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Noob to Ninja Programmer. Possible?

4 points by Major_Grooves 18y ago

Hi. First post here. Please go easy on me! :) I know nothing about programming. I wouldn't know the difference between Ruby on Rails and Python if it hit me in the face (remember - go easy! ;) ) I'm wondering if it's possible/feasible, for me to teach myself enough programming to start making some software/website prototypes? This is from a starting point of knowing _nothing_ other than a little HTML and having some laymans appreciation of MySQL databases. Thing is, I feel like a frustrated programmer. My actual training is a PhD in genetics (so I'm not thick, innit!). This is intensely annoying, because I keep having "internet start-up" ideas. I know my ideas aren't too bad - as most of the time when I start researching them, I realise someone else has recently started the same thing! However, most of them are the sort of thing, where if I could programme (should I be saying "hack"?), I could make it in my spare time and then test its potential. As I can't programme, all I end up doing is getting frustrated - kinda like a burning feeling inside. I have, kinda by accident, worked as a project manager on the re-design and re-launch of a "business intelligence" tool - essentially a reasonably complicated database with business information in it. I do enjoy all kinds of web-geekery, and I think I have a good appreciation, if not understanding, of the technical aspects of web-apps, web-design, databases and, to a much lesser degree, actual programming. I'm trying to persuade the programmer, with whom I worked on the above project, to join me in a start-up, but I'm not sure he's that keen. If he doesn't want to do it, I don't know any other programmers and I'm left with these ideas burning a whole in my head. I just wish I could do it myself. Oh If only I'd been born 10 years later I might have taken an interest in computers as a kid! So... in your honest opinion, is it possible enough for me to learn in my spare time, enough programming, to make a prototype start-up website? I don't mean some crappy HTML page, but something database-backed with some sophistication. Should I just forget it and try to persuade my programmer friend, or just ditch the ideas altogether? If you think I will just waste a year and then not be able to produce anything do say. I do realise that good programmers have it in their DNA and have been hacking since they were knee-high to a jumpy thing. If it is feasible, where do I start? I've seen plenty "beginners guides to <<insert language>>" etc., but they are all for people who already code. Not complete noobs off the street! If it's not possible (which I doubt it is), where does a man with ideaz and no skillz turn? If I had a bunch of cash I would pay someone to create my visions!

JeremyChase 18y ago
Every programmer started as a 'noob' so it is absolutely possible to do so. The question is how much time you have to devote to it. It sounds like you really want to do this so I encourage you to try. If I were starting out I would just focus on a single language and not worry so much about a Framework. For example learn Ruby, not RoR. Personally I prefer PHP, but I know Ruby is just so popular. However, it takes brilliance or years of experience to really be able to build things well. In the short to medium term I think you could expect to build working prototypes on your own, but if you want to build scalable systems fit for users it will be a challenge. That said, the more you know the easier time you will have working with other tech people. Good luck, Jer
yan 18y ago
I know this may seem very childish, but give this a shot: http://poignantguide.net/ruby/ http://poignantguide.net/ruby/ edit: my contact info's in my profile, don't hesitate to bug me with questions, no matter how silly you might think they sound.
andrewljohnson 18y ago
I think it's really easy to learn django. Just do the my first django app tutorial and you'll be on your way. Google for _first django app_ It also helps to have a good friend to review your code. And do reviews early and often. I learned this way and produced my first blog in a weekend, and I was a noob then - about 2 years ago.
dusklight 18y ago
Of course it's possible! But recognize the uphill battle you are going to have. To get to the level to be an actual real programmer in an actual real startup producing code that doesn't suck, if you start now, and spend at least 4-5 hours a day every single day coding, and you really happen to be a genius .. optimistically, you will get there in maybe 4-5 years. The "real" hackers took much longer to get to their skill level .. I would say most start around middle school? Guys you agree? (I started when I was 12) so that was when I was a kid and could sit in front of the computer for 10+ hours straight .. I am guessing as an adult you don't have that much time but you have also the intellectual maturity of an adult so you can get there faster than the kids. I don't think it's a DNA thing .. although some argue that understanding recursion is a "talent". I think you just have to allow yourself to think in new directions and you can do it. If you just want to hack out a quick me-too webapp in Rails you won't need that long. it's theoretically possible, if you have a really good idea, for you to come up with a website that works well enough for you to make some money. Then you can hire someone to do the real work. Just understand what you are asking to do is equivalent in terms of amount of work to the kind of commitment it would take from you to get another phd. If you aren't willing to make that kind of commitment maybe you can trick some programmer to do it for you ..