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How do you go about developing an application?

I want to become a software engineer but I don't know how I'm going to go about it. Any ideas?

  • I already know quite a bit of C/C++ and a very tiny amount of Python. I've used Git and GitHub before, but I personally don't like using them that much because I sometimes get some sort of error. I'm not sure which field I'd like to work in. I think my choices are either a systems programmer, application developer or web developer but I can never really make myself stick with trying to learn one of them. I'm also aware of the fact that a degree may not be all that important and that developing a track record of complete projects and roles in teams/communities can go a long way in making me get a job more easily. I'm going to migrate to somewhere in the USA in about 1-2 years (probably Florida) so I doubt I have time to pursue a degree in anything while i'm down here. Also, I've tried a few competitive programming websites like Hackerrank and TopCoder and I really don't think I'm good at them. Does this mean anything? What do you guys think I should do? I don't really understand anything related to algorithms, but I've made a sort of list of things I think I need to learn/finish learning: C/C++ Python HTML, CSS and Javascript Version Control with Git and GitHub Algorithms If you guys have any advice or any additions to my list, please let me know.

  • Answer:

    Being good at TopCoder or Hackerrank doesn't determine if you'll make a great programmer.  None of us can tell you in absolutes which direction to go; that is totally up to you.  You have to figure out where your passions lie and run with that.  You won't see C/C++ so much on the web development side as you would in desktop/game development.  You'll see python on both.  The game market spans all platforms so Javascript, HTML, & CSS also play a role in that market. The only answer here really is to learn all you can and when you find something you're passionate about... go for it.

Chapley Watson at Quora Visit the source

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A couple of things to consider. There is no particular reason to learn c/c++ and python and javascript. Learn one language and learn it well. This is far better than only learning bits and pieces of 3. Most of the concepts that you learn for one will translate to others. Syntax is fairly trivial to pick up once you learn one language. Given that you are thinking about web development javascript is a good choice. You talk about learning Git which is a good thing but the fundamental thing here is to learn how to use version control of any kind. Odds are good that wherever you end up they will have different version control that whatever you learned so it is not about the specific software but about getting used to doing version control at all. You also mentioned that you are not good at competitive programming. Neither am I and not one job that I interviewed for asked me about it. There are some things in competitive programming that help you but there is nothing special about it. Simply make sure that you learn the algorithms and understand them. This is far more than any competition. I wish you luck in you endeavors!

Joseph Hopper

I am sure you are going to get what you want but would like to quote John Lennon. Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans So relax for a while when you still have time for it.

Priyaranjan Anand Marathe

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