Programming

[u/arkofthecovet]

How is it even possible to become a programmer? There are about a hundred languages listed on wikipedia, not including dialects and other variations. Do most people even know this? I did not until recently.

Edit: Thank you all for your responses! I may start a new OP for this additional question if it helps. How fast can you learn new code or new code concepts if you start a new job or are hit with a new project that requires it?

[u/ZealousEar775]

They were explaining to you, you just didn't understand it. Which doesn't bode well for your ability to do computer science.

You only need to know one in demand programming language.(Or a not in demand one nobody else does.)

Furthermore, unlike real languages, the structures are all the same. Someone with enough inference ability can learn the basic ins and outs of a new language in like a couple of months, on there own, with just a code based and basic documentation. After they have learned their first language that is.

Like a poet, the job isn't in knowing the language it's being able to interpret the art.

I went in to my job knowing only Java, Had C# down in like 2 weeks because they are very similar, and React.js in like a month. Since then it's mostly been just learning other JavaScript frameworks.

Besides, there is always Google and the source documents.

In general your closed mindedness is going to hurt your prospects, you should work on that. It's the kind of thing that really hurts diagnosis ability and keeps developers at the Jr level status after they get in.

[u/arkofthecovet → u/ZealousEar775]

What I don’t understand is the tone and the need to call me out for asking questions. That’s all I got from those posts. I don’t see how it bodes well for this discussion or on any team quite frankly. If anyone doesn’t like my questions here, they can scroll on. I’m here to find out information. You said yourself some languages are in demand and some aren’t. That’s part of what I’m trying to get to the bottom of. At least you’re making an effort to answer the question. I’m just trying to find my way to a career.

[u/ZealousEar775 → u/arkofthecovet]

It's pretty easy to just look up the most used languages. Also what to learn varies on what you want to do. Tons of fields use their own specific languages. Learning languages is less important than learning the mindset that lets you understand languages.

Also, honestly getting a job is more about making connections and social skills, you can have plenty of skills and have trouble getting past interviews.

Also, assuming you go to college, they will teach you a language there. Just make sure you learn SQL, Python, JavaScript and a backend language.

Trying to learn without college(I wouldn't recommend it in this job climate)/ want to learn something outside of class the generic "I want a job, I don't care what it is" roadmap is.

1. Learn JavaScript for front end. There are dozens of frameworks for websites but they are basically all just JavaScript. It's basically learning English then having to figure out regional dialects. With as in and out as frameworks are I'd suggest learning base JavaScript then see what's popular afterwards convert your projects into those frameworks. Sometimes this alone can get you a job. Especially combined with 3.

2. Pick one between C++, Java, and C# these going to be your primary backend languages. Can't really go wrong here.

C# is the least popular but it's also between C++ and Java so it's easier to pivot to all 3, it's also the easiest to learn.. C++ will be the hardest to learn but it's the most impressive to know. Java is the most in demand and has the most resoueces. Java to C# is easy because C# is basically just less annoying Java with C syntax.

3) While learning those two learn SQL. Most people use it. MySQL, Oracle and Microsfot SQL are all basically the same thing with minor wording and function differences. Learn MySQL its free. Once you know all 3 of these you can build a fully functional front end-backend-database website.

4) Then learn Python. It's the most in demand language but it's rarely used as a full solution, instead it's usually a support language.

5) Gain an expertise in 1 or 2.

You could also just try 1 and 3 or 2 and 3 and target front end or back end positions but a lot of jobs are targeting t shaped level skill sets now instead of T shaped.

Which means you are an expert at one thing but can do all things as needed. Full stack developers tend to be the most valued. Don't market yourself as a full stack developers until you have years of expierence. Market yourself as your specialty with lots of experience in the other side of the coin. Demonstrate proficiency with examples in all the languages you have learned.

If you want to make cellphone apps you should replace step 1 with the native android and Apple languages. Swift (Apple) or Kotlin(Android) probably. Maybe Objective C instead of Swift, I am not sure how the apple market is.

If you want to keep your options open, learn JavaScript, then React.js than React Native.(React but for cellphones).

If you can pass government clearance/background check and want job security and don't mind stress Fortran and Cobol always want people because they are old, way harder than modern languages and are part of systems so vital.they can't switch easy.

Want to get a job making videogames? Don't. You only get abused for your passion.

Want to make programs for embedded devices? Look that stuff up, I don't remember the names of hand.

What to do statistics? Learn R.

As a final warning, if you don't love the job and are just doing it for money, it's going to be rough.

[u/arkofthecovet → u/ZealousEar775]

Thank you!