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Coolguy
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26 Aug 2014, 12:08 pm

So I am considering trying to get into programming as a profession. I want to learn python and java. Specifically, I am interested in learning how to create artificial neural networks in python using pybrain. I don't have a bachelors degree. I want to teach myself. Can anyone in the software industry tell me if this is a good course of action?



AspieUtah
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26 Aug 2014, 12:22 pm

I worked in the 1980s and 1990s as a technical writer in Silicon Valley and Utah. While having a degree is a quick way to prove a code engineer's knowledge, it isn't needed in some cases. ALL code engineers go through a discussion with the other engineers in their hoped-for businesses where the other engineers ask hypothetical questions about how to code in whatever language(s) their business requires. Even with a degree, everyone went through this kind of evaulation.

But, I can't say that such interviews still exist. I have heard that they do. They also like to recognize specific engineering courses (certification and otherwise) that you might have instead of a degree.


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MisterSpock
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03 Sep 2014, 3:48 pm

I'm not in the programming profession, but are you saying you currently know nothing, and want to go in to a profession in python/java programming? Or do you know other languages?



morslilleole
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04 Sep 2014, 2:37 am

AspieUtah wrote:
I worked in the 1980s and 1990s as a technical writer in Silicon Valley and Utah. While having a degree is a quick way to prove a code engineer's knowledge, it isn't needed in some cases. ALL code engineers go through a discussion with the other engineers in their hoped-for businesses where the other engineers ask hypothetical questions about how to code in whatever language(s) their business requires. Even with a degree, everyone went through this kind of evaulation.

But, I can't say that such interviews still exist. I have heard that they do. They also like to recognize specific engineering courses (certification and otherwise) that you might have instead of a degree.

I think the interview process has become more rigorous after this. You need to know a lot of computer science in order to stand a chance of getting into the Silicon Valley business

I wouldn't jump straight int neural networks, though. Start with the basics, find a tutorial and follow it. Python is a very good point to start. Not sure about the demand for Python in the programming business. Knowing it is a plus, but you're better of knowing C#, Java, C++ or C since these are the most widely used languages.


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Kurgan
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04 Sep 2014, 2:36 pm

Python has a lot going for it in the open-source community, but there aren't many jobs for Python programmers. Most of the jobs these days require knowledge of C# and Java; the former is slowly, steadily, and surely taking followers from the latter. C# is also interesting because of Xamarin, which enables you to make Android and iOS apps with it (and in the long run, this could be what finally kills Objective-C).


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