canibalism

[keith smith]

Where are you now?  What do you already know.  Any programming skills?  What about Linux?  Can you configure it?   Know any command line commands?

I think the answer to these questions will help you get started learning.

What is your passion?  Desktop applications?  Do you like database stuff?  Or do you want to build websites or browser based applications?

Do you own any domains and/or websites?

What have you been doing up to this point?  Those job skills and understanding  might be of value in a programming career.  I knew a med tech with lots of lab experience. He used those skills to move into a medical software company. 

A lot goes into choosing a path.  I've made a bunch of mistakes in managing my career.  Some of the things I learned:

- Stay focused!
- If you can get involved in more than one internships.
- Do something on your own.
- Give more than you receive.  At least at first.  Pay your dues.  It will take several years of working hard at work and at home to build that foundation.

You can have control over your destiny at least in part.  

I would not start with Java.  Configure Linux and learn C and C++ using GCC.  Take those classes first.  In my opinion C helps understand all other languages.

Java is a beast.  It is not intuitive nor is it like any other language I have ever used.  

I think a certification or two might help as well.

I agree with everyone else.  Follow your dreams.  You do not want to be at the end of your life looking back and wondering "What if I had just tried to be  a programmer?  I wonder what would have happened?".

Every time I have a decision like this I apply the old man test - Will I look back with regret because I did not do something.  If the answer is YES then the decision is simple.

Keith





Michael Havens <bmike101 at cox.net> wrote: which do you suggest....... I wanted to teach myself java and then I was 
thinking about python but I suppose I should ask what you         all think.

On Monday 05 March 2007 11:36 pm, Technomage wrote:
> On Monday 05 March 2007 22:39, Josh Coffman wrote:
> > huh? cannibalism and programming.. not my experience.
> > First, when you enjoy your job its more of a hobby that you get paid to
> > do. Second, this group should give you a good indication of the general
> > helpfulness techies have toward each other. (Hey, its us against stupid
> > users, right? kidding.)
>
> it may be a joke, but believe me, thats also serious (I know, I deal
> with 'stupid users' sometimes, and boy are they a pain!). anyway, yeah.
> enjoyment of a 'job' makes it a lot easier to do in the long run.
>
> > I would say my perspective is that of a seasoned and [apparently] well
> > respected developer. I'm not sure what factors would affect some one just
> > getting into the field. Also, if you have a dream you should pursue it
> > with fervor and wisdom.
>
> truer words were never uttered. :)
>
> one additional point: don't let anyone 'steal your dream' simply because
> they *think* they know better.
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Keith Smith 
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