Computer Science Master Programs

Computer Science Master Programs – Learn to program

Computer Science Master Programs – Learn to program

Learn to program

Free Online Articles Directory

Why Submit Articles?
Top Authors
Top Articles
FAQ
ABAnswers

Publish Article

0 && $.browser.msie ) {
var ie_version = parseInt($.browser.version);
if(ie_version Login

Email

Password

Remember me?
Lost Password?

Home Page > Computers > Programming > Learn to program

Learn to program

Edit Article |

Posted: Apr 06, 2009 |Comments: 2
|

]]>

Aspiring software developers often don’t know where to start when learning to program.

Should I get a “Teach Myself Programming” book and learn from that?

Do I need a Computer Science degree?

Which programming languages should I learn?

Should I learn every programming language?

How do I design an application?

The most important thing to understand is programming languages go in and out of fashion over the years. Therefore, educating yourself in current technologies and the history of computing would certainly be a good start to your career in IT.

You probably need to know a fair bit of maths to be a programmer but soft skills are very important too. So a well rounded education is a must. You don’t want to be stuck in an office on a low wage because you are unable to assert yourself.

Next, you need to learn about process models. A typical software project should consist of REQUIREMENTS, DESIGN, CODING, TESTING, USER ACCEPTANCE. It’s generally better to at least be aware of everyone elses role even if you are just doing the coding. Become a generalist. Learn a little about everything in the IT world. Everything is interrelated so no experience is wasted. I worked as an IT Trainer which taught be about end user’s dissatisfaction with many pieces of software, I’ve worked as a software developer which has showed me that many programmers don’t understand what users want (they just want something that works – nothing fancy!), I’ve worked in sales so I understand what customer’s requirements are.

But how many programming languages do I need to learn? Well, once you’ve mastered the foundation of Computer Science and learnt a couple of Object Oriented Programming languages such as Java or C# and used them with a database and server sided scripting language, then you’ll notice that learning a new language isn’t that difficult. In general, you’ll find that you learn more and more programming languages through necessity as your career progresses. Many roles require you know 10 or more different languages as well as standards (such as W3C web standards, usability guidelines) and process models (SSADM, waterfall, Spiral).

But should I learn a simpler language first? Well, you could but you don’t have to. I suppose if you learn a more complex language like C++ first and then learnt something simpler like Visual Basic.Net then the learning curse would be steeper for C++ having had no previous experience but subsequently learning VB.Net would be easier. I find that learning a language for a purpose gives me most motivation. First I learnt VB 6 because I needed to for college, then I learnt Ruby on Rails because I needed to. Since then I seem to learn a few a year, just to keep up to date.

But don’t programming languages go out of favour? Yes they do but I have a theory that when one programming language, say Delphi, loses its appeal then a new language, say Ruby on Rails, becomes popular. Few developers know Ruby on Rails (well less than .Net) so everyone rushes to learn it. For a time, jobs in RoR are better paid but there are fewer of them.

Why learn lots of languages? Good question. Different languages have different applications. You wouldn’t expect an electrician to come to your house with just one size screwdriver would you? Java is slowly than C++ for desktop applications. Delphi isn’t as good for web applications.

To be an effective programmer you need to understand how the mind works. When I was younger I had difficulty dropping off to sleep. My dad said lay there until you go to sleep. My grandma said if you can’t sleep get up for a while and get a drink of milk then go back to bed. Guess who’s method worked best. Correct – my grandma’s. The same applies to programming. If it ain’t happening then come away from your desk, read a book, go for a walk. Do something else. Or even sleep on it. Your mind will unconsciously process the problem and when you return to your desk you should be a little further towards solving it. This is why I don’t believe in sticking programmers in 9-5 office environments – they sap creativity and lead to burnout.

Healthy body, healthy mind. If you sit there programming all day and all night you are going to get ill and not work to your full capacity. Get to the gym and exercise your body. Also, the stereotypical diet of a computer programmer is lots of coffee, chocolate and crisps. Food and drink which you can make and eat quickly at your desk. If you eat junk food you will produce junk code. Simple as that.

The end

Developer of http://www.computercoders.com

Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/programming-articles/learn-to-program-852707.html”

(ArticlesBase SC #852707)

Start increasing your traffic today just by submitting articles with us, click here to get started.
Liked this article? Click here to publish it on your website or blog, it’s free and easy!

Michael Greenwood -
About the Author:

Michael Greenwood – http://www.computercoders.com

]]>

Questions and Answers

Ask our experts your Programming related questions here…

Ask

200 Characters left

What are the easiest programming languages to learn ?
How many programming languages should i learn ?
I am an under-graduate in physics and currently pursuing psychology through distance learning. Based out of India and looking for summer programs abroad for exposure. Need help!

Rate this Article

1
2
3
4
5

vote(s)
2 vote(s)

Feedback
RSS
Print
Email
Re-Publish

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/programming-articles/learn-to-program-852707.html

Article Tags:
learn to program, learn how to program, how can i learn to program, programming beginners guide, beginners guide to computer programming, how do i become a software engineer

Related Videos

Latest Programming Articles
More from Michael Greenwood

How to Start Program

Comprehensive advice on your computer and software problems and questions, this video will focus on how to start to learn to program. (06:07)

How to Understand Free Software

In this top tech video you will learn about open source software and free software. (01:15)

How-To Uninstall Software in Windows Vista and XP

Associated article: http://www.cleartechinfo.com/Learn-How-To-Uninstall-Software-Programs-Windows-Vista
Video tutorial and Help article. Learn how to easily uninstall software programs install on your Windows Vista computer. You can also use this tutorial to help you uninstall software on Windows XP. (02:13)

How to Contribute to Open Source Software

In this top tech video you will learn how to contribute to open source software. (01:39)

How to Understand Open Source Software Licenses

In this top tech video you will learn how to Understand Open Source Software’s different licenses (00:45)

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER ENGINEERING

HOW IDENTIFY AND CLONE SYSTEM

By:
FRIDAYl

Computers>
Hardwarel
Jun 08, 2009
lViews: 130

Guide To A Successful Career In Search Engine Marketing

Introduction to SEM (Search Engine Marketing) Search engines have become an integrated part of our lives. In today’s world, ‘being online’ is not an option. In US alone, around 7 billion searches are being made every month. Travel, finance, entertainment, education, health or ecommerce, search engines are being used to find…

By:
Pradeep Chopral
Internetl
Dec 26, 2007

3 Useful Computer Troubleshooting Tips Anyone Can Do on Their Own

This basic guide is split into educational guide and tip sheet. There are 2 sections types; Know and Act. The sections marked as Know explain why to do what is suggested. The sections marked Act give you the actual troubleshooting tip. By knowing and acting, you can learn and improve your troubleshooting tips.

By:
Zoe Tsoraklidisl
Computersl
Jul 25, 2010

Ultimate SAP Training System – Computer Based Training Lessons

You might already know, SAP is a big industry. Huge, actually. It’s no exaggeration to say the opportunties are MASSIVE.

By:
Ernestl

Internet>
Internet Marketingl
Mar 01, 2011

How Software Applications Boost Your Search Engine Optimization Efforts

This article is about search engine optimization.

By:
Adeline Reklil
Internetl
Jul 21, 2010

A Definitive Guide on How to Choose Your New Pc

With the rapid development of technology and the bewildering array of options and brands available with new PC’s are you confident in the choices you are making? This definitive guide will not only help you make intelligent buying decisions it will also provide some unique insights as to how you can take retailers and vendors to task on their specifications and get best value for your money.

By:
Alan Johnsonl

Computers>
Hardwarel
Jan 19, 2009

Software IQ. Microsoft’s Mr. Bill Gates & The Boy Who Cried Worp

Shockingly innovative is Microsoft’s! i>Office 2007, and I’m convinced that its appearance is evidence that its rival, OpenOffice 2, is winning the game with its suite of application programs equivalent to those of Office 2003, which means that what is 4 years older is as good as new. Office 2007 with a unique user interface is in response to the redoubtable challenge of OpenOffice; Microsoft’s Gambit is: If the enemy is game, change the rules of the game. I’d say Microsoft has high IQ.

Having

By:
masoodl

Computers>
Softwarel
Aug 13, 2009
lViews: 212

Offshore Development Services that Cater to an International Clientele

Offshore development services can involve a range of activities such as web and software development, design, E commerce and multimedia solutions, graphic design, net marketing, site tracking services and several more.

By:
R Govindanl

Computers>
Programmingl
Mar 10, 2011

How not to curb Java Enterprise Applications

Modern enterprise servers running Java applications typically feature between 16 and 64 cores, and can additionally be bundled in clusters or grids. Old fashioned applications written for sequential hardware will simply not be able to make use of this hardware. What is required is a Java parallel support for running tasks concurrently on a server or across servers.

By:
Corwin Smithl

Computers>
Programmingl
Mar 10, 2011

Which PHP Forum System is best?

Free and Open Source PHP Forum system which you can build a community for communicate with each other. So that your member can interact ,discuss and share items

By:
anny2workl

Computers>
Programmingl
Mar 10, 2011

Effective web ecommerce solutions

E commerce solutions are the latest online trend for most of the business through internet. Majority of the users are choosing e commerce based services to gain maximum at online shopping.

By:
Sritikantha Pattnaikl

Computers>
Programmingl
Mar 10, 2011

Offshore Facebook Application Development

Facebook application development is one of the most flourishing online marketing tools. More and more businesses are opting for Facebook development to promote their products.

By:
Viahal Aroral

Computers>
Programmingl
Mar 09, 2011

Popular Mobile Development Platforms

Mobile development is one of the hottest things in the market. Popular platforms include Symbian OS, Google Android, Apple iOS and BlackBerry OS.

By:
Viahal Aroral

Computers>
Programmingl
Mar 09, 2011

Maximize return on Investment with iPhone Apps

Maximize return on Investment with iPhone Apps Software developers can build an iPhone app, but not everyone has the secret to generate money out of iPhone applications. If your app is palatable, then follow the given steps and defiantly get success.

By:
IADsl

Computers>
Programmingl
Mar 09, 2011

Uncertainty is certain: A case for agile development practices

A process methodology that reflects the realities that businesses must deal with everyday, is a methodology that accounts for uncertainty. Processes need to account for events that are likely to occur and not treat normal events as exceptions.

By:
Roy Monical

Computers>
Programmingl
Mar 08, 2011

10 Things You Should Know About Lighting Consultants

Lighting Consultants design lighting schemes for a range of industry sectors.

By:
Michael Greenwoodl

Business>
Industriall
Oct 27, 2010

Lighting Consultant

This article highlights the differences between a lighting consultant and an electrician. These are completely different occupations.

By:
Michael Greenwoodl

Business>
Industriall
Oct 27, 2010

Lighting Design

You may or may not be surprised at how many times we get asked this! Lighting Consultants are professionals that assist people with anything from commercial and industrial design layouts, to internal and external luminaire advice, through basic lamp options to improve daylight effects and methods of reducing energy consumption.

By:
Michael Greenwoodl

Business>
Industriall
Oct 27, 2010

Web Design in Barnsley

Web Design in Barnsley is particularly interesting at the moment. Companies that offer to develop a website for a client must consider the actual design alongside their overall marketing strategy.

By:
Michael Greenwoodl
Internetl
Jul 05, 2010

Early Stage Business Networking

Early Stage Business Networking is extremely useful for owners and decision makers in new companies. Especially if you have started the business on your own.

By:
Michael Greenwoodl

Business>
Small Businessl
Mar 17, 2010

New Business Networking

New Business Networking is important for your new business. The statistics state that approximately one in five new businesses fail within the first five years. But if you do all the right things you will improve your chances of success.

By:
Michael Greenwoodl

Business>
Small Businessl
Mar 17, 2010

Business Network Events For Early Stage Businesses

Business networks are a fantastic way to promote your products and services. Meeting other company owners and decision makers can only be good for business.

By:
Michael Greenwoodl

Business>
Small Businessl
Mar 17, 2010

Small Business Networking Events

Small business networking events are important for early stage businesses. Interacting with other business owners can help you to improve your sales and find new opportunities.

By:
Michael Greenwoodl

Business>
Small Businessl
Mar 17, 2010

Add new Comment

Your Name: *

Your Email:

Comment Body: *

Verification code:*

* Required fields

Comments on this article

2. Michael Greenwood 17/07/2009

Thank you very much Sumit, your feedback is much appreciated and I’m pleased that you liked the article.

1. Sumit Boaz 16/07/2009

really nice article for encouraging a programmer

Submit

Your Articles Here
It’s Free and easy

Author Navigation

My Home
Publish Article
View/Edit Articles
View/Edit Q&A
Edit your Account
Manage Authors
Statistics Page
Personal RSS Builder
My Home
Edit your Account
Update Profile
View/Edit Q&A
Publish Article
Author Box

Michael Greenwood has 85 articles online

Contact Author

Subscribe to RSS

Print article

Send to friend

Re-Publish article

Articles Categories
All Categories

Advertising
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Beauty
Business
Careers
Computers
Education
Finance
Food and Beverage
Health
Hobbies
Home and Family
Home Improvement
Internet
Law
Marketing
News and Society
Relationships
Self Improvement
Shopping
Spirituality
Sports and Fitness
Technology
Travel
Writing

Computers

Computer Forensics
Computer Games
Data Recovery
Databases
E-Learning
File Types
Hardware
Information Technology
Intra-net
Laptops
Networks
Operating Systems
Programming
Security
Software

]]>

Need Help?
Contact Us
FAQ
Submit Articles
Editorial Guidelines
Blog

Site Links
Recent Articles
Top Authors
Top Articles
Find Articles
Site Map
Mobile Version

Webmasters
RSS Builder
RSS
Link to Us

Business Info
Advertising

Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2011 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved.

Michael Greenwood – http://www.computercoders.com