I'm a Programmer Newbie

[FeedbackPlus]

I'm looking to get into programming, ideally working with databases, but i have no idea how to get into it.

I love working with Excel and working out Formulas (with a lil' help from Pete Smith ) and i've just started learning the very basics of MySql (ie: Create, Insert and Select).

Any pointers or tips on how to get started in the industry and work towards paid work as a programmer?

All advice and help would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Rocky

[Brucelles]

I suggest that you learn a proper language.

You should scan the trade papers on-line and the ads for IT staff wanted and see what languages are most in demand and then take a course.

It may not be the smartest thing to start with C++, even though it is the Bogs Dollocks, as it has a massive learning curve. But most decent languages do these days.

There is often work for perl people around, especially if they know Oracle or even Sybase/SQL Server (MySQL is a good start though), and perl may get you into a job where you can take time to move to something a bit more serious. You will need to know operating systems, too, especially UNIX.

It is really not something that you can just start because you like Excel, you ned to be able to commit to some serious learning.

Having said that, I used programming as the springboard to some great jobs, and don't regret my developer days at all. I loved the process of writing and debugging code, so it is worth making the effort.

[TheAnimus]

it is something that you should learn as many languages as possible, new ones will always be in vouge, and been able to do a tiny bit of 10, is more useful than been medicore in 1. After all once you're able to do bits in lots of langauges, your able to become medicore in one a lot quicker.... <--That makes sense in my head, but not in words.

If your already doings bits in Excel, i'm guessing thats because your current job is letting you? Try doing some more complex bits in VBA, you will be in a familiar environment.

[Powderhound]

I suggest you have a go with something like Visual Basic if you're completely new to it, just so that you can get an idea of what programming is like.

Are you still at school or in a job?

[shaithis]

If you really want to work with databases there are 2 main "angles", which are quite different....

1. DBA - Pure back-end work. Scripting, maintenance, schedules, performance tuning, query optimising etc

2.. Developer - Normally involves writing both the database back-end and the front-end (normally web based these days)

They are quite different jobs.

[Brucelles]

If your already doings bits in Excel, i'm guessing thats because your current job is letting you? Try doing some more complex bits in VBA, you will be in a familiar environment.

That's a damned good idea.

Well done, that man.