I've been a self-taught programmer for about a decade, with 5 years of professional experience. Unfortunately, my formal education in programming was very limited, covering just a couple of courses on Python. While I've done well with practical projects, I'm applying for new jobs now, and I find live programming interviews intimidating. I feel that my understanding of programming fundamentals is weak and that this is noticeable to interviewers. I believe solidifying my fundamentals could help me improve my skills and address any bad habits I've developed over the years. Has anyone faced a similar challenge? I'm looking for ways to learn theory, as I find it hard to stay motivated when self-studying. I'm considering enrolling in community college courses but would love to hear any alternatives that might be less expensive. Thanks in advance!
5 Answers
You can tackle specific topics that you're less confident in, like networking or databases. I spent months learning about DNS, IPs, sockets, etc., and it really improved my understanding. Use Google or find a textbook to work through these topics. It’s all about filling in those knowledge gaps one at a time!
I've been in your shoes and found that reading relevant programming books helped me a lot. Pick a book that aligns with the programming language you use or want to master. It could make a big difference!
Thanks for the tip, I’ll definitely start looking for some solid programming books!
Filling those theoretical gaps is super important. Consider using resources like Coursera, edX, or freeCodeCamp for core concepts like algorithms and data structures. Practicing coding challenges on LeetCode or HackerRank can also boost your confidence for interviews. Don't forget to establish a study routine that connects theory with practice—you’ll see the benefits in your coding!
Fantastic advice, I really appreciate your detailed suggestions!
Have you tried the teachyourselfcs website? It’s a fantastic way to get a structured learning path in computer science. Totally worth checking out!
I heard about this too, I’ll give it a shot—thanks!
You should definitely look into studying Computer Science independently. The Open Source Society University has a solid program with lots of great online courses. It'll fill those gaps in your knowledge without breaking the bank!
This is an awesome resource! Thanks for sharing!
This looks really helpful, I’ll check it out!
Totally relatable! I switch languages often. I think I might focus on C++ since it’s foundational and has tons of resources. What do you think?