Gearing up to become a programmer

A programmer, also known as a developer or a coder, is a professional who creates, tests, and maintains software applications, software systems, and tools.

Programming is a field i had developed much interest in, such that I passed through a number of programming lessons staring with Quick BASIC, then Scratch, consoles C and C++ on linux and a little bit of Java. Despite this, I can't call myself a programmer even though i am familier with the basics, this is because I have not really done what programmer do.

Programmers write usable code in in a specific or various programming languages. I have written codes, but mine were only for educational purposes and self development.

Programmers designing software architectures and algorithms

During my training, I have been involved in testing and debugging code, which is a part of what programmers do.

Programmers collaborating with teams to identify requirements, integrating software components, they also troubleshooting issues and find ways to optimise the performance of software. They also maintain and update existing software.

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A programmer can wark as a Web Developer for front-end or back-end, some programmers develop mobile App for iOS or Android devices.
A programmer can develop games, work as a cybersecurity specialist, a system administrator, a network programmer or a database administrator.
Some programmers develop Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning.

To become an effective programmer, you will have to develop the mindset of a programmer, which means acquiring some soft skills like:
Problem-solving and analytical thinking
The primary task of a programmer is solving problems of different types and to solve these problems, the programmer will have to analyse the situation.
Paying attention to detail and precision
In the mind of a programmer, every little detail counts and can make a difference between success and failure, which calles for precision.
Creativity and innovation
As a programmer, you will need all the creativity in you and will also need to come up with new ideas.
Adaptability and continuous learning
The learning process for the programmer's mindset never stops, you will have to keep learning and to adjust easily to how things change..
Critical thinking and logical reasoning
You will have to think a little deffrent from others, evaluate situations in a systematic way to arrive at a solution by separating facts from opinions, evaluating situations and observing patterns.
Effective communication
You will need to pay attention and express yourself clearly using any presentation method that is suitable.
Time management and organization
Programming can be time-consuming and as such, time needs to be managed well
Resilience and stress management
Removing a bug from a code can be stressful and a programmer will need endurance to succeed.
Patience, persistence, and teamwork
Any good programmer will have to be patient yet persistence in looking for the bugs in their codes and often needs assistance from fellow professionals who work together.

• Technology and software
• Finance and banking
• Healthcare
• Gaming
• Education
• Government
• E-commerce
• Aerospace and defence

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Starting your first high-level programming language lessons will not be easy, but after getting familiar with the first language, subsequent languages will be easy to learn if you are persistent and dedicated.
At the start, you will have difficulties understanding some concepts, unfamiliar syntax and semantics, and frustration when trying to debug errors.

But if you choose to start with a newcomer friendly language, a good mentor and celebrate every small victory. Then i believe all will be well.

I am picking up and bootstrapping my way back into programming after I took a long pause. I really believe this program will help me realise my goal of becoming a real professional programmer. Thank you for this beautiful opportunity.