Terrified

[Former Member]

I'm starting college in January with the intent to major in programming.

My first semester I take C++ Programming. Second semester Java. Third semester VB. This scares me a little, because I've always been told that C++ is one of the more advanced languages. To me, this kinda seems backwards. T_T Am I worrying over nothing?

I felt pretty confident choosing this major, since I already have a headstart on JavaScript and PHP, but now I'm not so sure. >.> (Actually, I'm not so sure I even know JavaScript like I thought I did after asking someone what language the v5 plug-ins utilized and receiving JavaScript as an answer. That doesn't look like JS to me at all. ;_;) I'm honestly afraid I won't be able to handle it.

Do you think a good understanding of other programming languages is required to take on learning C++, or do I have a fighting chance? xD

[Omio]

No, C++ is pretty beginner-friendly, they're teaching you in a relevantly correct direction, so long as you're given a little history about programming, and how things work. If you're demanded to make console applications right off of the bat, it's just mindless memorization in short, but with understanding how there's a larger architecture, and how the console applications and the .dll driver files create an interface we can use (with hardware and software hooks, events, et cetera), you find out that the programs open a whole new gateway to explore.

VB is a little annoying, if you ask me, but it's good (read: lazy code) for a portable kind of setup. However, as a programmer, I would either say Java or Python should be the destination, in case of OS differences.

[Charles Stover]

C++ is generally taught before VB, though I think that is backwards. VB is based on a more outdated/unconventional language.

But Java should definitely come after C++.

Nonetheless, you'll be fine.

C++ first is pretty standard for college-level education. For someone not yet in college, it wouldn't be recommended to start with. But if you're smart enough to get out of high school and accepted into a college and dedicated enough to major in programming, you'll have absolutely no problems. After all, the majority of college-level programmers are doing the same. It must work well enough as a curriculum to work for them.

[Former Member]

You don't know how relieved I am to hear all that. I was so mortified when they handed me my curriculum sheet. I was tempted to switch to part-time status. xD I'm a bit of a worry wart, if you haven't noticed, so you guys have spared me quite a bit of nail-biting in between now and January.

My college has told me that the average salary for computer programmers is low and that the industry's competition is pretty fierce. Do you guys think that to be true? Even if it is I still intend on going for that major, as I've always been interested in programming, but it'd still be nice to know. ^^

[Charles Stover]

I don't know. I've always heard the salaries are high and so is the demand, but at the same time, I think this generation is seeing a spike of programmers that didn't exist before.

I'd think programmers are going to be above average salary for all jobs. I don't know about the competition, but I've never heard of an unemployed programmer with a degree. I imagine they mean it's difficult to find one of those programming jobs where the pay is exceptional. For example, the competition to work for Google is absolutely fierce. I imagine they only accept 0.1% of their applicants. But as for just being employed, it's probably not even remotely difficult to do, especially if you have experience. A great thing about college is that you can gain experience under your professors. Ask them [after you get a few classes under your belt] if they have any independent work you can do. It will probably be without pay, but it will look damn good on your resume, if you do intend on applying to a highly-competitive company. If not, you don't need the independent work or anything.

[Jordan]

Nov 17, 2012 7:35:43 GMT -8 @kipp said:

You don't know how relieved I am to hear all that. I was so mortified when they handed me my curriculum sheet. I was tempted to switch to part-time status. xD I'm a bit of a worry wart, if you haven't noticed, so you guys have spared me quite a bit of nail-biting in between now and January.

My college has told me that the average salary for computer programmers is low and that the industry's competition is pretty fierce. Do you guys think that to be true? Even if it is I still intend on going for that major, as I've always been interested in programming, but it'd still be nice to know. ^^

If you do things on your own and gain a lot of experience, finding a job is trivial. I have literally had jobs thrown at me, and I'm not even graduating yet. Just be sure to do internships in the summer, and to have one or two personal projects that look really good on a resume. If you do that and have decent grades in school, you shouldn't have any problems getting a job.

One thing to note that there is a difference between a computer programmer and a computer science/software engineer. Anybody can code, but not everyone can design a complex system and solve complex problems.

Computer Science is difficult, much more than your average major so be prepared to work. The intro level classes may be easy if you've done a lot of programming on your own, but the upper level classes can be a bit ridiculous at times. The vast majority of people who make it through Computer Science at my University love solving problems. If you don't love logic and can't sit in a room all day working on something you may want to consider another major.

And I would like to add that C++ is one of the hardest languages to use, but you most likely wont be doing anything advanced with it in school so you should be fine.

[Former Member]

Thanks for all the advice, guys!

Nov 17, 2012 11:58:32 GMT -8 Jordan said:

One thing to note that there is a difference between a computer programmer and a computer science/software engineer. Anybody can code, but not everyone can design a complex system and solve complex problems.

I'm not sure if I'd be smart enough to "design complex systems and solve complex problems", but it certainly sounds like something I'd enjoy doing if I was. Trying to help out in the code support boards when I was still learning JavaScript made me feel like I was beating my head against a wall on some occasions, but I suppose I'm a glutton for punishment in that I kept coming back for more. xD I like trying to fix broken codes just as much as I like writing new ones.

Nov 17, 2012 11:58:32 GMT -8 Jordan said:

Computer Science is difficult, much more than your average major so be prepared to work. The intro level classes may be easy if you've done a lot of programming on your own, but the upper level classes can be a bit ridiculous at times. The vast majority of people who make it through Computer Science at my University love solving problems. If you don't love logic and can't sit in a room all day working on something you may want to consider another major.

I haven't really done a lot of programming on my own. I just learned JavaScript... or, well, I thought I had. I read a manual and took an online tutorial, wrote a few things, and helped out in Code Support. But looking at all the plugins in v5 has made me realize that I actually don't know anything. >.> I've messed around with PHP and MySQL databases, but haven't done anything impressive. I suppose I'm just as new to this as everyone else is gonna be, but I'm certainly going to give it my best shot anyway.

Nov 17, 2012 11:58:32 GMT -8 Jordan said:

And I would like to add that C++ is one of the hardest languages to use, but you most likely wont be doing anything advanced with it in school so you should be fine.

I have two different classes. C++ and then Advcaned C++ later on. I hope I eventually get to do advanced things with it. If not, I suppose I'll at least have the basics down so that I can teach myself the rest. I'm fairly good at self-teaching if nothing else. I hit a problem, I look it up, I don't understand the solution, so I look those terms up, and so on until I figure things out. There are times that I hit a brick wall, though. Learning PHP and JavaScript was only made difficult for me by the fact that I had no one to ask about things until I came here, and even then I didn't like the idea of bothering all the busy code monkeys. Now I'll have a professor who gets paid to listen to my derp, so things should go smoother. xD

[coolcoolcool]

University challenges you.

It doesn't really matter what you take, you're going to be learning things and covering material that you wouldn't otherwise think you were capable of. When you get to third/fourth year and you're learning about grammars and compiler design and anything of similar difficulty, if you looked back and thought about what you expected going into university you'll be surprised just how far you've come in a couple years.

My advice is not to worry about how difficult it is. Some things in university will likely be challenging for you, but there's nothing you can't handle if you have dedication and some sort of will to succeed. Something as trivial as learning a programming language is nothing compared to the things you will actually learn in university. Take pride in knowing you're challenging yourself. Try to push your boundaries and work hard at things you find interesting. If you don't do that, then university is almost a waste of time.

It's kind of hard to explain what university is really like. Just make sure you go into it with confidence and an open mind.

[BFD]

Nov 18, 2012 8:29:25 GMT -8 @kipp said:

Thanks for all the advice, guys!

Nov 17, 2012 11:58:32 GMT -8 Jordan said:

One thing to note that there is a difference between a computer programmer and a computer science/software engineer. Anybody can code, but not everyone can design a complex system and solve complex problems.

I'm not sure if I'd be smart enough to "design complex systems and solve complex problems", but it certainly sounds like something I'd enjoy doing if I was. Trying to help out in the code support boards when I was still learning JavaScript made me feel like I was beating my head against a wall on some occasions, but I suppose I'm a glutton for punishment in that I kept coming back for more. xD I like trying to fix broken codes just as much as I like writing new ones.

Good point, Jordan.  On the first day of my very first computer science class, the professor asked how many of us wanted to be programmers.  When virtually everyone raised his hand, he shook his head and told us we were wrong.  While programming can be fun, what we REALLY should want to be is system architects.  If we were to have successful and satistying careers, our best work would eventually be done with a pen and paper...and handing the bulk of the code off to some lower paid "schlep".

Nov 17, 2012 11:58:32 GMT -8 Jordan said:

Computer Science is difficult, much more than your average major so be prepared to work. The intro level classes may be easy if you've done a lot of programming on your own, but the upper level classes can be a bit ridiculous at times. The vast majority of people who make it through Computer Science at my University love solving problems. If you don't love logic and can't sit in a room all day working on something you may want to consider another major.

I haven't really done a lot of programming on my own. I just learned JavaScript... or, well, I thought I had. I read a manual and took an online tutorial, wrote a few things, and helped out in Code Support. But looking at all the plugins in v5 has made me realize that I actually don't know anything. >.> I've messed around with PHP and MySQL databases, but haven't done anything impressive. I suppose I'm just as new to this as everyone else is gonna be, but I'm certainly going to give it my best shot anyway.

Computer Science is definitely not a major for the faint of heart, especially if you are in a good program.  However, if you are cut out for this line of work, you will make it through and even enjoy the majority of your classes.  Hopefully you are in a program that will test you quickly so you don't waste years and a ton of money discovering it isn't for you.

Nov 17, 2012 11:58:32 GMT -8 Jordan said:

And I would like to add that C++ is one of the hardest languages to use, but you most likely wont be doing anything advanced with it in school so you should be fine.

I have two different classes. C++ and then Advcaned C++ later on. I hope I eventually get to do advanced things with it. If not, I suppose I'll at least have the basics down so that I can teach myself the rest. I'm fairly good at self-teaching if nothing else. I hit a problem, I look it up, I don't understand the solution, so I look those terms up, and so on until I figure things out. There are times that I hit a brick wall, though. Learning PHP and JavaScript was only made difficult for me by the fact that I had no one to ask about things until I came here, and even then I didn't like the idea of bothering all the busy code monkeys. Now I'll have a professor who gets paid to listen to my derp, so things should go smoother. xD

I am not a proponent of first semester programming classes using languages that are currently in mainstream commercial use. I don't know what the modern learning language, but C++ would not be my first choice...but then again, it isn't that bad.  Since you are already locked in, the advice I will give is to focus on learning how to program, not how to program in C++.  If you get the opportunity to take classes in other languages, don't choose languages based on what you see in job ads,  Try to get a variety, but make sure learning a new language does not hinder your ability to complete asignments.  But above all, get as many theory and design classes as you can. That will serve you best in the long run since you have no idea where your career will take you (although you might think you know...).

[Former Member]

I know this program is right for me. I don't know where I'm going to end up with the skills I gain or in what direction I plan on putting all the knowledge forth, but I certainly know that I want to be a programmer. Computer languages have interested me since I discovered the Internet. It has taken me four years to get my hands on this opportunity, so I'm not going to let it slip through my fingers now.

I'm nervous. The idea of failing is terrifying. I'm certain I'll be trying harder than the majority of my class, considering this has been my career of choice for almost a decade now and I have a daughter that needs this. I suppose what I mean to say is that I'll give it my best. Maybe that'll be good enough, maybe it won't.

But thanks (again) for all the advice! It's given me a faint idea of what to expect and what I'll need to do to make it really count. I don't feel so in-over-my-head anymore.

[Jordan]

Nov 21, 2012 17:03:12 GMT -8 @kipp said:

I know this program is right for me. I don't know where I'm going to end up with the skills I gain or in what direction I plan on putting all the knowledge forth, but I certainly know that I want to be a programmer. Computer languages have interested me since I discovered the Internet. It has taken me four years to get my hands on this opportunity, so I'm not going to let it slip through my fingers now.

I'm nervous. The idea of failing is terrifying. I'm certain I'll be trying harder than the majority of my class, considering this has been my career of choice for almost a decade now and I have a daughter that needs this. I suppose what I mean to say is that I'll give it my best. Maybe that'll be good enough, maybe it won't.

But thanks (again) for all the advice! It's given me a faint idea of what to expect and what I'll need to do to make it really count. I don't feel so in-over-my-head anymore.

You're making a very good choice, so just stick with it. I'm actually quite like you in the fact that I love studying and using languages themselves, more so than solving big problems. I'm just better at knowing what kind of technologies exist and how they work since I read about them a lot, but I'm not great at coming up with them. So, you're not alone in wanting to be a programmer, but you'll still evolve over time and build strong problem solving skills during your time in the major because they make you.

[Former Member]

I feel reassured now. I guess I had a moment of weakness. (You'd think being a single mom I'd be a little tougher, but we all have our days, yeah?) Before I was faced with the opportunity to go to college I'd almost given up on programming. I tried self-teaching for a while, but I was told without a degree it wouldn't matter what I knew by several people in the field, so I sorta let it go. Now I'm inspired again.

I'm up at 2:40 AM trying to wrap my head around this plugin idea. I took a refresher course on Ajax and JSON and spent a half hour reading about accessing API's. I d'no if it's even possible to make this, but if it is... I think I need to lock up the inspiration and save it for later before it incites a migraine. >.>

In the meantime, if anyone with free-time and patience doesn't mind helping me out on this plugin project, send me a PM. I might be able to do this on my own with a lot of time, but advice from real people is quicker (and generally more rewarding) than scanning tutorials for solutions.

Think I'll go collapse for the night, though. I know I've said it twice already, but I'm seriously grateful for everyone who responded here. I really needed that little boost. :3

[Wormopolis]

anothere thing you have to be prepared to do is DOCUMENT. it isnt always just about writing up a code. I took a few classes where the documentation and planning part of the assigment took longer then the coding part.

also be prepared to work in groups. several course will have you work on a large project, that COULD possibly do yourself, but will ultimately end up just writing PART of it, and your contribution will have to rely on someone else's skills and someone else relying on yours. that can seem intimidating, but as long as you dont go all maverick and write really hard to read coding (ie use descriptive variable names, dont obfuscate so much) then group projects wont be so bad.

there will also be classes about how to make your codes more efficient, I specifically remember writing a half dozen sorting routines and running timing tests on them.

[The Dark Knight]

Not as hard as the code looks Chani, when you break it up into pieces it becomes much simpler and the syntax makes a lot of sense as well. I picked up C and C++ when I was 14, didn't take too long.