Mr. Squirrel,
Best way to learn how to code is to sit down, think about a project that
needs to be done, and do it in the language of your choice (after deciding
on the suitability of that language for your task).
If you're relatively bright, this is the *only* way to learn. ;)
Code a few more projects... then come back to your first project and
review the code and pick out the nasties and perhaps rewrite it.. perhaps
in another language altogether or with a completely different structure.
Uni will teach you methodology - not code.. and even so, comp sci at uni
is a bit of a luxury, you can learn *almost* everything at home from books
and your own development platform.. you will miss out on different
approaches and the "peer review" process (i.e. other kids laughing at your
code) though.. however with the OS model, especially working on "public"
projects, you'll get plenty of input from other coders soon enough! ;)
If you're considering uni for this, then consider a double degree like
Electrical Engineering/Comp Sci... because you'll find out quite soon that
manufacturing semiconductors in your bedroom doesn't work all that
well.. not to mention that with Elec Eng, you should at least have a solid
physics/chem background (and these too - at high levels - are not easy to
learn without explanation)..
So quite simply, learning to code at home is feasible,
neurosurgery/photovoltaics development/biomed engineering/<insert
disciplines which require specialist equipment etc here> aren't.
Oh, and you'll learn to drink beer on campus too.
//umar (who has gone back to uni part-time to do a hobby
Economics/Accounting degree which he will never ever utilize in the
workforce.. but hey, the environment is fun and it has nothing to do with
what I actually do for a living! ;)
> Hello,
>
> What does everyone here think of
> getting professional training in
> programming (and programming in
> general) vs self study ?
>
> I'm considering taking a 40h course
> or similar to learn how to program
> "the right way" and get help in the
> mean time.
>
> Who might offer such services ? I'm
> having difficulty finding companies
> that offer this, i've tried Spherion
> for example - there programming courses
> are pathetic.
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