How to become a Software Developer?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the journey to becoming a software developer, focusing on the necessary skills, programming languages, and strategies for gaining experience and business in the field. Participants share insights on education, language preferences, and common client demands.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests having knowledge of both procedural and object-oriented languages, noting that different languages serve different applications.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of formal education in software design and programming, recommending foundational knowledge and continuous learning due to the fast-paced nature of technology.
  • There are suggestions to start with languages like C/C++ for their versatility and relevance in various applications, particularly in game programming and low-level system applications.
  • Some participants argue that mastering one programming language is more beneficial than learning multiple languages at once, with a specific recommendation for C++ despite its complexity for beginners.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of comprehensive information available online regarding how to attract clients and the types of programs that are commonly in demand.
  • One participant mentions that learning C can facilitate the transition to C++, although there is disagreement on whether starting with C is advisable.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the best programming languages to learn and the necessity of formal education versus self-study. There is no consensus on the optimal starting point for programming languages, particularly regarding the relationship between C and C++.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of adapting to technological changes and the value of hands-on experimentation in learning. There are varying views on the effectiveness of different educational approaches and the relevance of specific programming languages based on individual goals.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in pursuing a career in software development, those seeking advice on programming languages and educational paths, and newcomers looking for insights into client demands in the software industry may find this discussion beneficial.

quddusaliquddus
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Hi,
I know a little programming and am thinking of one day opening a software development co. Is there any1 who can gimme any advice as I have no real experience of how this would work. How to get work. What r common client requests? etc ... BTW What would be the most useful language(s) / software to learn? :smile:
 
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You should have knowledge of both procedural and object-oriented languages. Different languages are suited to different applications. There are RAD (Rapid Application Development) languages for relatively simple programs for which the user interface is central.

A language like C is good for just about anything, IMO, but is particularly-well suited to high-performance (for example, games) and low-level (for example, operating systems) applications.

If you are going to be heading the software co, you should have good knowledge of all popular languages, IMO.
 
Cheers mate. There's so little info on the web ... proper info from experinec on this. Any ideas on how you actually get business...other than word of mouth?...what kinda programs are 'usually' demamded (if there is such a thing)
 
Hi

I personally think that if you want to make a career out of this, you should consider the option of being formally educated in the related fields. Software design/programming require a lot of effort especially when you're doing it for money. Technology is changing so fast these days that you've got to move with the times. So fundamentals are essential as much as the intellectual satisfaction and enjoyment you derive from your work. You could start by reading online resources about computer hardware, software design, coding principles and eventually move on to the areas specific to your goals and to the language(s) you wish to use for work.

If you're a newbie I would suggest you acquaint yourself with C/C++ and computer hardware. A computer science course certainly helps here, but you can probably do without formal education if you read books and experiment a lot. Remember, experimentation and tinkering with stuff you read about is an effective way to learn and hone your skills as you go along. If you want to go into game programming, graphics/multimedia programming is necessary. Use those languages and environments which you feel comfortable with. But I think the first step should be C/C++ (which considering the huge amount of resources available online and offline, shouldn't take you much time).

Cheers
Vivek
 
Stroustrup doesn't really recommend learning C first before C++ and think it's a bad idea.

Learn 1 programming language, master it and stick with it.

I recommend C++, although it can be fairly hard for the beginner, some people may vibe well with Visual Basic heh
 
The_Professional said:
Stroustrup doesn't really recommend learning C first before C++ and think it's a bad idea.

Learn 1 programming language, master it and stick with it.

I recommend C++, although it can be fairly hard for the beginner, some people may vibe well with Visual Basic heh
A_i_j=A_j_i
Its a symetric tensor ! The only difference people can find here is just a deliberate inversion of i and j, it is a tensor's property that can be easily proved...If people already learn C they can also change into C++ easily, is it right ?
Learning C/C++ is up to what your flavor is, C++ beginners' books will have some initial chapters introducing some C++ basic programming techniques which are mainly coming from C with many notations to remind readers to realize how C++ programming style is different from C and perhaps when chapter about class is brought up, they will truly learn to start with a C++ program, Bjarn Stroustrup's book is what I do not recommend for a beginner, but it at least I have learned from many people and also think is a must-have for all C++ programmers.

Just a thought,
 

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