How to Become an Expert Programmer

Do you like working with computers and using them to fix problems? Computers speak their own language, called programming, and people have to design and fix computer programming so the system can work properly. If you like working with programming languages and with computers, you might enjoy a job as a computer programmer.

Instructions

1. Learn all that you can on your own. Start out reading several basic programming books a month and trying out projects on your own time. Move up from there to more complex books. See Resources for ideas.

2. Enroll at a four-year college or a technical school to study computer programming, website development or video-game design. A technical school will be faster and cheaper, but a four-year college will give you more class options and job opportunities upon graduation.

3. Work with programmers who are more advanced than you are. They will help you build your skills and correct your mistakes. A lot of programming is a learn-by-doing process. The more you practice the better you'll be.

4. Take an internship at a programming company. While may not be paid for your work, you will learn how to work with people, what the job is really like and what specific skills you lack.

5. Skip the math courses unless you are going into video-game design. Programming requires little actual math, so if you're not required to take it there is no need to unless it is something you are interested in. Video-game design, however, involves lots of complex math. You should take as many advanced math courses as you can if you plan to study this area.

Tips & Warnings

• Know that there is a lot of competition in the programming field. Make sure you are going into it because you enjoy it, not for the money.

Resources

• "The Pragmatic Programmer: From Journeyman to Master"
• Computer Programming as a Career