Where to start - development ?

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Zyraz

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Hi All

Im considering development as a possible slight change in career path , where do I start ?
What study courses should i be looking at ?
 
No 1: Ensure that this is the thing that you really want to do
 
Zyraz said:
Hi All

Im considering development as a possible slight change in career path , where do I start ?
What study courses should i be looking at ?
Click to expand...

It just started last week but I do recommend you join the Android development class at coursera. Its not too late to join in on this class as we have not done anything yet:

https://class.coursera.org/android-001

There are many top developers in South Africa who are doing this course as coursera has become very credible. This is part of three courses.

You get a certificate of accomplishment for this course but if you want a verifiable certificate (known as a signature course) for your CV, then it costs R500. Also if you do all three signature courses, you get a specialisation certificate.


Also look at Udacity, I'm doing a couple of courses there as well.

(* I'm a 39yr old senior PHP developer and in development you're never too old to study)
 
There are lots of ways to go about it.
You could do a Unisa degree, do some short courses, teach yourself etc.
Once you know how to code start asking if there are any internal projects you can work on in your spare time or find an area of business you can improve on and then pitch that to management. Its really just about finding an opportunity and then going with it.
 
cbrunsdonza said:
It just started last week but I do recommend you join the Android development class at coursera. Its not too late to join in on this class as we have not done anything yet:

https://class.coursera.org/android-001

There are many top developers in South Africa who are doing this course as coursera has become very credible.
Click to expand...

Do they have a specific time for lectures or they just upload videos?
 
Thanks for the feedback so far :)
Some say Java , some PHP , Python etc , which in your opinion is the best opening short course to start off with ?
 
There have been a number of threads like this in the past month or two on this forum. Maybe page back a bit and read the suggestions. The pros and cons for which language to start with has been discussed extensively. Also, courses to do and books to read.
 
gkm said:
They upload the videos. You watch it and do the exercises when it suits you.
Click to expand...

There are, however, weekly lab assignments and weekly quizzes. I'm doing the same Android Dev course mentioned by cbrunsdonza.
I am thus far liking the fact that they start you off slowly, and give you a good overview prior to going into any details. It helps with context.

Come join us! :)
 
cbrunsdonza said:
It just started last week but I do recommend you join the Android development class at coursera. Its not too late to join in on this class as we have not done anything yet:

https://class.coursera.org/android-001

There are many top developers in South Africa who are doing this course as coursera has become very credible. This is part of three courses.

You get a certificate of accomplishment for this course but if you want a verifiable certificate (known as a signature course) for your CV, then it costs R500. Also if you do all three signature courses, you get a specialisation certificate.


Also look at Udacity, I'm doing a couple of courses there as well.

(* I'm a 39yr old senior PHP developer and in development you're never too old to study)
Click to expand...

+1

Also doing this course and think its excellent
 
Do you guys know if there is any way to be able to watch the courses without having to make a commitment in case this semester at university take up to much time? Also could I put it on my CV if I don't do the certified R500 course?
 
To be honest if i interview someone and see a coursera course i really would not hold it in a great light. Shows some work on their behalf but that is about it.
 
smg22 said:
Do they have a specific time for lectures or they just upload videos?
Click to expand...

Just upload but we have weekly deadlines. You need to spend about 4-5 hours a week on this. Not hard to do as its great fun. About 2 hours for videos and then 2-3 for quizzes and assignments.
 
semaphore said:
To be honest if i interview someone and see a coursera course i really would not hold it in a great light. Shows some work on their behalf but that is about it.
Click to expand...

Well we all know you're high and mighty standard :p Try and do a couple of coursera courses yourself and see if you can get distinction. Will change your perception about them.

Everybody I know that has done a coursera course and worked to get distinction has changed their attitude towards these types of courses. I also find that their level is much higher than my UNISA studies.
 
Ghost02 said:
Do you guys know if there is any way to be able to watch the courses without having to make a commitment in case this semester at university take up to much time? Also could I put it on my CV if I don't do the certified R500 course?
Click to expand...

Yes. I have it on my Linkedin and my CV. I also find that I no longer need to explain what is coursera (and if I do then I'm not interested in the company). You get a downloadable certificate but the important thing is you get knowledge. Its also great motivation.

There is also a great Python one starting in a few weeks. Loved it and it was great fun.

https://www.coursera.org/course/interactivepython
 
cbrunsdonza said:
Yes. I have it on my Linkedin and my CV. I also find that I no longer need to explain what is coursera (and if I do then I'm not interested in the company). You get a downloadable certificate but the important thing is you get knowledge. Its also great motivation.

There is also a great Python one starting in a few weeks. Loved it and it was great fun.

https://www.coursera.org/course/interactivepython
Click to expand...

Thanks!
 
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