Looking to get feet wet

[Kn1ghT]

Hi everyone,

I am currently in grade 11 and I haven't decided what I will be doing after I have finished school. At the moment I don't have any programming skills because I didn't take IT as a subject. I want to start learning and see if I am really interested in programming. Can anyone please point me in the right direction, by giving me links that could be useful, explaining the different directions one can go if you are a programmer and which languages would be useful to know.

Thank you

 

[ITCynic]

I would suggest you have a look at what languages are the most sought after.

Have a look at employment agency sites to get a feel what salaries are being offered and what programming skills are in demand. Also, if you intend working/living outside South Africa, look at employment agencies for the country you intend working/living in.

That way the research you do will help you to formulate a career path for yourself.

Good luck

 

[LordFoom]

do a web app

Stick up a small web application, something that uses a database. Give you a good feel for things and it's a skill folks look for.

 

[dequadin]

I'd recomend downloading one of the free Visual Studio Express Editions here.

Maybe get going with C# (Applications) or ASP.NET (Web) or both? It's free and there is a ton of info on the internets about both of these.

I know the open source guys are going to come and get me for saying this, but the .NET framework makes it really easy to start out...

 

[Kn1ghT]

Thanks for the replies! I have done some research and it seems that asp.net an C# devs get an average salary of 20k to 30k. However it seems that one must know both asp.net and C, aswell as some other languages in some cases. If I should follow this route, will I be able to work myself up to a manager position?

 

[FarligOpptreden]

The reason you need to know ASP.NET and C#, is because ASP.NET is a server-side hosting technology for websites that (the server-side processing part) can be written in any of the compatible .NET Framework languages, like C# and VB.NET. So, in your bid to learn ASP.NET, you will be teaching yourself a bit of C# as well.

As for "working yourself up to a manager position", its a completely different ballgame. Management and specialized operations aren't the same thing. If you enjoy programming and specialize in that sector, the best route would be to work yourself up to a software architect or something similar. Management works with people. Developers work with technology. You need to decide initially where you want to go as your choice of tertiary education will also be affected.

 

[dequadin]

Thanks for the replies! I have done some research and it seems that asp.net an C# devs get an average salary of 20k to 30k. However it seems that one must know both asp.net and C, aswell as some other languages in some cases. If I should follow this route, will I be able to work myself up to a manager position?

Dude please please don't come into the IT sector if all you want is a quick buck! I've already voiced my opinion on this before.

I thought the whole point of this exercise was to find something to get you going and see if you like programming, not what makes you the most money.

If that's all you care about learn COBOL/RPG.

 

[Kn1ghT]

Lol! No I don't want to make quick money, I just want to know if I will be able to work myself up to higher positions. I don't want to be in the same place forever. But do tell me what you meant with COBOL/RPG please?

 

[dequadin]

Lol! No I don't want to make quick money, I just want to know if I will be able to work myself up to higher positions. I don't want to be in the same place forever. But do tell me what you meant with COBOL/RPG please?

Sure

 

[PokerKing]

Lol! No I don't want to make quick money, I just want to know if I will be able to work myself up to higher positions. I don't want to be in the same place forever. But do tell me what you meant with COBOL/RPG please?

hahaha

 

[Kn1ghT]

LOL!

Okay, my bad. Next time i will use google. I am downloading Visual Studio now and will try to get some tutorials now.