The Paths of Programming

The world of programming can be a bit confusing. Many terms are often used interchangeably to describe a person who writes computer programs, such as “programmer,” “developer,” “coder,” or “software engineer.” There are definitely distinctions between these terms, but in this course we will be using the term “programmer” or “developer” to describe someone who writes code for a living.

Of course there are many different paths you can take but in this course we will dive into four specific roles within programming. Here’s what you will be able to do by the end of this course:

Identify the skills a front-end developer uses on a daily basis, such as front-end programming languages and frameworks. You will recognize that any prior knowledge with programming concepts can be transferable to JavaScript, a primary front-end language.
Differentiate the tools and skills a back-end programmer uses, such as databases, deployment tools, and back-end frameworks. You will learn that Python is only one of many languages you may use in back-end development, and you will be able to dive into other languages with confidence.
Recognize the different tools and skills used by the two main types of mobile programmers: iOS programmers and Android programmers. You will learn the differences between the Android and iOS development platforms and be equipped to make the decision between starting as an Android programmer or as an iOS programmer.
Comprehend the breadth of tasks that data analysts perform and the skills required to perform these tasks including: Python for data wrangling, D3.js for data visualizations, and R for statistical analysis.

In general, you will be able to describe the different roles each type of programmer has on a team and have a better idea of which path you want to pursue. There are so many paths within programming but just remember that the roles we present in this course are just a few places you can start! Even if you decide not to pursue a career in programming, developing programming skills can enhance your life in many ways.

Next up, we will develop a learning strategy for adopting new skills that will help you as you continue on your programming journey!