I live in Mexico and have been interested in computers since I was young. I studied some programming in high school and eventually developed a decent understanding of programming logic, but I didn't continue in that direction at university. Now I'd like to start learning again, rebuild the fundamentals, and eventually work in the technology field.
I'm currently studying something else and would prefer not to return to university for programming. Based on my experiences and what I've seen locally, I'm interested in learning independently and at my own pace. I know I still need to strengthen my foundation before choosing a specialization, but I'm not sure what path or resources would be best.
What would you recommend to someone restarting from the beginning who hopes to make a living from programming someday? I'd also enjoy hearing how others got started with computers and where that path led them.
2 Answers
Start with the basics instead of choosing a specialization immediately. Learn how variables, control flow, functions, data structures, debugging, and version control work. Pick one beginner-friendly language and stick with it long enough to build small projects, such as a command-line tool, a simple website, or an automation script. After that, explore areas like web development, mobile apps, data, or cybersecurity and see what holds your interest. A structured beginner course, documentation, coding exercises, and personal projects will give you a stronger foundation than jumping between random tutorials.
First, decide whether your goal is mainly a hobby or a career. For casual learning, free tutorials and videos can be enough. If you want a job, you’ll need a more structured plan: study programming fundamentals, build projects, practice regularly, and create a portfolio that shows what you can do. University can help with structure and networking, but it isn’t the only route. Self-study is possible if you’re consistent and willing to fill in gaps on your own.
Thanks for the advice. I’m currently studying something else and would rather avoid going back to university, especially because the programs available to me don’t seem very practical. I’m hoping to learn independently, strengthen the basics, and work toward a career through steady practice and projects.
It also helps to set a realistic routine, even if it’s only a few hours each week. Keep notes, revisit topics you forget, and use projects to discover what you actually enjoy. Progress may feel slow at first, but consistency matters more than having a perfect plan.