Where to start?

[crogers]

Ok, I was not completely sure where to post this, but I figured a
group of this size would definitely have some good feedback.

I graduated from Devry almost two years ago with my degree in computer
information systems. We focused a lot on Java and Oracle, so I was
not exposed to a huge area in the programming field. I also currently
work in a job where I have not been able to apply much of anything I
learned, but have kept it because it is close to home for good pay.
The problem is that what I did learn and things I may have known are
beginning to fade and that motivation to program and stay up on the
different areas is part of it.

I want to get back into programming and mathematics, but am very
afraid where to start. I don't know what would be considered good to
learn and what would not because I have been out so long. Could I get
some feedback from all of you here?

 

[Victor Bazarov]

[..]
I want to get back into programming and mathematics, but am very
afraid where to start. I don't know what would be considered good to
learn and what would not because I have been out so long. Could I get
some feedback from all of you here?

I doubt *all of us* will be able to provide you with feedback, but some
might be able to. Here is mine...

It sounds like you're not finding satisfaction in your daily activities
and would like to change something and perhaps not sure what it is you
want to change. One of the skills you studied was programming, and it
is a respected and well-compensated area, and without knowing a whole
lot about it you can even think that it is what you want to do. Please
don't get me wrong, I mean no disrespect to you, I am just not seeing
much concrete information in your inquiry to go on. "Staying up" on
programming and mathematics isn't something you can do "by the way".

If your job allows you to apply at least a little bit of programming
skill, use that great chance. Find a small project and jump on it.
Do not start writing code right away, unless it's something like "fix
this [mis]behaviour of our code". There are many levels to the craft
of programming, but you probably already know that (since you studied
it). Try to follow the right "form" right away, to avoid developing
bad habits.

If you think that you might want to some day make a career of software
development, you will need to get into that groove right away even if
it means "sweeping floors and sharpening pencils and washing brushes"
for some time. Don't delay. It's very difficult when you're older.
If you just want to write programs to supplement your main activities,
you most likely won't need C++. Use something simpler, like Java or
Python or <some other language>.

I may not be able to clearly state my point, but behind this all BS
you should find this, hopefully: first figure out what you need
programming and math for, and only then start looking for materials,
books, tools, etc. If you want to find a house, woulnd't you have
figured out the approximate size and price before visiting with
a real estate broker? Maybe not, but that's what the broker will
tell you to do on your first visit.

My $0.04...

V