redfiretruck

Hey, first of all let me introduce myself...

My name is Kevin, i am 16... I am somewhat new to programming, but am definitely interested in learning how to program professionally... But i got a few questions .

To people who have graduated from college as programmers...

• How hard was it?
  
• How many times did you have to take classes that weren't about programming?
  
• What was the hardest thing you had to do?
  
• What was the easiest thing you had to do?

To people who are working professionally as programmers...

1. What is it like? Is it the same feel and atmosphere as working at home in your spare time for fun? Because i program in my spare time (I got tons because i'm home schooled) and it is often the most fun thing I've ever done in my life... Is it like that?
   
2. I heard you usually have to learn new programming languages from time to time... Is that true? If so, how often is that a new programming language or update comes out? How hard is it to learn usually and how long does it often take?
   
3. How much do you make annually (if you don't mind answering )
   
4. How much do you recommend being a programmer to others?
   
5. What types of things do you recommend for a new programmer to do in order to be more familiar with how the work-life will be?
   
6. What type of things do you do at work?
   
7. How much would you recommend trying to get masters/bachelors as opposed to just your AA? Do you know how much more money it usually brings in?
   
8. How hard is it to find a job, and what is the usual amount people make? How common is it for people with a Masters in (Whatever programming field) to get a job with the higher up companies? How much do they usually make if they work for higher up companies (Example: Microsoft/Borland/Adobe)

Grich

>How hard was it?
It's okay, the odd challenge here and there. But it really depends on the persons dedication.
How many times did you have to take classes that weren't about programming?
I was actually studying fine arts before going onto programming. I also take up some stuff in Digital Music (which is cool)
What was the hardest thing you had to do?
Personally, ADO.NET, talking to databases with it. Some people find it easy, I didn't. And also Javascript projects, I HATE it. Analysis subjects as well
What was the easiest thing you had to do?
Web programming technologies (PHP, MYSQL).Making interactive websites.

I am currently in my final year. Yipee.

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redfiretruck

I HATE javascript... Every time i look at that or mess with it I usually end up screaming at my computer and turning it off for a couple hours. And the most lovely thing, my certificate (which leads into my degree) requires a class of javascript 8(.

Btw, have you had to take any VB/delphi/C++ or any of the non-web (primarily non-web) languages as a class or course? If so, how were they like? Because i have to take 2 web programming classes (html/javascript) for my AA but like 3-4 VB classes and i'm wondering if that's good or not xD.

Grich

VB is good as long as you are willing to go onto other technologies, alot of courses start off with VB (I hear the creator of C++ uses it to teach beginner level programming). That was the first language we did at college. We now do JAVA and C++. I am consentrating mostly on my JAVA skills. There was (a while back now) a mantatory web technologies class we had to do.

In my spare time I work in Assembly Language Projects. It's a hobby.

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redfiretruck

Ahh ok cool, ya C and C++ are so amazingly like Delphi it isn't even funny... I actually like C and C++ (from what I have learned so far xD)... The format of the words is very similar, not necessarily all the commands tho.

I can't wait till then X_X. VB isn't too amazing imo... 8(.

Grich

Ha, don't worry. It's like any course, you have to put up with the subjects you don't like knowing that the subjects you will like are getting closer.

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Grich

Actually, look into C# and JAVA. If you like the syntax of delphi and C, you may like these langauges.

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redfiretruck

Ya, i've actually gotten a couple recommendations to C# xD. Dunno why O_O xD.

But ya, i'm dling it atm... I mean... C# is the microsoft language? As in, like VB, it only has the microsoft compiler right?

Grich

Yeah, it is a microsoft only product.

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andro

http://www.mono-project.com/Main_Page

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http://www.kevinherron.com/