The options for a programmer are near-endless: an aspiring programmer could work as a mobile engineer creating smartphone apps, become a game developer, a network security engineer, a database manager, or a full stack developer.
The skills needed for each domain of programming are different, but here are some fundamental skills a programmer needs to get started with coding.
Algorithms
Algorithms are at the heart of computer science. “An algorithm is a set of instructions for solving a problem or accomplishing a task. The understanding of algorithms allows a programmer to write code that can follow certain steps to get the desired job done.
Here’s an example. Suppose a number or a name is to be searched from a huge list, how can it be done? One of the algorithms that can be used is the binary search. There are many algorithms used for different purposes, and to become an efficient coder, one needs to have an overview of algorithms.
Data structures
An understanding of algorithms leads us to our next hard skill: comprehending and using data structures. While an algorithm can order data when it is directed to do so, programmers need to understand how the data is organised in the first place. Data structure can be defined as the group of data elements that provides an efficient way of storing and organising data in the computer for efficient use. Some examples of data structures are arrays, linked list stack queue, etc. Data structures allow programmers to store data within specific frameworks and better facilitate communication between back-end operations and front-end users
HTML & CSS – Frontend technologies
HTML and CSS are both basic coding languages-often, they are the first two that they learn. HTML (HyperText Markup Language) helps organise the content and structure of a web page, while CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) determines the style and presentation of a web page.
JavaScript/ Backend technologies
The back end of a website / app consists of a server, an application and a database.
A back-end developer builds and maintains the technology, that powers those components which, together, enable the user facing side of the website to even exist in the first place
Languages such as Python, Java, PHP, Ruby, and Javascript are some of the popularly used backend technologies. Today Javascript is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to work on both frontend, and backend with frameworks such as node.js, react.js, etc.
Databases
A database is an organised collection of structured information or data, typically stored electronically in a computer system. A database is s usually controlled by a database management system (DBMS). Examples of some popular databases are MySQL MongoDB, Oracle, etc.
The data and the DBMS, along with the applications associated with them, are together referred to as a database system, often shortened to just a database.
Soft Skills
As a programmer you’d be required to interact and work with designers, fellow developers, product managers, tech leads, and at times the client, and this requires skill sets that can get you going Communication skills, patience, empathy, the ability to handle conflicts, and teamwork are some of the skills needed to get started as a programmer. Therefore, if you’re looking to become a programmer, you may want to work on your soft skills as well.
Picture Credit : Google
