Can You Become a Programmer Without a Degree?

It's definitely doable! I’ve been in the industry for over 40 years and my formal education was pretty minimal. The essential thing is to learn the basics well, especially if you’re interested in more complex topics later on. Functional decomposition is a key concept to master—go check out some resources to get a solid foundation. Avoid relying on AI too heavily, as it can sometimes mislead you!

Absolutely, it's possible to be a programmer without a degree! It's about your dedication and the skills you build. Starting with networking could help you land an internship. There are so many resources online, like Codecademy, that can help you learn at your own pace. Just keep in mind that actual experience, like internships, can be a big boost for your resume!

From my experience, becoming competent through self-learning took me about 2 to 3 years. It really depends on how much time you're willing to dedicate to it!

You can totally teach yourself and get into programming without a cert! It might take longer to find a job, given how competitive it is with so many candidates holding degrees. I'd suggest checking out Free Code Camp or The Odin Project for some great learning paths. The time it takes to become proficient really varies—some folks get there in about 6 months, while others might take a few years.

I didn’t have a cert or a degree either, but I was passionate and spent my free time learning and building projects. That passion led me to an internship which eventually turned into a job. Networking with people and showing your skills can definitely help you land opportunities!