Computer programming

[Galactic Alignment]

How viable is it to learn computer programming from basics for someone in their 30s, someone who is very bad at maths (I failed maths GCSE twice), someone who has never worked in IT, and someone with no funding for a formal taught course due to existing qualifications? I need some solid answers.

 

[DimesDan]

It's completely possible. What language were you planning on learning?

 

[Galactic Alignment]

It's completely possible. What language were you planning on learning?

I have absolutely no idea. I have no idea how ‘different’ they are. I know names of a few (Python, HTML, Java, basic, C) but how they vary, I don’t have a clue. I haven’t studied computing / computer science before, or worked in the IT industry.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

30s isn't a big problem. Being bad at maths might be a problem, but less of one if you're going into web development.

 

[Butters]

I have absolutely no idea. I have no idea how ‘different’ they are. I know names of a few (Python, HTML, Java, basic, C) but how they vary, I don’t have a clue. I haven’t studied computing / computer science before, or worked in the IT industry.

Perhaps if we knew why. Are you looking to change career? What interests you? You absolutely can self teach, but knowing what you need to know is half the battle.

 

[Galactic Alignment]

I’m barely secondary school level at maths. Really dyslexic (affected my maths ability more than writing/reading).

 

[Galactic Alignment]

Perhaps if we knew why. Are you looking to change career? What interests you? You absolutely can self teach, but knowing what you need to know is half the battle.

Looking to change career.

Got diagnosed as Aspergers recently, and all the careers advice is so this sort of thing, with computers... There’s no ongoing advice or funding, just “you’ll be good at programming”, so I have to make the most of it. None of my existing A-levels and degree relate to computer science or IT though.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

More on the effect of math skill. Basically, the further down you are in the stack the more math you need. Database engineers or algorithm developers really need to be good at math, as math is needed for optimizing performance when you scale. But if you're on the front end, that becomes less important, and it becomes more about knowing how to use the libraries and having a visual sense.

 

[Galactic Alignment]

More on the effect of math skill. Basically, the further down you are in the stack the more math you need. Database engineers or algorithm developers really need to be good at math, as math is needed for optimizing performance when you scale. But if you're on the front end, that becomes less important, and it becomes more about knowing how to use the libraries and having a visual sense.

Does “front end” mean customer service, tech support etc? As I have Aspergers, I kind of need to avoid that (the diagnosis explains why I have failed at those sort of jobs, I just don’t have the people skills).

 

[JirinPanthosa]

Sounds like a stereotyping issue assuming all people with Asperger's would like being in programming. Really anything where you're going to be judged on your work and not your ability to play politics is equally good, find something you're good at and enjoy.

That being said, salary-wise IT is a pretty good choice.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

Does “front end” mean customer service, tech support etc? As I have Aspergers, I kind of need to avoid that (the diagnosis explains why I have failed at those sort of jobs, I just don’t have the people skills).

Front end means developing the web pages or graphical interfaces.

 

[Galactic Alignment]

Front end means developing the web pages or graphical interfaces.

So more visual/graphic design? I’m not really good at artistic design, being honest.

 

[Galactic Alignment]

Sounds like a stereotyping issue assuming all people with Asperger's would like being in programming. Really anything where you're going to be judged on your work and not your ability to play politics is equally good, find something you're good at and enjoy.

That being said, salary-wise IT is a pretty good choice.

I’m out of options for careers advice though. National Careers Service In the UK is free, but you only get two appointments, and they don’t know what to do if you have a degree already, it’s basically all aimed at people who don’t already have GCSEs (secondary school qualifications) or similar.

 

[Sibyl]

What would you like to do with computer programming? Would you like to develop programs and apps? Would you like to develop websites? Maybe something to do with Asperger's or another one of your interests?

Applying any number of the programming languages out there isn't necessarily difficult if you have the ability to apply yourself consistently.

Now, my mom is not a programmer, but she was a math teacher in high school, with a doctorate, and she couldn't do simple arithmetic to save her life! They key is to learn to work around any of your deficiencies or lacks of knowledge. Of course, it would be best if you could apply yourself to learn to be more comfortable with and better at maths, but not all programming requires the same mathematical abilities.

 

[Galactic Alignment]

What would you like to do with computer programming? Would you like to develop programs and apps? Would you like to develop websites? Maybe something to do with Asperger's or another one of your interests?

Applying any number of the programming languages out there isn't necessarily difficult if you have the ability to apply yourself consistently.

Now, my mom is not a programmer, but she was a math teacher in high school, with a doctorate, and she couldn't do simple arithmetic to save her life! They key is to learn to work around any of your deficiencies or lacks of knowledge. Of course, it would be best if you could apply yourself to learn to be more comfortable with and better at maths, but not all programming requires the same mathematical abilities.

I don’t want to do anything to do with Aspergers, the diagnosis feels like a curse mark! It’s going to harm my future having that on my NHS records. Although on one hand I have to realise it shows how I went wrong in terms of choosing A-level and degree subjects, admittedly not that I knew I had a problem back then.

I don’t know what I want to do specifically, it’s more about getting a job/career in terms of what I’m supposedly ‘good’ at, but I’m pessimistic seeing as I won’t have funding for retraining.

The mention of maths is because computer science undergraduate degrees ask for maths A-level. So concern that I’d need strong maths abilities which I don’t have.

 

[DimesDan]

I have absolutely no idea. I have no idea how ‘different’ they are. I know names of a few (Python, HTML, Java, basic, C) but how they vary, I don’t have a clue. I haven’t studied computing / computer science before, or worked in the IT industry.

Have you considered doing any in depth research on the subject?

I found NCA really useful when I spoke to an advisor who advised me really well six or so years ago (at that point, I had a National Diploma in Media Production and a HND in Broadcast Journalism) and I went on to get a BSc in Applied Computing - I was working for a major retailer before seeing them.

It wasn't easy, it involved learning lots of new skills, but I knew that beforehand, as I did the research.

As you don't seem to be in a position to go back to university, there are plenty of online courses from numerous universities both home and abroad.

If I were you though, I would do some (basic) research, look up the myriad languages that exist and work from there.

 

[Sibyl]

As I said, my mom has a doctorate in mathematics education and cannot do arithmetic and she started working on her degree in her thirties, but I think that the most important thing to be conscious of when choosing a career is finding something that you can apply your deepest interests to. I only asked about something related to Asperger's because I've known others that have done similar with their own disabilities or diagnoses.

I can totally understand your feelings about your diagnosis, however, I'd be just the opposite if I ever do get the official word that I'm autistic in any way. To me, it would be a relief to know why I'm the way I am, but everyone is different. I have another condition that I absolutely hate and wish I could cut out with a knife, but unfortunately, that's not possible.

If you are able to find an aspect of IT that you could apply one of your interests to, that would be great. As was mentioned, IT can be a lucrative career. There is a ton of information online and there are many people that have become fully versed in various programming languages on their own time just from browsing the 'Net and applying what they've learned.

 

[Galactic Alignment]

Have you considered doing any in depth research on the subject?

I found NCA really useful when I spoke to an advisor who advised me really well six or so years ago (at that point, I had a National Diploma in Media Production and a HND in Broadcast Journalism) and I went on to get a BSc in Applied Computing - I was working for a major retailer before seeing them.

It wasn't easy, it involved learning lots of new skills, but I knew that beforehand, as I did the research.

As you don't seem to be in a position to go back to university, there are plenty of online courses from numerous universities both home and abroad.

If I were you though, I would do some (basic) research, look up the myriad languages that exist and work from there.

I already have a full Bachelors degree, so can’t get funding for another. I’ve asked and looked into this.

I have no means to afford a course from a shady foreign online university – if I had that sort of earning potential to save up, I would be happy with what I’m already doing. I would also not want to spend a huge amount of money on something that UK employers might not recognise.

 

[DimesDan]

I already have a full Bachelors degree, so can’t get funding for another. I’ve asked and looked into this.

I have no means to afford a course from a shady foreign online university – if I had that sort of earning potential to save up, I would be happy with what I’m already doing. I would also not want to spend a huge amount of money on something that UK employers might not recognise.

I'll be 100% candid here and say again, research the field, research the options and do not dismiss things because you either do not grasp what you're actually asking or wanting.

Less than ten seconds using Google found this link, it includes shady universities such as MIT and Harvard:

https://medium.freecodecamp.org/600...courses-you-can-start-in-january-3d4b1ed473aa

 

[Galactic Alignment]

I'll be 100% candid here and say again, research the field, research the options and do not dismiss things because you either do not grasp what you're actually asking or wanting.

Less than ten seconds using Google found this link, it includes shady universities such as MIT and Harvard:

https://medium.freecodecamp.org/600...courses-you-can-start-in-january-3d4b1ed473aa

OK, I’m not going to put up with rudeness and condescension like that. Of course I realise I’m a clueless beginner.

And no, I don’t have thousands of pounds in savings to spend on online courses.