Chapter 1: The Essentials of Programming

To thrive in programming, you don't necessarily need a computer science degree; what truly matters is your ability to code.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Success in programming hinges on your determination and enthusiasm. Engaging deeply with the subject, actively learning, and experimenting independently will pave your way. Don't shy away from making mistakes—they're valuable lessons that guide you toward improvement.

I have always been a creative individual, from sketching caricatures of politicians in elementary school to selling comics. This creativity fuels my drive to develop innovative games and applications. To bring my ideas to life, I knew I had to learn programming. For me, reverse engineering has always come naturally, and understanding code often feels simpler than grasping English text, which has certainly aided my programming journey.

Despite never attending a formal computer science institution, I have spent over a decade professionally programming software and web applications. In fact, I have held numerous programming roles without traditional education.

While I did attend a two-week programming Bootcamp, I had to leave early. During that time, I successfully completed a project that could easily have been mistaken for a school assignment. This experience solidified my belief that programming is indeed my forte, even without formal schooling.

My career has been fulfilling, consistently yielding job opportunities shortly after I start looking. While I acknowledge that a formal education might have led to higher earnings, financial compensation isn't my primary concern. I am also in the process of co-founding two companies, where my partners will manage expenses while I focus on development.

My background includes roles as a PHP developer and Senior .NET developer, among others in the IT field. I have continually pursued my personal projects for enjoyment and to hone my skills.

Interestingly, I have encountered programmers who have formal education or Bootcamp experience but who didn’t match my skills. Despite my initial doubts about my coding abilities, feedback from both managers and peers has consistently validated my capabilities.

There was an instance when a company had to completely overhaul an application I developed, which I found disheartening. Being labeled a "genius" for that situation felt misplaced, as it highlighted the project's shortcomings rather than my skills.

Reflecting on my journey, I sometimes wish I had a formal education for the credibility it could provide. However, the knowledge and experience I've gained are far more valuable to me. In the job market, self-taught individuals are often highly sought after.

In my view, someone who has taught themselves programming demonstrates genuine interest in the field. Conversely, those with formal training may pursue it for various reasons, including financial incentives, which could reflect in their work quality.

Fortunately, I have accessed much of my needed knowledge through online resources. While a structured textbook could occasionally be beneficial, I wouldn’t commit to years of schooling for a few weeks of learning.

Ultimately, becoming a programmer hinges on your ability to code. The method of learning is flexible. However, my experiences have shown me that a computer science degree does not guarantee programming proficiency. With a little training, the true capabilities of individuals become apparent.

While formal education provides certain insights and simplifies complex concepts, I wouldn't trade years of study for a few days of classroom knowledge. Perhaps someone will share valuable documentation that could enhance my learning.

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Chapter 2: Insights from the Community

In this video, "The Truth About Computer Science Degrees," we explore the realities of obtaining a computer science degree and its impact on your programming career.

In "You Don't Need A Computer Science Degree To Be A Programmer," we discuss alternative pathways to becoming a successful programmer without formal education.