How can I restart learning programming and eventually build a career?
Asked by
MellowCedar42
I'm from Mexico and have been interested in computers since childhood. I studied programming in high school and eventually developed a decent grasp of programming logic, but I chose a different path for university and haven't practiced much since then. Now I'd like to start learning again, strengthen the foundations I've forgotten, and eventually work in technology.
I'm currently studying something else, and I'm hesitant to return to university for programming because the programs available to people I know haven't always provided strong teaching or practical preparation. I'm wondering whether it's realistic to learn independently through consistent practice, projects, and good resources. What fundamentals should I focus on before choosing a specialization, and what learning path would you recommend for someone starting over? I'd also be interested in hearing how others got into computing and where that path led them.
Answers
Self-study is definitely possible, especially if local university programs aren’t a good fit. Start with variables, control flow, functions, data structures, debugging, Git, and basic problem-solving. Don’t rush into picking a specialization before you’ve tried a few small projects. Follow one coherent course instead of jumping between random resources, then make projects of your own and gradually learn the tools used in the kind of work you want. Consistency and evidence of practical ability will matter more than simply watching lessons.
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First decide whether your goal is mainly personal interest or employment. For casual learning, free tutorials and videos can be enough. If you want a job, you’ll need a more structured plan: choose one beginner-friendly language, review programming fundamentals, practice regularly, and build several complete projects that demonstrate what you can do. A degree can help with structure and access to opportunities, but it isn’t the only route if you’re disciplined and can create a strong portfolio.
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MellowCedar42: That’s helpful. I’m studying something else right now, so learning independently at a steady pace seems more realistic than starting another degree. I’ll focus on rebuilding the basics and making projects before deciding which area suits me.