Learning Programming

AndyCr15

AndyCr15

AndyCr15

Soldato
Joined
28 Apr 2011
Posts
15,347
Location
Barnet, London
I'd like to know what options I have in starting a new career, something more tech related.

I have quite a logical mind, but my only programming experience is when I was a teenager messing about with Basic and AMOS and things like that.

What options might I have given a 3 to 5 year time frame in getting myself competent enough to land a half decent job in the programming/tech sector and what would be the best route to take?

Or... am I being silly, it's too late to teach a slightly old dog new tricks?
 
I'm currently in retail management, so I know it's a complete change and that's kinda why part of my question is is it even possible at this point.

Options for changing career could be coming up, I used to enjoy programming when I was young, so wondered given I have a decent time scale to work in, what my options are I guess?

Happy to listen to any advice on what's best really.
 
Some good points, I think most of them are yes.

I'm initially taking a look at working towards making an Android app. I'm starting off using Codecadamy to learn Java.
 
Thanks, have added it to my Wishlist. Maybe if I get through the tutorials on Codecadamy then I'll move into the book.
 
Thanks, my brother is in the coding world and the first place he said was Udemy. I'm thinking of doing this one then. 60 hours of content will certainly keep me going!

I also like it's a one of payment as opposed to Lynda which looks to be in the region of £20 a month.
 
Right now they all look to be £15, reduced from hundreds (well, £195 for that one). I thought it might be one of those DFS things where they're always 'on sale'?

Maybe I should get the Android one while it's cheap too?
 
I understand choosing a goal that interests you. Right now I have a very simple Android app in mind.

I used to write in Basic and AMOS on my Amiga when I was a teenager. I wish I'd kept it up, but I got put of by Pascal in A Level Computer Studies and pretty much completely stopped.

So far Java doesn't seem that far from Basic, but I've only done the very 'basics' so far though.
 
For me, the level the free ones I found only went through very basic stuff. I could assign variables, do some things with them, set some arrays and print things out. The two free ones I looked at, stopped there.

A few people mentioned Udemy, looked to be highly thought of, so for £15 I'#m happy with it so far.

Probably my impatience, if I'd waited a few days maybe these free ones above would suffice too, but I've done it now, wasn't expensive, so no issue.

How about certifications and such? Do these matter, or if I'm heading towards Android Development will it be more about a portfolio of apps?

If they are handy, what Certifications and how do you work towards them?
 
I'm almost 20% of my way into this Udemy Java course. The first 10% or so was a breeze and quite fun as it was mainly the same as Basic, which I've done before. When challenges were set I was often adding my own stuff and doing more than was asked.

Now I'm on to the OOP part (well, just finished it) and it's got a lot harder for me. Now I worry my terrible memory is going to be a factor. I have to reference back to a lot of the previous examples and almost copy bits to work my way through the challenges. The last couple I've had to start the explanations up, pause them now and then and try and keep a step or two ahead as Tim (the instructor) sets things up.

It worries me a little when I look at the Q&A section and others have come up with really elaborate solutions all on their own...

I will stick at it though, hopefully using it over and over again, it will become second nature, like the first 10% was. I even wonder about going through sections a second time. I guess I can come back to them. I have a few years to learn, so no big rush!
 
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