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CofiDrnka

Member
Joined
Feb 4, 2013
Messages
19
Hi Guys,

I have started learning how to do Python Programming. And have done the courses via Coursera.

Now my question is, in the working environment, on Developers, how many languages does the average developer need to understand.

How do you get into companies with no working experience on developing? are there companies that will be willing to take someone under their wings and teach as well as pay like an apprenticeship and what type of salaries do they pay.

I have completed 2 coursers on Coursera website, and have certificates for each, and will be going over to my 3rd on shortly this month.

Thanks for the help in advance.
 
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stricken

Expert Member
Joined
Sep 5, 2010
Messages
2,265
CofiDrnka said:
I have started learning how to do Python Programming. And have done the courses via Coursera.
Click to expand...

Nice

CofiDrnka said:
how many languages does the average developer need to understand.
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Most devs can understand code in many languages, actually be able to code in 2-4 and are really good (i.e. no IDE help, etc required) in 1-2 - which is usually the primary language they use in their work.

CofiDrnka said:
How do you get into companies with no working experience on developing? are there companies that will be willing to take someone under their wings and teach as well as pay like an apprenticeship and what type of salaries do they pay.
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Problem is companies require not only the ability to code, but also the experience of what / how to code in context. I got my first job in dev by building up a portfolio of things I have done, apps developed, etc. - but I guess I was lucky.


So good luck man. Also, learn javascript - both server (nodejs) and client side - OR - C# - there is an ever increasing market for these skills.
 
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Chevez

Active Member
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Aug 20, 2012
Messages
48
Here's how it worked for me:

I studied BIS: Multimedia at Tuks. I started working as a Support guy, doing the odd in house software app for the place I worked at. It was a small company. I never touched Delphi at University (I did however do C, C++,C#,Java,SQL and HTML + Javascript), but this is what I used to create the apps at the workplace. Then once I received my degree my employers decided to make me a full time delphi developer. I learned a lot from writing my own modules for the software application the company developed.

My next job I became a SQL developer. I only knew the basics of SQL, but after a while I learnt most of it and continued learning for well over 2 years.

So, in all, don't be too fussy with learning a new language, it helps more knowing the concepts of programming when starting out. The company you end up working for (this is true for junior developer positions) will specify what language you'll be doing. You'll get to become experienced in the language at work, not necessarily while studying.

Look for Junior developer positions and be open to learning. A great thirst for learning is the most important attribute you can have, especially if you're starting up.

Good luck out there.
 
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envo

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Jan 14, 2014
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I can read any programming language except that really weird one I can't remember the name of. Comes with experience.

That, and it's not always about the code or language, but how to solve the problem in the most efficient way that benefits the company, not only right now, but in the future as well. That's what learning a language doesn't really teach you.
 
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Messugga

Honorary Master
Joined
Sep 4, 2007
Messages
12,746
envo said:
I can read any programming language except that really weird one I can't remember the name of. Comes with experience.

That, and it's not always about the code or language, but how to solve the problem in the most efficient way that benefits the company, not only right now, but in the future as well. That's what learning a language doesn't really teach you.
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You understand Prolog, Perl and Brain****? ;)
 
N

NeoAcheron

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2011
Messages
152
Now my question is, in the working environment, on Developers, how many languages does the average developer need to understand.
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Its not so much the languages you know, but more the understanding of how to write understandable reusable code. You can learn all the languages in the world, but not be able to produce a block of usable code. The principals are all generally the same for all object oriented languages (aka: C++, C#, Java). Test Driven Development is all the hype, with good reason. Tested code makes for a happy project manager and a for safe software dev...

As a base skill set, Python is still a pretty cool language to know, but unless you're working for a startup, you won't find many big houses hiring in that space. Try to learn JavaScript, try to understand how closures work, scoped variables and the difference between prototypes and constructors. JavaScript is not going away any time soon, but there are languages that augment its functionality (but still required to know the base language).

SQL is important, not so much the language, but more the "best practice", like relations and indexing. If you know C# or Java, there will be no end (currently) to your career options.

There is no right or wrong answer, start out with the popular language. As you get better, learn the niche ones. Finally, if you know it all, try your hand at low level C++ and C...
 
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CofiDrnka

Member
Joined
Feb 4, 2013
Messages
19
Awesome stuff, many thanks for the advise so far. I trully do appreciate the feedback. I will be definitely taking a look into other languages, and trying stuff out. Javascript, Java and C++, C#. i think this is a nice foundation to start. I will then start creating my portfolio. Lets hope this works out in the end for me. :)
 
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CorrieDeBeer

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Apr 14, 2015
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What kind of DEV do you want to do?

I think what you should know is that a lot of newbies look at the job listings look at the laundry list of things that the companies who want to employ need and get really intimidated by it. The things is that those wants are an illusion. They will never get a person who does all those things because they simply do not exist. They are a farce an illusion.

Employers who have to get employees look at all the things that they want and never get it and have to be happy with the candidate that comes closest to the ideal.

You can do well by just knowing a few core technologies very well.
 
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Sherbang

Executive Member
Joined
May 14, 2008
Messages
9,874
CofiDrnka said:
Awesome stuff, many thanks for the advise so far. I trully do appreciate the feedback. I will be definitely taking a look into other languages, and trying stuff out. Javascript, Java and C++, C#. i think this is a nice foundation to start. I will then start creating my portfolio. Lets hope this works out in the end for me. :)
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To be honest, I think experience in one language is more important than spending time learning many languages. Once you become proficient in that one language, learning other languages becomes much easier anyway. Since you've learned python already, I would start looking for junior positions as a python programmer. Or, if these are hard to find, learn javascript, as suggested above, and go from there.
 
MagicDude4Eva

MagicDude4Eva

Banned
Joined
Apr 2, 2008
Messages
6,479
CofiDrnka said:
Hi Guys,

I have started learning how to do Python Programming. And have done the courses via Coursera.

Now my question is, in the working environment, on Developers, how many languages does the average developer need to understand.

How do you get into companies with no working experience on developing? are there companies that will be willing to take someone under their wings and teach as well as pay like an apprenticeship and what type of salaries do they pay.

I have completed 2 coursers on Coursera website, and have certificates for each, and will be going over to my 3rd on shortly this month.

Thanks for the help in advance.
Click to expand...

If you are looking for a paid internship (12 months / 7.5k/pm - in the 12 months you will do Oracle Java Associate, Developer and web-component certificates) and have no issue working in Bryanston and would like to focus on Java, drop me a mail (cto@bidorbuy.co.za) with your details (if you have a CV / intro-letter, our HR team will get excited, but I personally do not care much about it) and I will send you a pre-interview screening test and we can take it from there.
 
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