The adventure starts right where your comfort zone ends!
If you’re stuck in a 9-5 job and wondering how you can make it exciting, explore with us the many opportunities that one can exploit as a programmer and why it’s pertinent to check out what exciting jobs it offers. In this article, we discover programming as a career option.
If you always wanted to control things while scrolling down your phone or wanted to make a game differently, programming could be the right profession for you. Programming is easy to learn when compared to other skills, and programmers have the option to work for themselves or as freelancers, to work whatever hours they want, and from home or anywhere they want.
Web developers and programmers are needed in every business sector. Talented and skilled programmers could find their niche in any field, from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to social services, health care, financial services, and even agriculture. You can become the face of a brand or an app by becoming a programmer.
Let’s dive into the details of how to become a programmer?
This article attempts to provide you with detailed knowledge related to different programming languages, what jobs you can opt for, what’s a detailed guide to becoming a programmer, and the best programming courses you can pursue.
Who Can Become a Programmer?
A programmer writes code that tells a computer or some other device what to do. Becoming a programmer doesn’t come with any hard and fast rules. Learning how to program is all about frequent practice and consistent passion.
So, what category of people can become programmers? Is there any specific skill set or qualification required to become eligible to take up programming as a career?
With the world of data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence offering lucrative and fulfilling programming jobs, anyone with an appetite to learn a new skill like coding can become a programmer.
1. You Want to Understand the Language of Computer
Be it your regular job or one of a programmer, it’s essential to understand how things work first. As a programmer, you should be interested in understanding how a computer operates and the code language of the same. If that’s something you want to learn, then you’re already one step closer to becoming a programmer.
2. You’re Ready to Enter a World With a Whole New Yet Exciting Language
No one said it would be easy, but we can guarantee that it will play an exciting role. If computer code language excites you and you can keep up with the updates and developments in this field, then the world of programmers will love you.
3. Patience is the Key
You might take some time to understand every step of programming and implement it in real life. Start by taking baby steps to familiarize yourself with the basic programming concepts, and then move on to real-life programming examples. You can become good at programming, like any other skill, with practice.
Critical Skills and Responsibilities of a Programmer
Before we jump onto steps related to how to become a programmer, it’s essential to understand all challenges you will take when on board.
- As a programmer, you will write codes for the computer/app and make it work in a way that you or someone else has planned.
- As a programmer, you can enjoy different job designations that come up with varied roles and responsibilities- Be it a software developer or website designer, you will be required to bring life to a design concept shared by other team members. As a software developer, you will direct the computer to work differently. As a Website Developer, your biggest challenge will be to curate a website in a way that’s easy to understand and persuading for customers.
In short, as a programmer, your job role will include bringing concept designs into a practical life that will make other things easier for the entire team. You will have the freedom to come up with your own interesting concepts and, through coding, make them work.
Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Programmer - Learning Road Map
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Identify Reasons Why You Want to Learn Programming
If you want to become a programmer, you must first identify why you want to learn this skill and ask yourself how serious you are about programming. Do you like to learn it? Or just want to add it to your resume, build a career out of it or maybe want to know it for a project?
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Know Which Industry Sector You Wish to Work For
To structure your career better, identify the sector you want to work in. Gone are the days when you could work only in the IT sector. There’s a massive requirement for a Programme Manager in all sectors. Hence, look out for the industry you’re interested in and keep a prime focus on that area. You can become a Software Programmer, Web Developer, Data Scientist, or Mobile App Developer. Every role brings in a unique skill set. Let’s explore these careers a little-
- Software Programmer: As a Software Programmer, you will create software based on the concept design shared by someone else.
- Web Developer: Web developers can be segregated into front-end and back-end. Back-end developers deal with complicated coding and ensure the smooth running of the website. Front-end developers focus on cracking the codes to make websites presentable.
- Data Scientist: If you want to step into the education field and love to research and analyze, this one's for you. As a Data Scientist, you would be required to learn Python and conduct several kinds of research.
- Mobile App Developer: Without apps, our phone is nothing less than a telephone booth. As a Mobile App Developer, you will create attractive Mobile Apps. This career is popular among freelancers as well.
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Pick a Language
Once you know the sector you want to work in, it’s time to identify which Language Code will most interest you. It’s essential to learn a language that has a future and interests you. Here are some languages that might interest you- Python, CSS/HTML, JavaScript, Solidity, and Ruby.
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Execute Your Programming Skills
Once you get the hang of a Programming Language, it’s essential to bring it into practice as much as you can. You can download the code editor on your laptop and start practicing small codes on it. Remember, small codes lead to complicated and lengthy coding language.
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Build Your Profile
To get a better experience, you can always start with small freelance projects. This will help build your profile for a job or freelance work. Also, by taking up small assignments, you can stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the field of programming.
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Keep Practicing
Now it’s time to trust the process. Start by choosing a program complexity you can handle. Using the internet, look for similar problems and how other learners handled them.
Which Programming Language to Choose?
As discussed before, it’s essential to identify the correct Programming Language as per your interest and career. Let’s deep dive into each Programming Language to make a better decision-
Python
Though every career might require learning a different coding language, learning Python will help you in every field. It includes learning artificial intelligence and is used in emerging technologies. Python is the preferred language for programming fields such as data science and software development.
CSS/HTML
While these two are separate coding languages, they are used together to create creative and magnificent web pages. If you are interested in front-end web development, this one's for you.
JavaScript
This code language is suitable for all professionals and is more accessible than other coding languages.
Ruby
Want to explore the world of web or game development? Then this one's for you. Ruby is a full-stack web development language that will help you design your game/website in the best way possible.
SQL
SQL, also known as Structured Query Language, helps you learn how you can manage and edit website databases effectively. If your interest lies in database management, you should head for this programming language.
Job Roles, Trends, and Salary of a Programmer
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Job Roles
As a programmer, you will be required to identify, write and debug codes to ensure the effective operation of software applications. To sum up your job role, you will be required to handle the following-
- Managing system performances
- Identifying new codes and updating existing ones
- Fixing bugs that might lead to programming errors
- Editing source code
- Implementing build systems
- Providing tech support.
A programmer can start a career as a System Analyst and later climb the ladder to become Software/Website Developers, Data Analysts, etc. With substantial experience, one can also become a Lead Developer or a Senior Developer.
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Trends
Technology is an integral part of every industry. It is becoming essential for organizations to hire a software programmer who stays up-to-the-date with the trend in the market and never misses out on anything new that comes in.
Edge Computing:
Edge computing is a distributed computing infrastructure that combines data storage and computation. The main aim is to improve the response time. It is estimated that it has the potential to transform into a big market in the coming years.
Rapid App Development:
Rapid App Development, also known as RAD, is a more flexible and more manageable approach than the Waterfall model. It comes with a solution where one can easily incorporate feedback at any given point of the process and focus on developing it further. It breaks the process of bringing in changes only at the beginning of the end of the process. Platforms like Microsoft Power Apps and OutSystems support this, and hence RAD has a solid potential to change the market.
Quantum Computing
Quantum Computing is the future for programmers as one can learn years of the machine learning process in mere seconds. It also works at low temperatures leading to reduction in power consumption.
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Salary
The average salary of a Programmer is around Rs. 80,000 per month in India. In this career, one can expect a minimum of Rs.50,000 as stipend money which can go up to Rs.1,00,000 as per experience and the industry rate.
Conclusion
It is never too late to start what you have been dreaming of. There are numerous resources and courses available today to simplify programming for everyone. With the right course and proper guidance, you can become a programmer quickly.
Remember to keep a few things in mind before you start your career-
- Keep learning- Becoming a programmer is not an effortless task. Hence, it is essential to keep learning. No matter if you’re at an initial stage or in a managerial position. Your learning should never stop. Start today with a crisp and incredible Full Stack Developer Course at Simplilearn.
- Freelance work helps- If you’re skeptical about taking your first job as a programmer. Then you can start small by taking small freelance projects available at freelance websites like Upwork.
