Do you want to start building apps like a pro? An answer to
this question is plain – just become a programmer. And guess what? You don’t
need a university degree to become a programmer.
Nowadays more and more young people want to become a
software or web developer. And it stands to the reason of high salary rates and
low unemployment percentage.
According to the latest US data, a software developer earns
Ksh0.9 million per month (equating to Ksh10 million or $98,260 a year), and the
unemployment rate is extremely low, only 2.00%.
The above-mentioned perks have made this job one of the
most lucrative technology careers. To add more, working as a software or web
developer, you get an above-average work-life balance.
In a nutshell, coding skills can bring both financial
stability and flexibility allowing you to work remotely whenever and wherever.
So how can one become a developer?
We have picked up some essential tips on how to become a pro
in coding.
Step #1: Decide On A Programming Language
Taking the first step is the hardest thing. You may get
stuck while choosing which language and framework you should learn.
Coding languages essential for aspiring developers
Java
One of the most in-demand programming languages used for developing of
enterprise software, web content, games, apps as well as Android OAS. Java apps
are designed to work nearly on any software platform.
Where to learn: Learnjavaonline.org, Udemy, etc.
C Languages
C and C++ make a foundation for many other programming languages. Learn it
first before moving on to the others.
Where to learn: CProgramming, Udemy, etc.
Ruby
It’s a simple and easy to write language for developing apps as well as
websites. It fuels the Ruby on Rails (or just Rails framework) that is used on
Groupon, Shopify, GitHub.
Where to learn: TryRuby, RubyMonk, etc.
Here’s one more thing to mention: if you know one coding
language, there’s no problem to make a switch to another. Just try to focus on
programming fundamentals and once you get them shift to new languages,
technologies, and frameworks.
With a great many of programming languages, it may be quite
challenging to choose which language to learn. Learn about as many languages as
possible.
Most developers find Ruby as an ideal coding language for an
easy jump into the world of codes and algorithms. Ruby is readable and quite
efficient with plenty of tools and a community of developers where you can ask
questions and even send out your mayday calls.
Step #2: Practice And Practice Some More
Learning by doing will bring you more benefits. This means
that you should master both sides of coding theoretical as well as practical.
Set yourself a particular goal – devote your spare time to learning.
It’s not possible to learn any language even English or
German after 10 hours of practice. It may take around 10,000 hours to become a
pro. Of course, you don’t need such excessive training to get your first
position as a developer. But you need to spend some time mastering your coding
skills.
Step #3 Read And Analyze Other People’s Code
Learn how to read codes written by other people. To do this,
you can read tech documentation or browse GitHub for codes.
By reading code, you can get the understanding of how a
program works. And this skill comes especially useful when you need to debug an
app. While debugging, you’ll quickly find bugs.
This skill is usually bypassed, but you will greatly benefit
from it. Don’t skim the code, delve deep and find all ins and outs. Take a pen
and write out the functionality and try to build similar stuff on your own.
Step #4: Start Your Project
Reading tutorials and watching videos aren’t enough for
becoming a pro. Start putting your skills and knowledge into use, solve daily
problems as any developers do.
Just get as much practice as you can to show your future
employers a massive portfolio of developed apps. And bear in mind, your goal is
to get a well-paid job.
A portfolio is an excellent way to showcase what you can do
and how potential employers will benefit if you get a job.
Step #5: Foster Links
Expand your professional network, and you get more chances
to get a well-paid job. According to Jobvite, nearly a half of employees get
jobs via employee referral.
Your goal is to establish connections with people connected
to companies that you’re dreaming of. Use your friends’ personal connections.
The following strategy may help build strong connections or even lead to job
interviews.
Make new professional connections by:
- Going to lectures and meetups
- Running a personal blog
- Give speeches and share your skills
- A long way to go
No one says that it’ll be easy and moreover, you may get
frustrated. But still many people successfully learn how to code on their own.
Use every single possibility to learn and achieve better
results. And if you dream of becoming a developer, nothing will be a burden for
you. There are plenty of resources to learn and get support.
Keep learning!
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