Creating computer programs used by people every day is only one of the many tasks that a computer programmer can do. Code writing, creating user manuals, testing current and new applications and troubleshooting are other things that computer programmers are expected to perform. With the wide range of computer and high technology needs today, programmer jobs are wide open with many possibilities of rewarding types of employment. Here are 7 steps to follow on the way to becoming a great computer programmer:
- First, it is best to start by obtaining a degree in computer programming. This enables you to work as a network technician, project manager, researcher, software engineer and a host of other types of programmer jobs.
- You should learn how to write technical documents such as manuals. You can then use your writing skills for breaking into the field of documentation or technical writing. Among programmer jobs, there is a great demand for skilled technical writers and learning to do this type of work is a great addition to a computer programmer's arsenal of abilities and increases their chances of working in various departments within a company.
- If a programmer so desires, he / she can try to determine whether he / she would just do programming or could go to a higher level of programmer jobs and design programs. If this is so, then the programmer will need at least a bachelor's degree in software engineering from an institute of higher learning.
- If you are offered to take part in on the job training programs, then accept as much as possible. Working in the quality assurance department of a software development company will be very beneficial in terms of knowledge gained.
- Connect with seasoned programmers and learn from them as much as possible. There are many forums and discussion groups on the internet where a programmer can join and gain some valuable knowledge from many experienced programmers who are happy to share valuable bits they learned from the course of their own careers.
- Pick a favorite programming language or two and just focus on that first until you master them. There are a lot of different programming languages and you first need to decide, would be to decide if you prefer designing desktop applications or web applications? For creating desktop applications you will want to learn C++ or C#, for web applications you could start with PHP or java. It will definitely be advantageous to learn java / javascript because it will help increase a programmer's marketability a lot, although it is not the easiest language to learn. You could enroll in legitimate online schools if you want to be formally educated, but do not have the money or time to spend. It would also help to acquire some reference materials about the language you'd like to learn.
- After you have learned and mastered one or two languages now it is time to put this knowledge to work and write applications. You could make anything that comes into mind. Start from simple things, like widgets or calendar, and gradually move up to more complex projects.
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