I'm a programmer and I don't know what to do.
Posted by One-Yogurt-6145@reddit | learnprogramming | View on Reddit | 74 comments
I don't know where to post this, but I hope it doesn't get banned)
In short: give me some ideas and tips for studying IT. I want to choose a direction for myself.
Okay, I'm not a programmer, I'm just learning and I know Python, C++, HTML, and CSS. I'm also thinking of learning SQLite.
My problem is that my technical school doesn't really teach us anything.
They didn't even tell us what we need, and I just want them to at least say, "Here, go there and learn this."
I tried front-end development, but it's not my thing. I'd like to try Windows or Android app development. (I could try different things and not write about it here, but I'm a seal and don't want to waste my time.)
I'm also willing to explore other fields so I can work in my field during the summer (preferably).
If anyone already works in IT, please help me choose a direction or give me some ideas, maybe some advice on what to do and where to go.
If necessary, I can add details about myself (for example, what I worked on, what experience I have)
P.S. This text is from a translator, but I'd be grateful for your advice and ideas.
VegetableSpot2830@reddit
I used to feel stuck not knowing what to focus on until I actually started trying things hands-on. You can jump right into our free labs and see what you enjoy the most: incidentlab.io
LaySakeBow@reddit
I am not a programmer. I also don’t know what to do
LostSence@reddit
In most of cases programming is boring. You will have 5% of time challenge, and then 95% of routine, like legacy code or dumb debugging (i mean, casual problems, sometimes is challenging). Even if you go for developing algorithms (can be written in matlab), is still pretty boring.
So the question is: What exactly you want to do?
P.s.: You are sure, that you know C++? Even after 4 years of practice, some syntax or tools confuses me.
One-Yogurt-6145@reddit (OP)
I don't really know C++, I can probably work with it at a basic level and make some simple applications, and I can also just quickly figure out the topic and do what needs to be done.
Division2226@reddit
How did you become a seal?
One-Yogurt-6145@reddit (OP)
I'm just too lazy to do anything and I'm like a seal on an ice floe
kyrmeow@reddit
What I see a lot of peers do is getting a job in software testing (in a lot of cases they only know coding and the company teaches you on how to perform tests). Software testing is pretty accessible entry point too, tho junior testers don't get paid much. Though I did hear that it is very easy to branch out to other job positions from there.
Division2226@reddit
AI will wipe this out first
kyrmeow@reddit
If you mean the juniors who write unit tests, then yeah. It might have already happened.
Division2226@reddit
AI can do any tests that you prompt it to
kyrmeow@reddit
any low level tests* can't imagine AI doing system tests (program integration with OS, database or any other external thing) or acceptance tests (taking user stories and busisness requirements in account). Especially since a company would never let a third party AI access to more sensitive info
Aromatic_File_5256@reddit
Not OP but will check it out. My ADHD understands work pretty well (do stuff for 15 days, get paid, do stuff for 15 days get paid, rinse and repeat) but it doesn't understand studying as well so the quicker I begin earning money coding (even if the money isn't huge) the faster I will progress
One-Yogurt-6145@reddit (OP)
I wonder if this is similar to me.
Aromatic_File_5256@reddit
If you have the money getting tested might be worthwile, but if not try checking out ADHD resources. Some of the advice might be useful even if you are just ADHD adjacent
One-Yogurt-6145@reddit (OP)
I don't have ADHD, I can work on one thing for a long time and remain attentive.
One-Yogurt-6145@reddit (OP)
I tried testing apps, but my classmate was more interested in it.
Alive-Cake-3045@reddit
You are actually in a good spot, you just need direction, not more random learning. Pick one path and commit for 2–3 months instead of jumping around. If you like apps, try Android (Kotlin) or simple desktop apps with Python (Tkinter) to see what clicks. Build small real projects, not just tutorials. Most importantly, focus on skills that can get you a small internship or freelance work fast.
TheAlmightyChuck8@reddit
Boot.dev might be a good option for you
Mishkitten@reddit
Windows app development often involves languages like C# and .NET. Microsoft's documentation is extensive and free to access, so you might want to check that out. If you're not sure which to pick, browsing through a few tutorials or small projects might help you get a feel for what excites you.
Networking with others can also provide guidance and inspiration. Platforms like Stack Overflow and GitHub are excellent for not only learning but also seeing what projects people are working on. Collaboration can offer you insights into what the industry looks like and what skills might be in demand. Check out GradSignal as it maybe worth checking out for discovering various tech careers and resources that might align with your skills and interests. It might point you to something you hadn't considered before. Good luck finding your path!
Express-Channel-1686@reddit
if you like Python + have some C++ background, backend dev is probably the move. FastAPI or Django to build actual APIs, then add SQLite/PostgreSQL on top.
Android needs Kotlin now (Java is fading fast). Windows apps = C# + .NET. both are doable but Kotlin is more marketable rn.
pick one and build something tiny with it. the direction usually gets obvious after your first real project.
Living-Incident-1260@reddit
This is great advice. If you're going the DSA route, one thing that really helped me understand what's actually happening in algorithms is seeing them visualized step by step. I built codedive.in for exactly this you can step through 200+ LeetCode problems line by line and watch the arrays, trees and graphs animate in real time. Every variable visible at every step. Might help make DSA feel less abstract when you're starting out!
Krupanu2@reddit
Hey!
I just wanted to share a bit with my experience. I got in IT just a year ago. I had the same issue that u have. I was not sure about what is my field. I tried front, back, a bit of DevOps and still was not sure. But then i got a chance to work and actually start my IT journey. And i notices that u just wanna get in the IT and figure it out on air whether u like the direction ur working in or no. Its way easier to change direction in IT if u have an experince and connections in the field already. Also the benefit of that is that u can see what specialist is actualy doing, rather than just read on the internet about it. So i would suggest to pick something that ur actually best at try to get in an IT. Wishing u the best in ur search!
Menetecodes@reddit
I won't tell you a career to follow, that's something you have to figure out yourself, but after your decision, go to Roadmap.sh to a structured roadmap to learn what exactly you need to succeed in your chosen field;
The internet is flooded with free/paid resources for learning anything you could think of.
Best of luck!
Ok_Cat4265@reddit
AD DETECTED. The site looks like AI generated garbage
desrtfx@reddit
If you don't know what roadmap.sh, one of the most well known and commonly recommended sites is, you have a lot of learning to do.
The site predates AI by years.
Bumslaw@reddit
Holy shit how did I not know about this website?! Thanks you so much.
One-Yogurt-6145@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the site! I'll take note of it and check out what's there in class tomorrow.
BizAlly@reddit
If front-end isn’t your thing I’d seriously try Android or backend with Python. Both are beginner-friendly and you can build real projects fast.
Don’t overthink the perfect path pick one thing, build 2–3 small projects, and see if you enjoy the process. that’s honestly how most people figure it out
Jarvis_the_lobster@reddit
Then don’t try to solve your whole future at once.
Pick one lane for the next 30 days and one concrete goal, like building a small app or getting better at backend or DS&A. Ignore everything else for a bit.
You do not need perfect clarity right now. You need momentum.
Cliffhanger87@reddit
Very well said man that’s what I need to Do right now. It’s way too stressful thinking about everything. All that matters is getting that momentum going
One-Yogurt-6145@reddit (OP)
Oh, that's very well said, I'll try to focus on that and take it slow.
rapralph@reddit
When I was in college, I learned programming by downloading and watching videos of Bucky roberts about java programming and downloading some open source project and reversed engineer it on how it works. (14 years ago, around 2012) That time, we cant afford internet and no AI.
For Example, I want to build an Inventory system. I searched online a sample system with source code made in Java. Then everytime I need to apply on my project and I dont know what to do,. like how can I create a login, how to disolay it, I reverse engineer the existing project. Once I figured it out, I will apply it to my own project.
I built software projects like this during college days.
For context, I dont have internet connection at home but have a potato pc, I need to go to internet cafe to download and save all the data I need. I dont have the chance to google all errors I encountered.
Reverse engineering is the best skill I learned during college days and very useful as SWE
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Whyitgottabethisway@reddit
One thing I wish my school taught me was DevOps, CI/CD Integration, Azure cloud services/Amazon cloud services
RemarkableGarbage451@reddit
You need an exit plan I recommend nursing
kyrmeow@reddit
most IT guys pick farming lmao
thenowayhome@reddit
or tug boats...
warrior2012@reddit
Always reminds me of this LinkedIn career
Dramatic_Win424@reddit
Actually knew a coworker who was a CS graduate from a state school, spent a couple of years in the dev industry and then decided to open a restaurant that works with their own grown vegetables lol. Not sure how that is going but you never know!
PickUpUrTrashBiatch@reddit
I’ve had this thought in my mind the last few months now, if my career (~5YOE) fizzles out due to AI or whatever, what would I try to switch to?
Nursing is a quick thought. But I wonder what would be a relatively lateral (or at least not a huge pay decrease) move that required as little reeducation as possible.
One-Yogurt-6145@reddit (OP)
I don't think AI will replace humans anytime soon, but you can try working with AI now or later get involved in developing this AI.
Dramatic_Win424@reddit
Nursing is not in shortage everywhere, mostly in Western countries. If OP is in Asia, I'm not so sure nursing is a good exit plan
quietcodelife@reddit
backend dev here - the direction thing is genuinely hard when nobody is pointing you at anything specific.
if you already know Python and want to try app dev, I would honestly skip Windows app dev and try building something with Python first. desktop apps with tkinter or even a simple CLI tool that does something useful. the goal is to feel what it is like to actually ship something, not just follow tutorials.
SQL is worth learning - if you go backend it will come up constantly. sqlite is a fine starting point.
if you like the web side but not frontend, look into FastAPI or Flask. Python backend is a pretty clear path from where you are already.
Leeoku@reddit
try this https://roadmap.sh/, go where you want!
Much_Managed1996@reddit
You do not need to choose your whole future right now. You just need to choose your next experiment
Since you do not like front end, drop it for now. Learn SQL because it is useful almost everywhere, then pick one of these:
- Android if you want apps for phones
- Windows development if you want desktop tools
- Python if you want automation, scripts, or backend basics
Then spend 1 to 2 months building one real project in that area. еhat will give you a much clearer answer than trying to study five things at once.
Routine-Test1871@reddit
you can just learn the fundamentals of computer and programming and then join any field related to programming after that, there is a ton of videos on youtube comparing between the different fields.
akshay-savaliya@reddit
The best way to figure out what you like is to build things. Try making a small Android app, a simple web app, or a tool with Python. After 2–3 projects you’ll naturally see which direction feels right.
One-Yogurt-6145@reddit (OP)
Yeah, I'm trying to do that now.
rahzex@reddit
I would suggest switch to AI/ML related studies. Don't go for normal web/app dev stuff.
And if possible choose any other field if you want peace of mind in future.
I am a Senior SDE with 7 yoe for context.
One-Yogurt-6145@reddit (OP)
Okay, I've been thinking about training and writing my own AI. Could you please tell me what resources I can look at on this topic and where I can get data for training the model?
boolean-maybe@reddit
learn Claude Code (or codex or whatever). This gets you immediately on par with some seasoned programmers since this is so new. Don't expect your school to teach you anything - they just cannot keep up in these time. Study yourself
One-Yogurt-6145@reddit (OP)
Ok, thanks!
YetMoreSpaceDust@reddit
Do you have a degree in something else already? I know this isn't something people want to hear, but an undergraduate degree in some technical field is going to be a bare minimum for a professional programming job probably for the rest of your life. It wasn't always, but it's a different world.
One-Yogurt-6145@reddit (OP)
Unfortunately no, I'm only 19 years old.
YetMoreSpaceDust@reddit
College.
One-Yogurt-6145@reddit (OP)
College it's a technical school(техникум = колледж) in Russia, and I study there
FavDevGuide@reddit
Hey I am glad to hear you are not giving up, that's your very first achievement, you need to believe in what you're studying you can finish it off with good achievement, everyone goes through this phase and there is nothing to panic about.
Other people can give you ideas like try react js , try backend with Java n all, try cloud, try ai and many more. What you want to do is you have to decide and stick with it until you feel like you are comfortable working on it professionally then switch to another.
There are multiple options and too many directions there and trust me no one is an expert in all.
My suggestion would be if you have already tried frontend and feels like it's not ur thing .. move to basics of c .. n when you are starting, start with data structures using c, now many people might call me crazy but that's the real problem you need to learn to work in Industry.
When you are learning dnt go by theory go by problem statement with your choice of language (c, c#, javascript or others).
Syntaxes you might feel overwhelming at start.. you can always refer to multiple articles available on the internet like medium n all there are simpler for beginners, but once you start practicing and understanding why , what n where to use you will start enjoying it.
Again nothing gonna help you if you try multiple things at the same time, choose one and focus until you finish it.
Let me know if this helps or need any further guidance, I will be happy to help
One-Yogurt-6145@reddit (OP)
Exhaustive, thanks for the advice and your thought is quite important and correct for many beginners, but this is roughly how I learn, I try some things, up to a certain level and quit if they get boring (there were few of those)
FavDevGuide@reddit
I get it, in that case observe your pattern, check if you feel uninterested in current studies when you face any blocker or get stuck with a task for a longer time? OR when you are feeling like not challenging enough the current studies? You can take action accordingly..
Also one cheat code to break this pattern is.. when you feel like giving up.. try just one more problem to solve before giving up .. Everytime .. I am sure you will find improvements.
One-Yogurt-6145@reddit (OP)
OK, thank you
Pristine-Brick6458@reddit
If you like python try data analyst/science or machine learning. if you like c#/c++ try unity , unreal engine. Since you don't like web development you can ignore front-end library like react, .aspi.net, et..
One-Yogurt-6145@reddit (OP)
I was making a small model that identified an animal's species based on its parameters(there was a short list of species with different parameters). I liked it, maybe I wanted to try writing my own small AI
Fajan_@reddit
TBH, you are in a pretty good position because you have already experimented with a couple of ideas that others haven't. Don’t worry about finding your "perfect direction"; try picking one for a few weeks and making a little project based on it. You will find your preferences through experimentation rather than theory. And BTW, everyone feels confused at this stage, so no need to panic.
One-Yogurt-6145@reddit (OP)
Thank you, I will do so.
Alaska-Kid@reddit
To learn on your own, try teaching others. Start writing a series of books titled 'Program Like a Marine'.
One-Yogurt-6145@reddit (OP)
It sounds funny and interesting, especially since I tried to write a couple of books (not educational ones)
Potential-Silver-248@reddit
Try backend/ api dev
One-Yogurt-6145@reddit (OP)
Thanks. But that's what I'm doing now. I'm developing a weather app (winforms) for my studies, but it's not serious.
newprint@reddit
Try learn to write games. Look into how databases are working inside out (a lot of materials on the web).
One-Yogurt-6145@reddit (OP)
I was thinking about making a couple of games, I even made a game with a friend on the computer, but I haven't tried it on the phone yet.
Tiny_Load_37@reddit
check mobile dev then, android uses java/kotlin
One-Yogurt-6145@reddit (OP)
Interesting, thanks. I had a few ideas for mobile games, but I kept putting them off because I was lazy and trying to figure out some things for school, and while I was fixing my car.
chronicxnightmare@reddit
YouTube is magic
Greedy-Lynx-9706@reddit
"My problem is that my technical school doesn't really teach us anything."
The internet is all you need.