development or web development as a self-taught computer programmer.
     
  3. Chels

    Chels New Member

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    It's definitely possible to make it as a self-taught programmer. A lot of people are freelance programmers and find work online. I've even considered doing it myself but I've always had an issue with figuring out what programming language I should learn first. I know a little bit of HTML from using tumblr but that's about it. But yeah, when it comes to programming I think it's less about a piece of paper from a college and more about what you're actual able to so. There's programmers out there that are amazing, but never actually went to school for it.
     
  4. Genesis

    Genesis New Member

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    The first step to being a really good programmer is always passion. And being able to teach yourself programming to an adequate level shows a certain degree of passion you have. That is far more valuable than any teacher can offer you. A lot of people learn the most about programming when they learn it on their own so yeah, teaching yourself to program is highly recommended.
     
  5. rz3300

    rz3300 New Member

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    This is one area that I have been trying more and more to get into, but really to no avail. I know that you can do anything you put your mind to and that it is never too late for anything and all of that good stuff, but at a certain point I just tend to get disappointed and lose that motivation to keep going. Coding is hard, and even just getting into the technicalities proves to be a hassle for me. I think I just need to choose my time more wisely though, and maybe my next attempt will be more smooth.
     
  6. Aree Wongwanlee

    Aree Wongwanlee New Member

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    Of course, you can become a self-taught programmer. First, there are really lots and lots of resources available on the Web for learning programming. And I am talking only about the free resources. Each of them takes a slightly different approach to the subject. EdX has courses conducted by universities and tends to be a bit didactic. That's expected since the lecturers are probably more used to teaching university students. Codecademy is very much into learning by doing. Every part of its lessons involves action on the part of the learner. Solo Learn also requires lots of input from the learner. However, it's different from Codecademy in that its lesson are broken down into very small bite sizes. Crunchzilla uses a similar approach but enhances it with game coding principles. Dash, on the other hand, makes each lesson like an actual assignment from a client. At the end of each part, the learner can code his own web page.

    With so many resources available, the only reason why a person cannot learn to program by himself is simply that he doesn't want to.
     
  7. ditoekanugraha

    ditoekanugraha New Member

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    Teaching yourself to program is recommended don't worry about job that needs credential from you that showing "Im a ... Programmer".
    You learn some language and some programs and create your own software or games.

    Like me, I combine C++ skills and Unity skills which I can make an Indie games.
    In 2017, I targeting my games published.
     
    Last edited: Jan 4, 2017
  8. JerrodS

    JerrodS New Member

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    I'd eacho Aree Wongwanlee's advice above about Codecademy. So far, I've completed their courses on HTML, CSS, and PHP, and it really is an entire new, exciting world. The most important discovery for me was that it isn't all that difficult. At the start, I'd been afraid to even start a single course, thinking that I can't possibly learn about programming since I was never great at math. How wrong I was.

    If you're a complete beginner, it's best to start with HTML as the course is very simple and familiarizes you with how Codecademy works.
     
  9. AndyT8

    AndyT8 New Member

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    It is very difficult. You always need a teacher in any subject in order to get the full perspective. However, I know a person that spends all day (literally) doing just that (teaching himself) and it works for him! So do you!
     
  10. melody daniel

    melody daniel New Member

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    Ofcourse you can make it as a self taught programmer, it all depends on your deligence and dedication.

    As a freelancer programmer, you are hired based on your skill and experience not based on certificates, so i think you can make it in the programming world without certificates.

    Check www.tutorialspoint.com to get satrted with free tutorials.
     
  11. ezjason

    ezjason New Member

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    I am wondering that too because I most likely will probably learn programming by myself and wondering if it would be hard to learn or get a job that way.
     
  12. Mortemonee

    Mortemonee Member

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    I want to learn everything about computer. Programming, data processing and Lot's more that need to be done but do you really need a website of your own as a programmer or you are just a programmer.
     
  13. jeanell

    jeanell New Member

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    I can honestly say, programming is one of the most amazing, but challenging careers out there. I have been learning to code for about two months now, and it's quite interesting. I can now make a web page, create a slide show page, and that's just the beginning.

    Programming gets very technical, once you get to a certain point. None the less, it's very rewarding and exciting. I think that you can definitely teach yourself how to program. Just make sure you have the basic fundamentals locked in.
     
  14. zenJ

    zenJ New Member

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    Self-taught programmers are taking over. Seriously. The days of going to university for 4 years and coming out with a secure job are gone. The projects you make or participate in are things that matter the most with potential employers and those are things which you don't need education for. However, the self-taught route can be challenging as programming world may seem overwhelming at first, but once you figure out how things work you can easily and quickly perfect your skills. I'm confident that a person who's really passionate about programming can learn over the internet and have a junior position within six months. It all depends on the drive though as self discipline is very important as well.
     
  15. Louise du Plessis

    Louise du Plessis New Member

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    Greetings all.

    This has been a rather inspiring thread. I used to teach myself html but sort of lost my motivation. Just a very quick question over here, and I hope this is not off topic but is it possible to use your website to create a sort of electronic portfolio for future employers? I have always had difficulty putting a portfolio together because I have many different things that I enjoy doing.
     
  16. gabbie2010

    gabbie2010 New Member

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    Although it is very challenging to be a self-taught programmer but in the long run the benefits attached to it is very rewarding, There are a lot of online jobs requiring programming skills and attracting good benefits. Becoming a good programmer takes a long route and it is a universally sought after profession.
     
  17. Unilever001

    Unilever001 New Member

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    Learning to program on your own or teaching yourself how to code really requires passion and determination. There are times along the line where everything look gibberish and it looks as if nothing is coming forth but it takes those two things listed above to continue.
     
  18. Sevgi

    Sevgi New Member

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    In this day and age, even though it's not mentioned nor put on display, having any programming skills will improve your chances of finding a decent job drastically. You have also the option to work as a freelancer, build your own website on a specific niche and launch your online career, but as the others have stated it takes determination, patience and tolerance.
     

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