How to become a programmer from scratch: instructions, courses, when to start and is it worth it

The article will discuss how to become a programmer from scratch at different ages. It tells what qualities a specialist in this field should have, what needs to be done to become one.
It talks about education and the ability to work without it. Describes the materials you need to master. It tells about the age at which it is better to start learning a profession, how and where to find a job as a programmer, and much more. Programming is a very interesting and demanded activity in our time. A person who decides to immerse himself in it should be on the “you” with technologies and not be afraid of difficulties. It is not easy and long to learn this profession, but if you have the desire, you can achieve a lot in a relatively short time.
IT salaries [/ caption]

Who is a programmer and what does he do?

A programmer is a specialist who works on creating a code for a program of any technique or gadget. To do this, he uses one of the programming languages, consisting of various signs and words. In which language to create the code, the developer himself chooses. It depends on his knowledge and the type of task he has to accomplish. A good specialist should understand at least 3-5 languages.
The programmer does not always interact with the computer. He can formulate code even on a simple piece of paper. It needs a PC to check its action during subsequent debugging. Newbies often confuse a programmer with an IT specialist. The second can have about 50 different specializations (system administrator, usability specialist, SEO specialist, and others). But you can become a good IT specialist only by learning the basics of programming. Developers are divided into 3 main types:

1. Applied : create game applications, office programs, etc.
2. System : write the OS.
3. Web programmers : working on creating websites.

Advantages and disadvantages of the profession

Modern applicants are very interested in such a profession. Indeed, today young people easily master computer technologies and are well versed in any technique. Programming is a truly exciting work that drives progress intensively. But in this area there are both pros and cons.
The positive aspects of the profession:

1. Good salary . A qualified and experienced specialist earns an average of 80-100 thousand rubles. For middles, the salary can reach up to 150-200 kopecks.
2. Lots of jobs.  Programmers are in high demand today, because there is a global digitalization process all over the world.
3. Creative flight . A developer can show imagination, try different codes and ways to solve a problem, test their effectiveness, create something new.
4. The ability to work remotely . This is an activity that can be done whenever and wherever, the main thing is that the project is completed on time.
5. Career growth in any country . All progressive countries are in great need of intelligent specialists.

The path of a developer is difficult and thorny [/ caption] Negative sides of the profession:

1. Sedentary work . The programmer can work all day in one position at the computer. This causes problems with the musculoskeletal system and vision.
2. Continuous learning process . Innovation does not stand still. New developments appear every day, programmers should be aware of everything that concerns their profession.

Why become a programmer

Every person who thinks about this work should see himself in it. Suppose he was good at the exact sciences at school, he can choose a related profession, where he can better show his abilities. For example, be a mathematician, or study computer science, etc. If a person is at the stage of choosing, he should concentrate on a single question: “I want to become a programmer, or do I like another similar industry, where can I become a good specialist?” When this sphere attracts, there is no room for doubt.
Doubts of future failed programmers [/ caption]

Who is this profession suitable for?

Programming is more to the liking of people who are interested in modern technology. They also need to have a technical mindset (but there are exceptions). It is required to develop logic, perseverance, abstract thinking, to study new information about technologies.

What qualities a programmer should have

Developers regularly interact with a wide range of people. A company of programmers will always be glad to have an honest, sociable and open employee. Such a colleague is more willing to agree to help and meet halfway. A good programmer should have the following qualities:

• To be able to correctly prioritize, choosing more promising work and timing out the time for its implementation;
• Be ready for work in a team (more difficult for introverts);
• Work correctly with tasks, make them more efficient and break them down into several parts;
• Concentrate on a specific goal, not be distracted by trifles (otherwise you can get lost in the code);
• Do not hesitate to ask and clarify the subtle points – from colleagues, a customer, a specialist friend;
• Always develop in your field and practice as often as possible;
• Admit mistakes, try to act in different directions, achieve results.

Your personal strengths can be depicted in the form of a similar diagram [/ caption]

How to Become a Programmer from Scratch – Start Now!

The first thing that every second person who decided to try himself in this industry does, asks the question: “How to become a programmer from scratch?” It is important to decide which specialization of the developer suits him best. It depends on what he wants to do: create websites, write codes for games, and so on. Then you need to choose a programming language, learn and try to master the profession in practice.

Popular directions in the field of development

The most popular areas of programming today are:

1. Creation of business programs . Any enterprise needs automation. In this industry, the programs of the 1C company are more often used.
2. Web development . The type of task depends on the customer’s requirements. This can be a company server, an online store website, or a blog of a famous person. Mostly PHP, JavaScript and Python are used.
3. Creation of mobile applications . If a specialist knows how to develop software for smartphones, he can easily find a high-paying job. He can also write code for authoring applications and publish them to GooglePlay, or AppStor.

By the way, one of the best
JavaScript tutorials , in Russian.

Where to get an education as a programmer and what it takes to become a developer – personal qualities, finances and opportunities

There are many universities and technical schools in the Russian Federation that train qualified programmers. Institutes and universities in Moscow:

• Moscow State University . Cost: 220 thousand rubles / year. Term: 4-6 years https://sev.msu.ru/kafedra-programmirovaniya/. Moscow State University programming department [/ caption]
• Moscow Polytechnic University . Cost: 89 thousand rubles / year. Term 4-6 years.
• Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology . Cost: 250 thousand rubles / year. Term: 4-6 years.

Technical schools and colleges of the capital:

• Metropolitan Business College . Cost: 93 thousand rubles / year. Term: 2 years and 9 months.
• College MGUPI . The cost is 90 thousand rubles / year. Term: 2 years and 6 months.
• Moscow Instrument-Making College . Costs 99 thousand rubles / year Term: 2 years and 10 months.

What subjects do you need to take upon admission to become a programmer

To study to be a programmer, an applicant must pass exams in the Russian language, mathematics, physics and computer science. A choice must be made between the latter two disciplines, depending on the future specialization. Additional subject – English. But in some educational institutions it is not necessary to take such an exam.

Is it possible to become a programmer without education

You don’t need to have a degree to become a developer. However, without it, it will be difficult for a novice specialist to get a good job. Besides, you still have to study hard. We’ll have to prepare for difficulties, become a more resilient and disciplined person. The main thing is to have the desire and readiness for fruitful work on oneself.

Programming courses – learning from scratch at home

Today there are plenty of them, both in real conditions and on the net. Courses are often not free, but the organizers will be able to offer the student an effective training program. This will allow you to get ready for programming in a short time. Often these events are held collectively. Courses are good at helping to organize and focus on a precise goal. There will be a study of theoretical material, which potential developers will immediately apply in practice, under the guidance of a teacher. A certain task is assigned to the house, after completing which, a person will be able to ask a question to the curator. We recommend the following courses for beginners looking to master the profession:
HTML Academy .
Codecademy .
“PHP Basics on Code Basics”
Yandex-workshop .
Freecodecamp .

Learning under the guidance of a mentor

This type of training is good because you can sign up with a tutor for a set of individual lessons. This also requires financial investments, but the result will be much more effective. After all, the mentor will deal with one student, giving him more time. This means that the learning process will go even faster. Such activities are common both on the Internet and in real life. The tutor creates an individual program for each ward, based on his strengths and weaknesses. A beginner or an experienced programmer who wants to improve their knowledge can sign up for a mentor.

Self-study of the material

There is also a third option for training – on your own. It is also the most economical and long-lasting. But a person must create a program himself, prepare educational material and tune in and prepare for a systematic in-depth knowledge of the world of programming. First you need to choose a language. All of them can be learned without the support of a teacher. There are many different videos and articles on the Internet that will help a future developer.

Tutorials for mastering the profession of a programmer from 10-20 years old and to more adult developers

It is necessary to learn exclusively from good books. It is necessary to use encyclopedias in physics and mathematics. For the little ones, you can take children’s benefits, such as Avanta +.

Both subjects form the foundation upon which the entire study will be built. Basic programming literature is also worth acquiring. Python for Kids by Jason Briggs is fine.
To continue, you can use the book “Python: The Great Programming in Minecraft” by Andrey Koryagin. The manual has a connection with mathematics, has important information about 3D coordinates, functions, and more. Useful in the study of robotics.
To practice skills in programming or mechanics, it is recommended to pay attention to “Physical experiments and experiments with Lego” – A. Koryagin
For the youngest developers who are just learning the basics, we invite you to familiarize yourself with Lego WeDo Educational Robotics. A notebook is attached to the book.
Having mastered the easy material, you can proceed to the more complex C ++. For example, Herbert Schildt’s student manual would work.
It is also recommended to pay attention not to the book on Delphi by Nikita Kultin:
To be able to develop codes for games, it is worth working out using C # based on Unity, by J. Manning.
Does the programmer need to know math: https://youtu.be/_2beqwXS9Os

2 web developer specialization paths – front end vs back end

Programmers who create a website are divided into 2 main “fronts”: “frontend” and “backend”. Specialists who decide to connect their future with web-development must decide which type of this activity they prefer. This does not mean that one person cannot work in the backend and frontend at the same time. After all, you still need to start somewhere, and with experience you can combine these paths. To choose a specialization, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the features and specifics of both.

Key differences

The front-end specialist is responsible for the side of the site that is accessible and visible to the visitor. He develops a design layout, creates functionality that will be comfortable to use. The programmer of this profile tries to ensure that the site runs well and does not distort the visual on devices and browsers. In order to work in the frontend, a beginner programmer must learn the basics, namely: HTML, CSS, SASS, JavaScript. Back-end developer activities are the other side of the same coin. He is responsible for creating technologies that are invisible to the user. Simply put, a specialist makes all those tabs, buttons and other elements of functionality workable. A beginner in the backend industry should also have certain knowledge: learn 1 or more programming languages, be able to use a version control system, understand the database and be familiar with the JSON: API.
frontend-i-backend [/ caption]

Typical responsibilities

Frontend deals with:

1. By creating interfaces and layouts, the front can develop a resource for an online store. The list of his tasks also includes the production of mailings.
2. SPA development. If the bank asks to make an application, it will contain charts and diagrams, savings tracking functions, a calculator, data on currencies, and so on.

Backend is working on:

1. Creation of CRUD. When a user is registered on the server and his account is created, the backer must write a personal code. With its help, it will be possible to save any changes, delete the profile or restore it.
2. By processing the information that the front has worked through. This data must be saved and structured. The specialist deals with the distribution of information in the database, manages caches, etc.
3. Examining various documentation. It is his responsibility to design the application correctly. For example, if suddenly at a certain stage something goes wrong, this should not affect the entire algorithm.

backend-developer-roadmap-2022 [/ caption]

I want to become a developer – what should I choose?

The frontend is suitable for those who:

• wants to start working and earn money in the IT field in a short time;
• likes to work with site visuals, applying a creative approach;
• cannot endure long before he sees the fruit of his efforts.

The backend is the best option for people:

• with a technical mindset;
• who do not like to do layout;
• those who want to climb the career ladder and grow to the position of a boss.

What programming language should a novice developer choose in 2022?

First you need to choose one of the simplest programming languages. Even those who are going to become gurus in their field are not recommended to start by learning complex languages ​​like C ++. For most newbies, this will be overwhelming and they will break down and lose all interest in programming. Which programming language to choose in 2022:
Current tiobe rating – top 10 popular programming languages ​​[/ caption] It is worth starting with the following:

Scratch

Scratch is one of the easiest to learn. With its help, children are introduced to programming. It is not necessary to memorize and write codes early on here. All language constructions can be dragged with the mouse. Here you can program postcards, animations, games, films, presentations. As an example, we suggest watching a video on how to create a simple mindfulness game: https://youtu.be/yUWl37QKLzw

1C

1C – programming in Russian, which greatly simplifies the work. The project is designed to automate the economic and organizational work of any enterprise. For beginners who plan to master the 1C program, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the video, which tells in detail about interesting moments and facts in working with it: https://youtu.be/MN9cam6yWKw

JavaScript

It will take a beginner about a few hours to learn the basics and write code for an animation, a lightweight mobile app, or a simple game. By the way, the user can try it out in any browser. Let’s try to create an elementary game: https://youtu.be/Av53VJI-UiE

Python

Python – you can read the code without much effort, especially if you know the basics of HTML. The project was created to facilitate the developer’s activities. Using this language, you can make a game “Snake”, create a personal voice assistant or Telegram bot, and much more. There are tons of ideas for beginners that this video should inspire: https://youtu.be/VRYxdyWJ3_U PHP – thanks to this language, you will be able to successfully prepare for web programming. It is well suited for creating console scripts, websites and applications ranging from light to super complex. It is suggested to watch a short video on how to create a domain and structure for an online store: https://youtu.be/FxrWRHCMOT8 Popular programming languages ​​for 2022:
The graph of the demand for programming languages ​​in the international labor market / research.hackerrank.com [/ caption]

What else a future developer needs to learn

In addition to the programming language, it is important to know well:

• mathematics;
• statistics;
• English language;
• logic;
• physics;
• computer science.

Regular practice

It is necessary to program something every day, starting with easy developments, and continuing with more complex ones. At the very beginning, a novice developer writes downright bad codes. When he begins to understand this, he tries to improve the program. This means that he rises one step higher. This happens every time, and all the time the programmer tries to improve his creations. If you don’t practice, the whole theory will eventually be forgotten.

Where do programmers work

Developers are needed wherever there are applications, programs, work with online platforms. They work in regular offices or at home, if their superiors don’t mind. In the Russian Federation, the tendency of migration of programmers to work abroad has become noticeable. In some countries, the salary of a high-level specialist exceeds the local one by about 2-3 times.

How to look for a job

Despite the popularity, rather high salaries and a large shortage of personnel, not all companies are in a hurry to contact novice programmers. After all, most employers need professionals who do not need to be taught. But you can’t give up. You should call on advertisements, go to the receptions of enterprises, offering their services. But first you need to prepare:

1. Create a resume . Any self-respecting organization will require this document from a potential employee. It should contain: information about education and work experience (if any), a description of skills and qualities, personal contacts, knowledge of languages ​​and everything that may be useful.
2. Attach a diploma . With education, employers are more willing to hire programmers for the position.
3. Work experience document . Also promises great chances. Can be taken from a previous place of work.
4. Prepare a portfolio . It will be easier to determine the level of professionalism of the candidate for the vacancy. Eichar will be able to view the work and understand whether a person can cope with such tasks.

Features of the interview

No work is worth fear and worry. Therefore, when preparing for an interview, there is no need to worry. It is better to try to pull yourself together and adjust yourself so that it is not the future employer who hires a specialist, but he himself decides whether he needs such a position. You should talk about your strengths.
An interview is not an exam, but an opportunity to present yourself correctly. It is necessary to ask a potential boss about the working conditions, the prospects for the company’s growth, career opportunities, etc. Then he will see a self-confident person in front of him. And all enterprises need such employees.

Programmer internship

When a developer was hired for a trial period, this is not a reason to worry that at the end of it, the boss will refuse to cooperate. On the contrary, you need to show your skills from the best side and continue to learn new things. In most cases, an internship is a formality, a time that needs to be waited before being officially hired.

What difficulties do novice developers face?

The developer’s activities are interesting and unusual. But, as in any profession, there are also pitfalls here. It is suggested that you familiarize yourself with the common difficulties that await beginners:

1. Working with someone else’s code . Experts don’t always write their programs from scratch. Sometimes they have to deal with the finalization of another programmer’s system. Each employee has a different level of knowledge and skills. The difficulty lies in the fact that sometimes the code can be written by a more advanced developer, or less literate. In any case, understanding another person’s creation is not easy, especially for beginners.
2. Work in large and convoluted systems . Ideally, all systems contained in software packages should exist separately and be able to exchange messages with each other. In reality, this does not happen. Complexes consist of several thousand lines of code. To understand them, many programmers decipher what was written over the course of many months.

How to avoid difficulties in the work of a programmer

Someone else’s development is called Legacy code. To successfully unravel it, it is recommended to completely isolate from it. It is better to create your own subsystem and write the code yourself, periodically checking your work with others. Then there will be less confusion and you will be able to sort out your colleague’s mistakes faster.

At what age is it better to study programming – is it possible to become a developer 20-30-40-50 years old?

There are no clear age restrictions. But it is recommended to start studying at the age of 12-13. This is the time when the child is not very overloaded with lessons and is already more assiduous. It is worth learning something easy at first – designing a turtle, or starting to make flowcharts in Scratch. A complex and in-depth study can begin later, by about 15-20 years (with regular training). As for adults, it’s never too late to learn. If you have the motivation and zeal, then you can start programming in retirement. The main thing is to find good teaching material and practice constantly. It is better to include the codes that will be obtained in the portfolio. This will be a big plus in the future. In IT, is age so important, is it necessary to read books, what to do for students – Interview with A. Byndu: https://youtu.be/jI-cZRFpbkk

How long does it take to become a programmer

The question is purely individual. In any case, the process will take several years. In the best case, it will be possible to master the required program in 3-4 years. But enormous efforts will have to be made. The vast majority of already advanced programmers take about 8-10 years to master this complex profession well.

How to become a sought-after professional in this field

A programmer is a prestigious job. Now it is easier to master all the necessary skills than, for example, 5-7 years ago. All materials and courses are in the public domain. To become a good developer, you need:

• study new information about developments;
• develop your skills regularly;
• share experience with other programmers;
• strive to work with the best developers to grow professionally.

There are people who prefer to lose themselves for years at an unloved job, instead of once giving up such a life and doing what they love. There is no need to be afraid to experiment and try yourself in different areas. If you like programming, then it is better to develop this hobby until the moment it starts generating income. How to become a programmer from scratch in 187 days, real story – informative video: https://youtu.be/PyVT8G1QEg0

Tips for beginners from renowned programmers

Who to learn from, if not from the masters of their craft? Only professionals with many years of experience can tell amateurs and novice programmers what is important to take into account while studying and working as a developer. What to look for and what not to do. It is proposed to consider 5 tips from famous programmers who have made a great contribution to the development of this area.
Brendan Icke is the creator of JavaScript. In one of his interviews, he urges colleagues not to dwell on mistakes, but be sure to pay attention to them and try to understand what is the reason. He even gives advice on using one of the programming languages:
Here’s
James Goslingexplains the importance of being able to make the right choice. The programmer says that he regrets the lost time when he wasted it on empty or unproductive work. You need to prioritize correctly.
Writing code for a specific program is an incredibly serious step. Many developers focus their efforts on long-term results so that their creation will work for at least about 10 years. Some codes even become an auxiliary prop for a large number of developers. John Carmack shared this in his interview
.
Joel Goldberg
believes, no matter how brilliant the idea is, it should be as simple as possible. If possible, the programmer recommends to simplify the development scheme. After all, it is likely that someday another specialist will want to use it (or he will have to do it), but will not be able to figure out the code.
And finally, the main advice from
Linus Torvalds :
It doesn’t matter what a person does or what his salary is. He is unlikely to be able to achieve success in an unloved job. And even if this happens, he will not be able to enjoy his victories in full. Most famous developers have achieved such heights in their industry because they have always considered programming a part of their lives.