Try googling the same query and I bet you’ll see dozens of answers to it!
“Should I read every answer?” Do you have enough time? What’s great is that you are here.
This blog has helped kick-start the careers of several programmers!
Here in this article, we will guide you through every single step that you may encounter on
your journey to the title of a successful programmer.
“What Type of Programmer Should I Become?”
A valid question, I must say! A tiny percentage of wannabe software developers know the
difference between the types of programmers. The rest of the aspirants have no idea about
the types, nor do they have ample information about the technology stack of all the varying
types. Let’s throw some light on the types of programmers and what exactly is the part of
their job description.
If websites or web applications fascinate you, and you are a big fan of what you experience
over these websites, the career path you should follow is a “Web Developer.” If you fancy
creating an application like MS Office, Adobe Photoshop, Skype, or even a Web Browser,
it’s quite clear that you want to become a “Desktop Applications Developer.”
There’s more to it yet!
Choose the career path of a “Distributed Apps Developer” if you want to engineer high-level
server-side applications. Last but not least, if you crave more and more mobile apps, you
can decide to become a “Mobile Apps Developer,” and within this type, you have the liberty
to choose between Android & iOS.
The moment you choose your domain of interest, it’ll be easier for you to pick out the
frameworks and programming languages as the next step.
Pick Out Programming Languages & Frameworks
Once you have decided on what type of programmer you want to become, now you opt for
your favorite programming language.
For enterprise-level applications, there are many options, including but not limited to:
Similarly, for web applications, there is a huge variety of frameworks and languages. Some
trendy ones are:
- Java
- JavaScript
- Ruby
- Perl
- PHP
For server-side modules and scripts:
The list keeps on expanding, but the point of interest is, you should pick out a language
based on its scalability and coding structure. Let’s introduce the most popular languages and
what you can do after learning.
Java
The list of popular programming languages across the globe is always incomplete if Java
isn’t at the top of it. It is one of those programming languages created on the motto of “write
once, work everywhere.” This is one of the reasons why an application developed in Java
offers a top-notch and consistent user experience. Irrespective of what operating system you
are using, it runs everywhere.
However, do not confuse Java with Javascript since the latter is a front-end development
language, despite the fact the syntax is more or less quite similar.
Python
If we talk about programming languages that have always remained versatile, it’s none other
than Python. You are a freshie and new to programming; I bet you will quickly understand a
beginner-level script written in Python. Why? Only because its code is straightforward to
understand and adopt.
JavaScript (JS)
JS is considered the arch-rival of Python! That’s because both languages are always in
competition when it comes to the development of enterprise-level applications. JS is a highly
responsive front-end framework and it can handle both front and back-end features.
Since it can work on the same tier as CSS and HTML, it’s become quite a hot framework for
those looking to develop enterprise-level web applications.
Top Tip? Practice!
Simply checking out the code won’t help. Make the best use of your fingertips by practicing
the code that you learn.
Let’s introduce to you some of the coolest online programming practice portals!
Usually, learning to code online is quite a tedious and boring experience. Thanks to CodeGym for revamping this learning experience by introducing a gamified online platform full of cool programming practical tasks.
CodeGym features 1200+ programming tasks focused on problem-solving, and the fun doesn’t stop here. There is a separate section of coding games, in which you can play those games developed by your fellow programmers and also get your own game published. Sounds awesome, isn’t it?
Don’t keep on waiting and get your hands dirty with CodeGym Java Tutorial, and surely it will amaze you!
Coderbyte is another resourceful portal that features 300+ coding-based challenges in which you can participate and earn rewards. Furthermore, this portal will teach you coding, but you can also find material that can help you hone your interview skills, which can help you land a job at a reputable organization!
Sounds like a lot of fun!
Well, now we will have to deal with chefs who cook code! It’s CodeChef, guys. An online programming portal where you can get your hands dirty by mixing the spices of more than 35 different languages. That’s true!
CodeChef has been designed mainly for competitive programming. You can learn a lot of stuff from your peers on this platform because it also features a community page where you can meddle in and share your experience, ask questions and gain a reputation!
Wrapping Up
The world of technology is really advanced and quite dynamic. Stopping at some point won’t do you any good, so it’s better to keep on exploring. If you aspire to become a successful programmer, make the best use of the platforms mentioned in this blog, and the day is not far when you will be a source of inspiration for others!
Walter Guevara is a software engineer, startup founder and currently teaches programming for a coding bootcamp. He is currently building things that don't yet exist.
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