I am 30, and working in a call center. I think there is no future in this job. So I am looking for a change in career. I have no previous experience in programming. I like building and working on new ideas. So I want to learn coding. Is coding right choice? What do you suggest me starting from?
Ask HN: Why learn a back-end stack?
1–10 of 19 posts
Re: Ask HN: Why learn a back-end stack?
#2Yeah coding is a right choice, there is plenty of work in this field.
My advice is : Pick a language (any language is good) most trendy currently for backend are : python, nodejs, ruby, java and follow a beginner course on this language.
Re: Ask HN: Why learn a back-end stack?
#3Coding is the right choice if you have a passion for it. If you don't have CS background, then for self-learning you will need a lot of dedication. Generally, for all popular languages, you will find free video tutorials on YouTube. If you don't mind paying a little, then Udemy also has very good set of tutorials. Be ready to put one solid year of effort into it though.
As a first step learn one language well. I would suggest one of:
1. Javascript: Runs everywhere. You can make Mobile, Web and Backend applications in it.
2. C# and .Net Platform: You can make Mobile, Web and Backend applications in it.
3. Java: A solid choice for Backend and Android apps.
4. Python: Good choice for backend and machine learning.
Re: Ask HN: Why learn a back-end stack?
#4Try some MOOCs. There's "Python for everybody" specialization on Coursera, it's newbie-friendly but you get to build a little product that does something. IMO, that should be your first milestone - build something small that works and see how you feel about that. If you find it interesting, you can go for more courses and after some time you'll know where to go next, but if you're not really amused maybe you should give something else a try.
Re: Ask HN: Why learn a back-end stack?
#5You are going to receive many suggestions and many words of advice in this thread. Here is mine, so that you can consider this as well while making your final decision.
- Coding is a good choice but like any profession, it has its pros and cons. Pros could be immense job satisfaction in creating something that has a tangible effect on the world. Cons could be having to work for terrible managers that could turn a fantastic job into a very depressing one.
- I suggest you start with Python and Django. Complete the Python Tutorial. Complete the Django Tutorial. With these two under your belt, you could apply for entry level Python-based web development roles.
Re: Ask HN: Why learn a back-end stack?
#6Programming is surprisingly local because different industry's prefer different languages. I suggest looking at local job adds to get an idea for what to learn.
Re: Ask HN: Why learn a back-end stack?
#7Right choice if you want to do it for money (at the moment you never know what's ahead).
You basically have 2 options in my opinion
1) technologies in demand ( js,java,c#,mobile,rails,python,sql etc)
2) do it for fun (pick whatever you want)
Re: Ask HN: Why learn a back-end stack?
#8>Is coding right choice?
"Coding" is always the right choice. Some people might even say that not being able to code is a form of illiteracy in the modern, computer-dependent world. That doesn't mean that you should solely focus on programming and disregard all other skills (like a linguist?), but coding combined with other skills and knowledge brings us the seemingly wondrous stuff we use every day.
If you are going to do it professionally, you will likely never truly struggle with finding a job, though job satisfaction may vary depending on management/perceived impact.
>I like building and working on new ideas.
This is the right attitude - if combined with persistance. Remember also that programming in itself is mostly defined by not knowing something and having to google it.
You are probably best off by first working your way into a language with a hello-world tutorial or two, followed by checking smaller code-challenges (Advent of Code, or just a list of "Common Coding Interview Questions") to get a more moderate in-depth view on things and topics to check out. (and also get into the problem-solving mindset)
Afterwards (or alternatively), try to come up with something moderately small that you want to code yourself but don't know how to do (e.g. a small calculator employing native UI?) and research your way through it.
Overall, I recommend against trying to memorise every little thing you learn upfront - there's more things that can be known than the human mind has capacity for, and you will have to face the more common concepts/problems often enough that you learn them anyways due to natural repetition or because you are annoyed that you have to look them up constantly. (e.g. binary and hex numbers, logic operators/gates, etc.)
Re: Ask HN: Why learn a back-end stack?
#9You are going to receive many suggestions and many words of advice in this thread. Here is mine, so that you can consider this as well while making your final decision. - Coding is a good choice but like any profession, it has its pros and cons. Pros could be immense job satisfaction in creating something that has a tangible effect on the world. Cons could be having to work for terrible managers that could turn a fan…
I second this. Python is an easy language for beginners and getting your foot in the door opens other possibilities for you later. Just start with something and keep at it until you land a coding position somewhere.
Re: Ask HN: Why learn a back-end stack?
#10If you decide to do Javascript, I highly recommend FreeCodeCamp. https://www.freecodecamp.org