How Do I Become a Computer Programmer?

| Posted: 05-08-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 69 | Rating: (67)

(?)

Programming a computer has always fascinated me. To be able to type a few lines of english into a machine, and then it does all sorts of things for me, was really exciting. It still is. If I need to do some task, I just write a programme to do it for me and I can take the rest of the week off!

If you are a creative or lateral thinking person, computer programming can be very satisfying; especially if you are doing it for yourself or freelance. I've been programming in various languages since about 1987, and I still enjoy doing it.

So how do you become a programmer? Where do you start?

First off, you need to be able to work a computer. How to use the mouse, keyboard, move files, get around explorer and so on. You also need to have a reasonable ability in math. (You can learn it as you go along as well.)

Then you need to decide what type of programmes you would like to write - financial, games, operating systems, machine controllers, etc - because each type of programming has a particular type of programming language that is particularly suited to it. For instance, Delphi is fine tuned for Databases, C++ is good for operating systems, Visual Basic works well in web applications.

Then you need to select the programming language that you would like to use. eg. Delphi, C++, Visual Basic, etc, etc.

You will have to buy yourself a Compiler, the software package that you use to write your programs. (Or use one at your school or library, or borrow a friends computer if he's got it installed. But eventually you will have to buy your own.)

Then you need to either go on a course that offers tuition in this language, or start teaching yourself; in which case you will need books to refer to. Courses are available via correspondence, at technikons or at universities.

Then you need a couple of years (part time) to do all this studying. Maybe after a month or two you will be able to turn out programmes that are kinda useful.

Programming is a bunch of

commands written in a "language" that is normal english words, but a small finite set of them, together with symbols and punctuation that all has a particular function. For example:

Procedure WriteSomething ;

begin

form1.edit1.text := 'Hi there guys" ;

form1.edit1.visible := true ;

Application.Processmessages ;

end ;

This little bit of programming would put the text "Hi there guys" into a little box on the screen; but note: This is only part of a larger programme, and won't work by itself. If you leave out one of the semi-colons or a full stop, the program won't work!

So you have to write this "english" in a particular

format, so that the compiler can "interpret" it, and convert it into machine code so that the computer can "understand" it and execute it.

compiler is the software that takes your programme, written in this pseudo english, and converts it into a computer readable and executable form.

Rate this Article:

Current: 3.7 / 5 stars - 3 vote(s).

Article Tags: Computer, Make, Languages, Program, Pascal, Basic, Programmer, Delphi

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/programming-articles/how-do-i-become-a-computer-programmer-510189.html

Print article

Send to friend

Publish this Article

Author feedback

About the Author:

Hi,

Thank you for reading my article.
There are many more articles, as well as lots of free information, software downloads, photos and advice at the Wrinklyo Web Node, which can be found at:

http://wrinklyo.googlepages.com

Thank you for your support!

Regards

Duncan Kelly

Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means to drive traffic to your website and promote yourself and your business. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Add new Comment

Can Anyone Make Money on Ebay?
By: Jason James | 03/12/2005 | Business
We have all seen the headlines about some grandmother selling her beanie baby collection for tens of thousands of dollars or the formerly unemployed couple who are now running their own business and seem to be living on easy street: and all of it is thank

How to Make Money on ebay Auctions
By: Jason James | 27/12/2005 | Business
The emergence of the ebay explosion. Ebay made auctioning a modernized one and the benefits are enormous. This is a guide on how to make money on ebay auctions.

Create and Print Greeting Cards for All
By: Kazi Ali | 07/12/2007 | Software
Design and print or email personalized Greeting Cards with your own photos, smiles, love-signs, poems and more. Belltech Greeting Card Designer is just right for your perfect greeting card designing and printing needs for any occasions.

Why You Need Hvac Estimating Software
By: Gloria Smith | 13/11/2008 | Home Improvement
HVAC estimating software is something any business needs these days if they really hope to make it. There are many reasons that this software package is something that you really need to look at, but let us only look at some of the really important ones first.

Can You Really Make Money Selling on Ebay?
By: Jason James | 04/12/2005 | Home Business
Most of us have heard about the phenomenon known as Ebay which promotes those online auctions that attract bidders from the world over for just about anything imaginable.

4 Easy Ways to Make Money on Ebay
By: Jason James | 27/12/2005 | Business
Ebay is a haven for people that are into business and the best part about it is you don't have to leave the comforts of your own house while trying your luck for your first million. There are many easy ways to make money on Ebay and this article would cer

How Do Online Auctions Actually Work?
By: Jason James | 04/12/2005 | Home Business
In the past few years, online auctions have really become a popular way for people around the world to buy and sell goods.

Top of the Game: eBay's Bestsellers
By: Jason James | 27/12/2005 | ECommerce
With so many products in ebay, which of it are ebay's bestsellers? We could take a look of these ebay's bestsellers through each category. Here are some of the ebay's bestsellers in each category:

Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

Cpu is unavailable or has been changed. please ...
By: ajfcomp | 24-10-2008
cpu is unavailable or has been changed. please recheck CPU soft menu. how do I do this and change settings in soft menu? I can't get passed this screen to get to desk top. Windows 98

Where can I get a disk to reboot my compaq dest top computer
By: Bob Sounder | 24-10-2008
where can I get a disk to reboot my compaq dest top computer? Thanks

What does it cost to have a desktop computer ...
By: Bob Sounder | 24-10-2008
what does it cost to have a desktop computer rebooted

With a HRA account, when I go to the doctor do I ...
By: Lynda | 24-10-2008
With a HRA account, when I go to the doctor do I have to pay with money up front and get reinbursed or do they file to get the money?

Why does my computer make a foghorn sound?
By: Banjohammer | 24-10-2008
Why does my computer make a loud "foghorn" sound and how do I shut it off or change it? I've went into the settings in control panel and couldn't find it.

Page keeps moving
By: thaidmom | 23-10-2008
Page keeps moving. When I try to read the news, retrieve mail, log in, even type the cursor keeps moving or the oage keeps scrolling from top to bottom What is causing this and how do i fix it. It is a dell laptop. Thanks for any help.

Q&A Powered by:

Latest Programming Articles

Cool Desktop Wallpapers
By: Danny | 18/11/2008
Cool desktop wallpaper is accomplishments arrangement that displayed in the computer operating system. The wallpapers usually be acclimated in JPEG, BMP and GIF book formats. That wallpaper can be acclimated with Microsoft Windows, Linux and Macintosh Mac OS. Each adviser can be altered requirements, alike admitting wallpaper images advised for accepted monitors can be scaled up or bottomward to the fit size. Those are accessible on the internet for free. Some categories of wallpapers are a

Tips for Buying Software Online
By: Daniel Jowssey | 17/11/2008
Buying software online not only helps save the planet, it also has other benefits, including: * Ease and Simplicity. You can purchase software in your underwear at 4am if you really want to. Shopping online doesn’t have to be done within regular business hours, nor do you need to look your best to do it. It’s also easy to shop around for the best prices and takes less time than driving to the shops.

Mvc Design Pattern
By: TuVinhSoft .,JSC | 14/11/2008
Model-view-controller (MVC) is an architectural pattern used in software engineering. In complex computer applications that present a large amount of data to the user, a developer often wishes to separate data (model) and user interface (View) concerns, so that changes to the user interface will not affect data handling, and that the data can be reorganized without changing the user interface.

Advantages of Low Cost Contract Programmers in Freelance Programming
By: Joanna Gadel | 12/11/2008
It observed that web industry is getting tougher thus the necessity of freelance contract programmer is required for developing more effective website with flexible features. This article states the fruitful advantages of freelance programmers in contract programming.

A Guide to Cnc Kits
By: Martin Applebaum | 09/11/2008
CNC kits are a way in which to construct your CNC machine. This article will provide some information on these machines.

A Guide to Cnc Tube Bending Machines
By: Martin Applebaum | 08/11/2008
Are you familiar with a CNC tube bending machine? This article will shed some light on the main function and components of this machine.

Ways to Hire Dedicated Php Programmers
By: Jucick | 08/11/2008
It’s not at all easy to hire dedicated PHP programmers unless you know where and how to find them. Whether you need to fix, update or enhance your website you naturally want the job done quick and right.

Top 4 Reasons Why Addressing Web Accessibility is Important
By: Matt Cave | 05/11/2008
There are very high chances that web accessibility is more important to the performance of your web site than you realize. Article takes a look at the top 4 reasons why it would be important to address the issue of web accessibility.

More from Duncan Kelly

How a Computer Hard Drive Works
By: Duncan Kelly | 17/11/2008 | Hardware
A simple explanation of the construction and operation of a computer hard drive, with some interesting facts thrown in.

A Layman's Guide to a Computer's Cpu
By: Duncan Kelly | 17/11/2008 | Hardware
A simple explanation of the operation and construction of a computer's Central Processing Unit.

Explaining Megabytes, Kilobits and Megahertz in Computers
By: Duncan Kelly | 17/11/2008 | Computers
A simple explanation of megabytes, megahertz and other bytes in computers and their memory.

How Computer Things are Made
By: Duncan Kelly | 17/11/2008 | Hardware
Parts and peripherals of computers are quite amazing when you realise how they are made and how they work.

Review of the Hp Colour Laserjet 2600n Printer
By: Duncan Kelly | 31/10/2008 | Hardware
This color laser printer is rather nice. After 6 months, it's still a breeze to use.

What is Iq and How is it Worked Out
By: Duncan Kelly | 30/10/2008 | Psychology
Most people know that IQ is a measure of how clever a person is, but what is it exactly, and how is it calculated?

10 Ways to Speed Up Your Pc
By: Duncan Kelly | 20/10/2008 | Hardware
Adding RAM is one way to speed up your PC. But there are some other things you can do as well..

How to Speed Up Your Computer
By: Duncan Kelly | 18/10/2008 | Hardware
A Slow computer can be a real pain. Here are a few ways you can get it going a bit faster; perhaps a lot faster!

Article Categories

Need Help?

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below

Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.23, 17)

How Do I Become a Computer Programmer?

Article Comments

Related Articles

Got a Question? Ask.

Latest Programming Articles

More from Duncan Kelly

Need Help?

Site Links

Webmasters

Business Info

Sign up for our email newsletter