5 answers
fernando
Student
Castroville, CA
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was there people who helped you get through learning software development? would getting a tutor to help me learn code be worth it?
software development
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5 answers
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
392
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
Everyone is different. I learned my first few languages by taking college courses. I didn't need a tutor, but worked very hard. This was in the days before the internet was a thing. Nowadays there are youtube or maybe ticktok videos people use to learn, which I find odd, but then again, I'm much older than you.
After that, most of the languages I learned I did on my own, with a paper book (GASP!!!).
But that's just learning the mechanics of the language. Learning good software development is an ongoing process. After being in the business for over 20 years, I'm still learning every day. Some from peers, some from people with tons more experience than me, and some from people with less. The field is always growing and changing, and there is always something new to learn. Both formal and informal methods are used daily.
I would say a tutor isn't always necessary, but it couldn't hurt. If nothing else, having someone else look at your code and give you constructive criticism is always a good thing.
After that, most of the languages I learned I did on my own, with a paper book (GASP!!!).
But that's just learning the mechanics of the language. Learning good software development is an ongoing process. After being in the business for over 20 years, I'm still learning every day. Some from peers, some from people with tons more experience than me, and some from people with less. The field is always growing and changing, and there is always something new to learn. Both formal and informal methods are used daily.
I would say a tutor isn't always necessary, but it couldn't hurt. If nothing else, having someone else look at your code and give you constructive criticism is always a good thing.
Brian Schunck
Director, Intelligent Software Systems at GoPro
31
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Brian’s Answer
I was lucky enough to get introduced to programming in high school and was instantly hooked. Took a course in high school but did not use a tutor. What helped me was learning on my own, reading everything I could about computer programming, including books on programming languages that I actually never coded in. It helped me to learn how to learn and how to figure things out on my own. That is what I believe put me way ahead when I went on to college. I also read books on math out of personal interest, but it really helped me to prepare for college-level work. I also read books on economics which help me understand how businesses worked.
Ashutosh Deshpande
Product Development Architect
10
Answers
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Ashutosh’s Answer
What worked for me is a friend, who created interest in me to start programming. I would say he is was a kind of a first tutor for me. From education point of view, I come from mechanical engineering background, however, I started my first job in a software development company. I had no basic knowledge of software development. Though, I didn't take any formal tuitions in software development, we did have a few seniors in my first company, who just got us started on new technology. Even getting started on a new topic is really a great help before you can become independent and start exploring more advanced stuff and hands on yourself.
Justin Wolbert
Risk Assurance Associate
1
Answer
Petaluma, California
Updated
Justin’s Answer
I am not a programmer so take my advice with a grain of salt. I just wanted to share my experience because I began learning how to code just about a year ago. I had a Junior Security Analyst job at UC Davis where I was encouraged to learn programming to help in automating reoccurring manual processes. At that time, I was looking into the different programming languages to learn and heard great things about Python.
I did have some prior experience with Java from a high school class, but I decided to start learning Python with codeacademy which is a pretty great website to help in getting started. I would recommend using codeacademy however, I would recommend after each module to take the time to use what you have learned to create something yourself (outside of codeacdemy). The reason for this is because I found myself at times not remembering concepts and not understanding what I had just learned. Another source that I used to learn python were the videos posted by Programming with Mosh. This is a fantastic resource that is free!
Recently, I have been learning C# and have been doing this mostly by using the Unity game engine to create games. This is a much different process than I would typically follow because I've in the past always started with tutorials. However, diving right in has worked tremendously well. I have found that the problem with tutorials for me at least is that I don't end up actually learning the material. With this method for learning C#, I have found that I have been able to comprehend the material better and tie it to what I want to accomplish. Also, by creating a game, I find that I want to come back to work on learning more and that it is fun!
While a tutor could certainly be helpful, I really believe there is so many resources out there to get started with the internet. There's no wrong answer! Good luck and keep learning!
I did have some prior experience with Java from a high school class, but I decided to start learning Python with codeacademy which is a pretty great website to help in getting started. I would recommend using codeacademy however, I would recommend after each module to take the time to use what you have learned to create something yourself (outside of codeacdemy). The reason for this is because I found myself at times not remembering concepts and not understanding what I had just learned. Another source that I used to learn python were the videos posted by Programming with Mosh. This is a fantastic resource that is free!
Recently, I have been learning C# and have been doing this mostly by using the Unity game engine to create games. This is a much different process than I would typically follow because I've in the past always started with tutorials. However, diving right in has worked tremendously well. I have found that the problem with tutorials for me at least is that I don't end up actually learning the material. With this method for learning C#, I have found that I have been able to comprehend the material better and tie it to what I want to accomplish. Also, by creating a game, I find that I want to come back to work on learning more and that it is fun!
While a tutor could certainly be helpful, I really believe there is so many resources out there to get started with the internet. There's no wrong answer! Good luck and keep learning!
Gustave Walzer
Consulting
1
Answer
Fairfax, Virginia
Updated
Gustave’s Answer
Learning programming is a lot like learning a new language, in my experience. I've found that experimenting with the language itself is super helpful. Even simple tasks, like creating a rock-paper-scissors game, can be incredibly useful. It's not always about finishing a project, but rather gaining knowledge from each one you start. Plus, it's important to remember that once you learn one programming language, you'll often see similarities with others you come across.
As for tutors, that's more of a personal choice. However, I do think having someone to share ideas with or ask for help when you're stuck is great. Keep in mind that everyone approaches programming tasks differently, so relying on just one friend might limit your learning. There are plenty of places to connect with others, both in person and online. Some of the best help I've received has come from people on Discord and IRC.
Another thing to consider is what kind of programming you want to do. Examples include data analysis, system administration, or automation. By having a clear direction, you can find people and forums better suited to answer your questions about that specific programming area, as well as the tools and skills that go along with it.
As for tutors, that's more of a personal choice. However, I do think having someone to share ideas with or ask for help when you're stuck is great. Keep in mind that everyone approaches programming tasks differently, so relying on just one friend might limit your learning. There are plenty of places to connect with others, both in person and online. Some of the best help I've received has come from people on Discord and IRC.
Another thing to consider is what kind of programming you want to do. Examples include data analysis, system administration, or automation. By having a clear direction, you can find people and forums better suited to answer your questions about that specific programming area, as well as the tools and skills that go along with it.