Young man typing code at computer in modern office setting

What to Consider When Getting Trained for Computer Programming

October 2, 2023

​Points to Think About

“Computer programming” is a general concept. It contains tons of different areas that require various skill sets and technologies. It is easy to feel overwhelmed if you dive into the programming world without direction.

Before you start exploring, remember that the point of a training program isn’t to make you the next Mark Zuckerberg. It’s to give you an entry point. When you finish a program, you won’t know everything there is to know about code. In fact, most programmers don’t, even seasoned ones! Like in any other career, programmers never really stop learning.

To get you started, here are a few things to consider before diving in:

1.  Why do you want to learn to code?

What sparked your interest in coding? What skills do you want to learn? How do you plan on putting them to use?

2.  Do you have any relevant experience in programming?

Some college and training programs are intended for people with experience while other programs such as courses, degree programs, and coding “boot camps” are open to those without tech backgrounds.

When you’re exploring programs, be sure to carefully read expectations and requirements. This will help you make sure if the program is right for you.

3.  What kind of programmer do you want to be?

As mentioned above, the world of computer programming is expansive. A programmer is not the same thing as a software engineer or a system admin. And that’s not even mentioning the larger world of computer science.

This is why narrowing your focus to a single area when you get started is helpful. It does not mean you cannot expand your knowledge later, but attempting to master all of this at once is not likely.

That said, the different areas of programming involve distinct work and require distinct skill sets. Here are a few examples:

  • Application developers write and maintain desktop apps.
  • System developers work on things such as operating systems (OS), kernels, and drivers
  • Web developers write the code that runs on websites. These people either develop for the back-end (servers) or the front-end (users’ computers). Developers who do both are called full stack.
  • Mobile developers help build mobile apps.
  • Game developers help build video games.
  • Enterprise developers write code for the in-house software used by companies.

Once you’ve decided what kind of programmer you’d like to be, start looking into the job. You will need to find out the skills and technologies needed to do well in the role.

4.  How much time can you devote to learning?

This is an important part of choosing your learning method. Some programs are very intensive, while others go at a more relaxed pace. For instance, full-time vs. part-time boot camps. Full-time boot camps involve squeezing as much work and learning as possible into a few weeks. They can involve up to 80 to 90 hours per week!

Think about both how much time you’re able to devote and whether you are willing to undertake the stresses of an intensive/fast-paced program

You may have a busy schedule and/or working full-time. If so, a part-time bootcamp, college program, or other special training programs might be right for you. You can read more about these programs in the next section.

Ways to Learn

One of the best aspects about living in the 21st Century is how many ways there are to learn new tech skills. In fact, many people who work in the tech industry don’t have a traditional degree.

While not everybody can afford college, you should not necessarily forgo it as an option because there are many other ways to learn coding skills. Be sure to explore these as well!

Here are some ways you might learn more about computer programming:

1.  Enroll in a coding boot camp

We already discussed this above, but it’s worth mentioning again! Boot camps can be a great way to learn a lot of skills in a short amount of time. If you believe you need to learn new skills as soon as possible, and if you feel that you can handle a fast-paced learning environment, a boot camp may be right for you.

2.  Look into non-college programs

College isn’t the only option for expanding your tech knowledge. In the 21st Century, tech education is more open than ever. There are many programs that can improve relevant skills which can be added to your resume. Some let you work toward a certification or other certificates. However, the skills you learn are the most valuable asset to a job.

While this may bring to mind online course providers such as Coursera and edX, tech education isn’t limited to the internet. You can start by checking out our Training Program search tool and Apprenticeship site as well as ILCCO’s Adult Education Locator

Additionally, many certification programs offer courses to work toward exams. A great place to start is with Microsoft’s certification programs, which offer exams and training that prepares you. You may be able to take these courses – and exams – at your local training center.

It doesn’t stop here, though! Some courses are also offered through organizations. For instance, the St. Louis based organization LaunchCode provides resources such as coursework and mentoring to help people get into the tech industry.

3.  Learn through online resources

The internet provides a wealth of resources that can help you develop your skills on your own time. You can learn about almost any programming language without leaving your house or spending a dime.

For example, a good place to start is the Mozilla Developer Network. Here, you can find educational resources and documentation for a variety of web technologies. Also consider looking into official tutorials from programming language creators, such as Oracle’s Java Tutorials.

On the other hand, you may be looking for a more interactive way to learn instead of text tutorials and documentation. In this case, you may enjoy Codecademy or Treehouse.

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