You have a non-technical background but want to work in computer science. What's the best way to get started?

Reflect on what inspires you, no matter how childish it might be, its the thing that drives you forward. Identifying your goals is pivotal and you need it in order to know what to do next. Don't put yourself down, remember that everyone started at the beginning and no one is born with this knowledge. After you identified your goals, try to associate them with real-world computer science topics. Strive to read about what interests you the most, that will keep you hungry for more knowledge and this, combined with the goals you've set for yourself will help you achieve what you want.

Computer Science is a vast field. 1. Understand your motivation for choosing CS. 2. Identify your focus areas within CS. 3. Determine your time and effort commitment. 4. Start by reverse engineering and learning. For instance, if learning Python, begin with a quick start tutorial. 5. Engage in coding challenges online. When encountering unfamiliar concepts, revisit the theory. 6. Utilize resources such as blogs, books, and video tutorials. 7. Aim to read extensively and implement concepts concurrently. 8. Build a portfolio for yourself

Start by deciding what you want to do in computer science some examples are graphics, software, hardware or a niche of these things. Go online and see what it takes to get into the field and try to pick up a few certifications in the field. After that is it time to pound the pavement or go back to school to see what else you need to do.

Commencer une carrière dans l'informatique sans formation technique nécessite une approche stratégique. Tout d'abord, évaluez vos intérêts et compétences, puis explorez les domaines informatiques qui vous intéressent. Utilisez des ressources en ligne gratuites ou abordables pour acquérir des connaissances de base, suivi de certifications et de formations professionnelles pertinentes. Impliquez-vous dans des projets pratiques et recherchez des opportunités de stage ou d'apprentissage sur le terrain pour acquérir une expérience pratique. N'oubliez pas de maintenir une veille technologique et de continuer à apprendre tout au long de votre carrière pour rester compétitif dans le domaine en constante évolution de l'informatique.

Before embarking on your journey to learn computer science, it's essential to identify clear and achievable goals that align with your aspirations and motivations. Whether you aim to switch careers, progress in your current role, or initiate a personal project, understanding the purpose behind your pursuit is crucial. Consider the specific computer science topics and applications that captivate your interest, as this will guide your learning path. Additionally, assess the amount of time and financial resources you can dedicate to your learning journey. Establishing realistic and well-defined goals will enable you to tailor your approach, select appropriate resources, and track your progress effectively.

My advice is to remember to distinguish between programming and computer science. Although programming is important, it also is a part of computer science as a whole. It is a tool that helps you turn what you know about cs into reality. Therefore, what I am trying to say is that computer science is omnibus. It is the broader scope about everything associated with computers. Learning the basics is probably the most important thing to do, in my experience I talk about data structures and algorithms, because they require a certain way of thinking which will help you in the future. If I had to give only one advice it'll be exactly that - learn the basics so that you don't have problems in the future.

Computer science extends far beyond mere coding; it delves into the core principles and methodologies governing computers and problem-solving. Exploring data structures, algorithms, programming languages, computer architecture, operating systems, software engineering, and networking is essential for a robust understanding. Thankfully, numerous resources abound, catering to diverse learning styles. Harvard's CS50 and MIT's Introduction to Computer Science furnish comprehensive insights through varied programming languages like Python. Additionally, platforms like Codecademy offer interactive modules elucidating computer science basics with practical exercises.

La multitude de langages de programmations existante ne doit pas vous décourager. Il est impossible de tous les conna?tre et ce n'est pas utile. Ce qui est important pour démarrer et constitue une base commune à beaucoup de langages sont les variables, les structures de données, les instructions conditionnelles, boucles, structure du projet et du code, etc. La beauté et la complexité de la programmation réside dans le fait qu'il y a moulte manières d'écrire un même comportement : plus lisible, plus optimisé... Mais l'avantage en codage, c'est qu'on peut rapidemment créer quelque chose de fonctionnel avec peu de chose ! Puis, on ajoute des fonctionnalités, on trouve des bugs, on rajoute des tests, on les corrige, etc. Bref, lancez-vous !

To build a solid foundation in computer science, it's essential to go beyond coding and delve into the principles, concepts, and methods that form the basis of how computers function and solve problems. Key areas to focus on include data structures and algorithms, programming languages, computer architecture and organization, operating systems, software engineering, and networking. Numerous online resources are available to facilitate your learning journey, ranging from courses and books to tutorials and podcasts. For instance, Harvard University's CS50: Introduction to Computer Science provides a comprehensive overview of computer science, employing various programming languages and tools.

Adentrarse en el campo de la informática es mucho más que aprender a programar; es descubrir el vasto universo de principios, conceptos y metodologías que permiten que las computadoras solucionen problemas complejos. Enfatizo la importancia de una base sólida que abarque desde estructuras de datos hasta sistemas operativos y redes. La disponibilidad de recursos educativos, como los cursos de Harvard y el MIT, brindan una puerta de entrada invaluable al conocimiento, ofreciendo una comprensión holística que es crucial para cualquiera que aspire a dominar las ciencias de la computación.

The second most important advice I would give is to practice your craft. Whether that is with LeetCode problems or creating your own projects, it is crucial to practice what you've learned. I recommend to start with HackerRank, since the problems there are easier for beginners and then transition into LeetCode, where the problems are harder. Don't beat yourself up for not solving the problem, even if they are considered "easy", rather, do some research, this will teach you how to search for things(another crucial skill) and try not to rely on AI. If you are an university student, enroll in courses where projects are main source for grading.

Adentrarse en el estudio de la informática implica no solo aprender teoría, sino poner esos conocimientos en práctica a través de la solución de problemas y la creación de proyectos. Es crucial involucrarse en ejercicios prácticos disponibles en plataformas como LeetCode, CodinGame, y Exercism. Iniciar proyectos desde lo más básico hasta alcanzar retos más complejos te permitirá solidificar tu entendimiento. Para apoyo y recursos adicionales, sitios como FreeCodeCamp, GitLab, y DigitalOcean ofrecen guías paso a paso y una comunidad activa para asistirte en tus proyectos.

Practicing your skills is a fundamental aspect of learning computer science, as it goes beyond acquiring knowledge to actively applying it in problem-solving and project creation. Boosting your skills and confidence involves regular practice through exercises and challenges available on platforms like HackerRank, CodeWars, and Project Euler. Engaging in these platforms allows you to hone your problem-solving abilities and coding proficiency. Additionally, undertaking projects is a crucial step to demonstrate your comprehension of the basics.

One of the most effective ways to learn and maintain your skills, I've found, is to have a project that focuses on something you enjoy. Build a simple video game in an existing engine with premade tools- then go back in and figure out how those top-level tools actually work. Then you've made something fun AND learned at the same time. Alternately, if you're looking for motivation, there's nothing more motivating for some of us than the threat of bad grades. Take a programming class, anywhere you can! The structure is especially helpful once you know some basic principles, but not how to use them yet.

Finding the right community for you, will help you surround yourself with people who are like-minded. This will help you learn, share and advance in your craft faster. Don't be afraid do ask questions, that's what communities are for - there are no dumb questions. The only advice I would give you before asking the question on a forum is to research if the question already exists, because most probably the solution will also exist. Find the community that works best for you.

Connecting with the community is a valuable aspect of learning computer science, adding enjoyment and reward to your journey as you interact with like-minded individuals who share your passion and curiosity. Engaging with forums like Reddit, Discord, and Meetup provides opportunities to seek feedback, pose questions, share your work, and learn from the experiences of others. The community can offer valuable support and insights, enriching your learning experience. Expanding your network and opening up new opportunities can be achieved by participating in hackathons, attending tech talks, and exploring career fairs.

Fact is most of the time the jobs out there have the best and brightest which won’t always be easy to beat for positions. The best way to gain entrance in the field is experience at IT support jobs and handshakes.

The best way to begin is by gaining knowledge and skills in the field. Start with online courses and tutorials that cover the basics of programming languages like Python which are beginner-friendly. Websites like Coursera, edX, and Codecademy offer free or low-cost courses designed for beginners. As you build your understanding, work on small projects to apply what you've learned. This hands-on experience is valuable and can be included in your portfolio. Additionally, consider joining tech communities or forums online; these can provide support, insights, and networking opportunities. If possible, pursuing a certification or degree in computer science can further solidify your knowledge and improve your job prospects in the industry.

In addition to the aforementioned steps for learning computer science, it's crucial to foster a mindset of continuous curiosity and adaptability. The field of computer science is dynamic, and staying informed about emerging technologies, trends, and industry developments is essential. Engage in ongoing learning through articles, research papers, and by following influential figures in the field. Furthermore, don't shy away from collaboration. Joining open-source projects or working on group projects with peers can provide valuable insights and expose you to diverse perspectives. Collaborative efforts not only enhance your technical skills but also hone your teamwork and communication abilities.