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When i started my web journey, i wasn't able to learn javascript because my mentors said it was like magic. Theres been a lot of myths and misconceptions about coding and programming, i'll want to clear a few of them in this post.
#1: I need to be a genius to become a developer.
Software engineers, web developers, programming architects – whatever you wish to call them – they're not geniuses. Like members of any industry, their skillfulness lies on a spectrum from excellent to poor. On the good side, you will find programmers with either remarkable talent or work ethic, maybe both; and on the bad side, well you can imagine. But on any point of this spectrum, good or bad, you will find ordinary people, just like you. Because to get into this industry, everyone follows the same path: learning the technology and theory, and then implementing the learning through projects until mastery is achieved. That’s all there is to it.
Anyone can learn how to become a software developer
#2: Learning to code is like learning brain surgery!
In addition to computer science theory, you of course need to learn how to code in order to become a software developer. But don’t worry, it’s not brain surgery; in fact it’s not even rocket science.
Learning to code is not as hard as most people think. Fundamentally, to code is to talk to a computer, but in a special language, such as PHP, Javascript, or Ruby. As a software engineer, your job is to talk to the computer and give it tasks to perform, such as building a website. To build the website, the computer requires the developer to meticulously writeout a list of step–by–step instructions – mini tasks to accomplish an overarching task.
#3: I need a college degree to know how to become a web/software developer.
Believe it or not, but there’s a significant population of software developers in the tech–industry who are self-taught, and to this day, still don’t have formal degrees. This is because computer programming is a trade, and it can be taught in the same manner that someone can learn how to use Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Of course, when first starting out, this person isn’t a full–fledged programmer or graphic designer, but they know how to use the tools, which is suffice to get a job. Once they land a job, they build a portfolio and begin to master their trade.
The thing is, Programmers without degrees are more common than you think
#4: I need serious math skills to learn how to become a software developer.
To be a full–time programmer is not to be a gifted mathematician. You don’t need to know how to calculate the slope of an orthogonal trajectory to know how to code. Actually, you don’t have to even know what this means. To learn how to become a software developer, you need to know basic algebra and practice strong problem–solving skills. Other than these two prerequisites, the degree of math you need to know is highly dependent on the project you are working on. For example, if you’re designing a user interfaces with a front–end framework like twitter bootstrap, you’ll barely use any math – at a minimum you need to be able to count pixels.
Success as a programmer and math proficiency are not directly correlated
#5: Knowing the best programming language will accelerate my journey to learning
The requirements of a project will determine the ‘best’ programming language to use, and even then, you will need to use multiple languages to complete a project. This is because many languages work together, not against each other. Each language has an intended purpose within a given project.
For example, Javascript is historically a front–end language intended for UI development; meanwhile, PHP is a back–end language intended for back–end development. You may not know what this means precisely, but the bottom line is that comparing certain languages is like comparing a hammer to a screwdriver: they are designed for different tasks but together achieve a common goal.
There is no best language to learn.
#6: It is too late for me to become a web developer.
Regardless of prior experience, the path to become a web or software developer is open to anyone who aspires to take it. The only prerequisite is a relentless will to succeed.
It’s never too late to change careers!
✔ RECOMMENDED: 10 Reasons Why Bloggers Do not Reach Their Goals.
My name is Gozie Brain Izuka, and to all bloggers out there, i just want to make common sence; i hope i did.
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