Something to do, Suggestions for things to learn

[AdamAnubis]

Now that A-levels are gone I'm growing tired of playing games all the time and want to learn something that might actually be of use Ideally something with real world applications for work or just general knowledge.

Ideally something that costs little or nothing, I've browsed the OpenLearn with the OU (is free and has all the course materials, you just don't get anything official from it) so am keen to make use of that and similar things online.

Currently I have lined up as ideas:
Basic Languages: German/French
Basic Programming: C++/Java/Python/SQL (both in practice of using them, but also the perceptual and understanding usage of them so that if I end up in a IT/Gaming company I atleast know what's going on)
Basic Web: CSS/Html

Any other suggestions? I've not looked into these, are just brainstorming. Can't think of much else that I would both get use of and have interest in but am open to suggestions.

I'd rather they have application as despite trawling wikipedia for various articles on random stuff being satisfying, it's not exactly stuff I can place on my CV or help me day-to-day

But yeah, any suggestions on stuff I could learn/convert my boredom into use?

[Developer-]

I'd go for C++ if you want a challenge, and its always useful knowing. Depends what you would rather do, if you prefer web based stuff CSS/HTML and some PHP would be worth learning.

[AdamAnubis]

I'd go for C++ if you want a challenge, and its always useful knowing. Depends what you would rather do, if you prefer web based stuff CSS/HTML and some PHP would be worth learning.

Yeah, my aim is to try and have a basic understanding of all the main ones more so as that if someone is talking about C++ I can relate to what they're saying. By no means do I expect to be able to do much coding successfully

My thinking was that being able to write a simple hello world program in a handful of languages is more useful than someone who hasn't tried and a small amount of knowledge will allow me to understand most programs to at least a basic degree, even though I couldn't write or maintain them. But I'm unsure if this is a good way to look at it or not.

My career 'plans' are attracted towards this end of the scale loosely, with perhaps starting my own company at some point if possible and having this kind of broad knowledge would help with that and perhaps open more doors?

[Developer-]

Sounds good. A basic overview of C/C++ would be good to understand how everything "works", but imo C# is a much "nicer" and easier language to code in (So I wouldn't get too indepth in C++ if you want to do Windows development).

[stevecane]

What about PHP, that's sought after?

[TheAnimus]

What about PHP, that's sought after?

Haha. Yeh and Python is too

go to a jobs search engine, like www.inqjobs.co.uk and search for

• PHP
• Java
• C++
• C#
• ASP.Net

Notice how PHP pays pittance, your lucky to get £50k

[Bugbait]

My career 'plans' are attracted towards this end of the scale loosely, with perhaps starting my own company at some point if possible and having this kind of broad knowledge would help with that and perhaps open more doors?

TBH, a general knowledge of anything isn’t that marketable. If you really want to start your own business with an IT software consulting focus then you need to specialise. Companies are more willing to pay for (ie. Contract out) specialised knowledge that they cannot readily source in house.

The .Net platform with C# is a very popular in the city institutions, often coupled with relational database experience (MSSQL, Oracle, Sybase, etc.).

What to learn next? Give yourself a project such as building a database to store your music and/or movies and create interfaces for it via a proprietary client, web interface and maybe even a smart phone. This will focus your coding and design while allowing you to explore various solutions.

[AdamAnubis]

Right, PHP has been added to the list

Mmm, I wasn't thinking about consultation. The rough 'aim' I had was that was more of a managerial position (or something similar, probably not that important but a general role) that required a basic knowledge of all the coding so that I know what the programmers are talking about, not necessarily for a specific job with that language.

I like the database idea (though I'm not sure how useful it'd be as I don't really understand entirely what was said) and is something that I may try and do. A basic understanding of web maitence for any person projects would be good, as well as if I set up anything within the house that requires a database setup (Home media centre-kind of thing). That's a while off though as only just left school and unlikely to have the funds to do anything major.

Thanks for the help, though I'm trying not to make the list too long and overwhelming . What would be the best to start of with? Considering I have no real previous knowledge of programming currently.

Was also looking for non-programming suggestions btw

[santa claus]

Was also looking for non-programming suggestions btw

How about something like painting and decorating? You can practise at your parents home and start paying them back for all the money and expense they've put into you .

Seriously, it's a skill you will always use and could make a living from if all else goes tits up.

[AdamAnubis]

How about something like painting and decorating? You can practise at your parents home and start paying them back for all the money and expense they've put into you .

Seriously, it's a skill you will always use and could make a living from if all else goes tits up.

Have had a fair amount of practice with that at my sisters houses tbh (Both moved out). I doubt my parents would allow me to touch the house, they don't even take my advice on wallpaper, let alone allow me to put it up

I did consider some Arts/Crafts type thing (after browsing Etsy) but didn't really know where to start.

[Bugbait]

Right, PHP has been added to the list

Mmm, I wasn't thinking about consultation. The rough 'aim' I had was that was more of a managerial position (or something similar, probably not that important but a general role) that required a basic knowledge of all the coding so that I know what the programmers are talking about, not necessarily for a specific job with that language.

Thanks for the help, though I'm trying not to make the list too long and overwhelming . What would be the best to start of with? Considering I have no real previous knowledge of programming currently.

Was also looking for non-programming suggestions btw

If you’re aiming at management then you’ll need sound business (specific) knowledge. It’s not easy to walk into a management role. You’ll likely have to start somewhere doing more menial work first.

If you enjoy IT, then ask yourself what you find more interesting, the application use or development. There are many streams on either side but that’s usually a good start. I went down the software route because at the time that’s the opportunity that presented itself but I’ve always enjoyed the hardware side more. I’m just too last to change now.

Although others may disagree, depending on your coding knowledge, starting with something as simple as a “teach yourself LanguageX in 21 days” or something isn’t a bad start. You will get a grasp of syntax and from there you can trawl the Internet for more advanced techniques.

What aspects of IT in general do you enjoy? Servers? Networks? Business analysis? If nothing really jumps out then maybe take Santa’s queue and look into other things .

[AdamAnubis]

If you enjoy IT, then ask yourself what you find more interesting, the application use or development. There are many streams on either side but that’s usually a good start. I went down the software route because at the time that’s the opportunity that presented itself but I’ve always enjoyed the hardware side more. I’m just too last to change now.

What aspects of IT in general do you enjoy? Servers? Networks? Business analysis? If nothing really jumps out then maybe take Santa’s queue and look into other things .

I enjoy the hardware side more probably, but then I think that's because I've never tried the software side. I've always taken the attidude that I can't do programming so have never tried and that it's for more intelligible people, so is hard to define which I prefer/like.

Though I like the idea of fiddling with hardware and creating gadgets, but then also want to be able to have the software knowledge to make it work (So if I set up a 10TB home data server, would be able to make it all work around the house)

Thanks for all the advice btw

[Bugbait]

I enjoy the hardware side more probably, but then I think that's because I've never tried the software side. I've always taken the attidude that I can't do programming so have never tried and that it's for more intelligible people, so is hard to define which I prefer/like.

Software development isn’t hard, in fact it’s quite simple once the core code is written so don’t let that put you off. Software and hardware support and development can be equally easy or difficult depending on which area you prefer.

Though I like the idea of fiddling with hardware and creating gadgets, but then also want to be able to have the software knowledge to make it work (So if I set up a 10TB home data server, would be able to make it all work around the house)

This all falls into the “hardware” bracket for me. So server, network and applications deployment and support, although sounds lofty for basic stuff you mess around with at home. Configuring applications to make them work is not the same as software development (sorry if that’s stating the obvious).

Without being too pedantic your example would lean towards the server and network segment of the industry. Using your example, if you’re the kind of person who would solve the problem by installing off the shelf applications to reach your goal then you’re a hardware guy. If you’re more inclined to write your own program to achieve what you want then maybe software development is your aptitude.

What you prefer to do and what you’re good at aren’t always the same (we all wish). Also, your preference may not always be the best career path for you. For example, I would prefer to sit around all day building PC’s but I make more money in software development, which in turns allows me to purchase more PC related toys.

[AdamAnubis]

Without being too pedantic your example would lean towards the server and network segment of the industry. Using your example, if you’re the kind of person who would solve the problem by installing off the shelf applications to reach your goal then you’re a hardware guy. If you’re more inclined to write your own program to achieve what you want then maybe software development is your aptitude.

Mmm, it's all kind of stemmed after finding this and being interested in perhaps doing similar little projects and gadgets around the home, but I imagine it requires/helps to have a basic understanding of programming and hardware to pull of as it's such a unique build.

I'm more of a hardware guy, but thought that perhaps learning the above would help with my extensions of that.

Career path wise I'm not too bothered about at this instant, I'd rather take the time to gain the necessary skills while doing menial jobs and learn this stuff (whatever it is) as a hobby but that also then feeds into perhaps career progression once I've tried stuff and found what I enjoy/will make me money. I wouldn't say I want a career in xyz right now, would rather have a variety of skills that I can then apply to a wider range of jobs. And then if I do start my own business doing whatever I know what to look for and understand what it means.

If I'm not making myself terribly clear please say and I'll try and be more specific, I'm a bit confused atm

[oolon]

Personally I believe you best learn a programming language by having a project. Think of a project, something you want that does not exist, something that will keep you interested.

So next, is your project App or Web based? That will help with your language selection, C++ is not going to help you much if you want to do some kind of dynamic web site.

Next have a go... See what you are missing.

[AdamAnubis]

Personally I believe you best learn a programming language by having a project. Think of a project, something you want that does not exist, something that will keep you interested.

So next, is your project App or Web based? That will help with your language selection, C++ is not going to help you much if you want to do some kind of dynamic web site.

Next have a go... See what you are missing.

Mm, yeah. Just stuck on ideas for what to do. What can each of the languages do/are used for at a basic level? I assume people on here have experience of using some of them being the lovely intelligent people they are