Starting a career in web development can seem very challenging for anyone interested in entering the technology market, but have little or no familiarity with it.
The programming universe becomes very attractive mainly due to its high salaries and extremely flexible work possibilities, including giving its professionals many remote work opportunities in other countries.
Another big advantage is that the sector rarely suffers any kind of external shock. According to a GeekHunter survey, even with the crisis of the coronavirus, the IT market was one of the least shaken.
If you’ve made the decision to become a programmer, or want to learn about development to supercharge your resume, don’t be scared: know that with dedication the process can be much simpler than it sounds.
And the best part: it is possible to have access to quality information and study at a high level both in traditional institutions – such as universities and technical courses – and outside them!
Throughout this article, we’ll explain a little better about what programming is, what your goals are, how the market is today, and what are the five best ways for you to learn to program in 2021.
What Can You Do With Programming?
Given its concept, it is possible to imagine that the possibilities for creating from programming are endless!
Basically, we can say that everything that exists on the internet exists thanks to web development. Likewise, all the software, systems and databases that exist around the world were also only possible thanks to programming.
Find out below its five most common applications.
Sites
This is perhaps the most basic function of programming: creating websites.
For the vast majority of people, a website is just an interface where they are able to have contact with various information and achieve certain interactivity, but for those who work with its creation, it is a complex set of rules and commands promoted by one or more programming languages.
Websites, like a book, have two constitutions: their facade, which involves a specific type of development called the front-end, and their internal structure, or the back-end part.
The joining of these two fronts of creation results in websites and pages as we know them, where we can browse when we access the internet.
The most used programming languages in website development are JavaScript and React framework for front-end and Java, PHP, Python and Node.js framework for back-end.
Applications
With a boom in consumption in recent years, apps have grown exponentially in importance within the skill set that a developer should have under their belt.
Mainly used on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, apps are replacing browsers, since developing an app and launching it on the market can be much more beneficial for a company than adapting its entire website to the needs of its customers.
With the increase in internet access through cell phones, being an expert programmer in mobile development is certainly a good option.
The most common programming languages in application development are Java, Swift, Objective-C and Kotlin.
Games
The game development market is hotter than ever.
Whether geared to game design or performance, those who specialize in game-oriented programming languages, such as C++, for example, will hardly have any problem finding their way into the job market.
Operational Systems
Operating systems can be seen, roughly, as the big systems that allow all other smaller systems to exist.
Windows, MacOS and Linux Ubuntu are the most popular operating systems for desktop, while iOS, Android and Windows Phone are the most popular OS ( Operating Systems ) for mobile.
Whether to create a small internal operating system within a company, for example, or to maintain large existing OSes, it is necessary for the programmer to master the mother language of these applications.
How to Start Learning to Program?
There is only one way to learn to program: roll up your sleeves and start studying. And a common question for all people who want to start their studies in any subject is: where to start?!
When we talk about starting the study of an object, we must keep in mind that, in any discipline, there is a fundamental basis that must be absorbed for the learning curve to evolve.
In programming, this base is called programming logic.
Imagine that, when moving to a foreign country, you express a desire to pursue a degree at a local university. What is the first thing you should learn before anything else? That’s right, the language of the country where you are! After all, no other understanding will be possible without this first one.
With web development it’s no different: think of programming logic as the most primary of all knowledge, the one from which all the others will unfold more fluidly, since, despite the existence of different languages, the operating logic is the same for all.
That said, once you’ve mastered the logic, familiarize yourself with the markup languages: HTML and CSS.
These two languages are easy to understand, have a very simple syntax and, over time, they will become more and more common in your daily life.
From these concepts well assimilated, now you must keep in mind what will be your specialization as a developer and then choose the first programming language you will learn.
How To Learn Web Development?
Online Course
The biggest benefit of studying through online courses is flexibility.
There are several types of courses aimed at different specialties, but often educational support can be lacking.
Online courses can be a good option for those who want to acquire the basics or a little more depth in a subject about which they already have reasonable knowledge.
Websites and Videos
The internet today is a huge, public collection of completely free study and specialization materials on just about anything.
For those who want to learn to program, websites, videos, forums and communities from all over the world are a cheap and effective option: all you have to do is have access to the internet.
On the other hand, the lack of a specialized instructor to answer questions and polish the understanding can make the self-taught path more costly and long, in addition to the risk of not being able to push their learning beyond the basics.
Technical Course
There are hundreds of technical course options, the vast majority of which are shorter than an undergraduate degree, for those who want to specialize in computer science and become a programmer.
The advantage of these courses is the educational support and official certification of an educational institution, which will bring an upgrade to your curriculum. The disadvantage is the distance between students and professionals in the market.
College
Computer Science, Information Systems, Systems Analysis and Development, Information Technology Management and Computer Engineering are some options for higher education courses in IT for those who want to pursue a career as a programmer.
The differences between these courses are mainly in their training objectives.
While the Computer Science course is more focused on getting hands-on, with effective programming in its curriculum, the IT Management course, in turn, is more focused on strategy and technology-oriented business models.
It is also necessary to assess that graduations have a long duration and demand large financial investment, in addition to not offering a guarantee of preparation for the job market.
Bootcamps
A bootcamp, literally translated, means training camp.
This expression, widely used in the world of sports, designates a space where a group of people gather to learn and/or train a skill.
In recent years, programming bootcamps have become very popular among the tech community, combining expert expertise with beginners’ willingness to learn. Between classes, workshops and networking, bootcamps are a very interesting alternative for those who want to learn and enter the market quickly.
Today, many companies sponsor and promote bootcamps. Subjects can range from the most basic general learning to specializing in specific subjects.
Bootcamps, however, are short-lived. Events usually last only a few days, or even just one, and the financial investment is greater for each hour of class. For these reasons, the contents are not very extensive.