Okay, could someone tell me about computer programming?

Question

So if i wanted to get into a career in computer programming, what would the curriculum be in college and how long would it take. What exactly do they do and how much do they get a paid a year? Any additional information would be appreciated. Thanx in advance! :)

And if possible can someone give me some alternitive career you think i may be interested in. I want something that allows me to use my creative side and deals with computers but also makes nice money.. anyone... the ten points are waiting.

Answer 1

I would have to disagree with the above considering c++ is written in c, so it obviously isn't the 'mother'. But I do agree that if you learn a basic object-oriented language such as c++, java, c#, etc you will be able pick up most languages rather quickly.

You don't necessarily need a 4 year degree to program, my brother got his associates in 2 and has quite a nice job with an airline.

In fact, I do not know of a 4 year program that offers a 'computer programming' degree. If you want to learn more in depth about programming, I would recommend a 4 year computer science degree (thats what I have:)). You will likely slightly larger starting pay (right around $40-50k from what I have seen). Once you have some experience, it is not uncommon to be making 80-90k, over 100k if you get into management, coordination and engineering - experience is key.

With that said, you will likely want to be quite strong in math and logic as that is a lot of what programming is. Chances are that you will be required at least a couple semesters of calculus and the class leading up to it.

The key is to NEVER stop learning, and NEVER get caught up and stubborn on your 'favorite' language - it might be a ghost language in a year (we have already changed once this year).

Good luck, it is an exciting field!

Answer 2

Hi,

Let's go step by step. A program is a set of instructions with a logical order made to fit a purpose. Computer programming is to communicate with the computer in a way it can understand the instructions you are giving it.

As a programmer you're given a solution to a problem that will go through a series of steps before you can see it as a computer program. First you have to decide what programming language would you use (Most popular and frequently used are C, C++, Java and Visual Basic) and why would it be good to use it for the given solution.

Then the program construction begins. This starts with writing the source code, which is basically a conversation you have with the computer on what do you want it to do. Then the compilation begins (compilation is a process where the computer translates those instructions written in your source code to a language that computer could understand). Finally execution. This is to tell the computer do what I told you on the source code as you know now.

In a practical way imagine it like this, you are in a room full of computers and related equipment. The study that involves all the computers inside the room would be covered in Information Systems which is more like an administrative point of view. The specifics of a particular computer (computer interals) as how does it work inside very in detail are covered on a Computer Science degree.

Answering to your additions:

If you wish to be creative you can work as one of the following:

Trainer: You will always need to use technology to create examinations for
new hires and stuff and nice presentations that will keep your
trainees on the go

Beta Tester: These people are always running computer programs and stuff
looking for pitfalls on them and it is creative because you have
to make a test plan and make your suggestions if you find any
errors going on

Documentalist: These people do user manuals. In the computer field
would be manuals on how to use programs, equipment,
etc, and believe me, you have to be creative so everybody
can understand how things work as reception for
technology varies from user to user.

Graphics Designer: Makes 3D effects, animations, and these type of things.
Handles a lot of media. They always have somewhere to
work at.

Webmaster: Makes up company websites and related tasks. It is all about
that. Have to deal a lot with presentations about navigation, user
interaction but will also be responsible of thinking about its
security since you do not want unauthorized access of any sort.

Hope that helps you out.

Answer 3

The attached links might help you figure out where you can go and what you can do if you become a computer programmer (also known as a computer scientist or software engineer).

Usually it takes a good four-year degree in Computer Science or equivalent to be considered for professional programming jobs. Curriculum depends on both the college you go to and what area you would like to focus on. Pay for these jobs range wildly depending on experience and responsibilities.

I'd start by seeing what area of Computer Programming you might be interested in, then finding some jobs related to that area (check an online job site). This should help you get a better grasp on page range and college requirements.

Answer 4

I think that the above answers, taken together, paint a very good picture. As for your prev question about not liking math, you'll have to avoid a 4 yr "cptr science" degree and get a 2 yr "data processing" or "cptr programming" degree. Or check out Devry.

If you want to know about Web programming, just click on the View menu of your browser and click Source. After you finish gasping, realize that no one hand wrote that code to display this page. It was written by an HTML generator. The Web developer wrote the code that takes database records and his program wrote the program that creates this Web page.

Programming is very fun to me. If you are creative, Web design is the way to go. Go to a local bookstore and by the book, "Teach yourself HTML in 21 days". HTML, Java, Web Design. Pick your title. You'll either use Internet Explorer exclusively or the book will come with a CD of _everything_ you need to complete the whole book. Absolutely no math required, except counting columns. :-) Those entertaining lessons are like addictive adrenalin to newbie programmers.

You can get work w/o a degree, but you won't get big fat raises as fast as someone with a degree. Entry level w/o degrees can get $32k/yr and up. As an employee, Midwest jobs range from $31k to $87k. As a contractor, you can get six figures (before taxes) easily. The silicon valley lady from your prev question can't get work because a zillion programmers flocked there, then businesses folded and many of the programmers stayed.

I think you'll enjoy it and the self help books are the fastest (21 days or less) way to determine if you really like the work.

Answer 5

learn c++ programing ,it's mother of programing in the world.
if you learn c++ u can learn any thing else