Can You Become a Good Programmer Without Formal Education?

Is it possible to become a good programmer without a formal education? According to my experience, becoming a competent programmer without a degree or thorough training is undoubtedly challenging but not impossible. However, luck often plays a crucial role, and the journey is fraught with hardships and learning opportunities.

Finding the Right Opportunity

One extreme example is my own story. I was fortunate enough to land my first programming job at a bank that was already in bankruptcy. Despite the challenging circumstances, the bank hired me based on an aptitude test, as many graduates were avoiding the sinking ship and experienced staff were leaving. The job was temporary, but it provided me with the credibility needed for my next opportunity.

"Luck plays a significant role, but it doesn't mean it's less effort. Each skill that people learn in university I had to teach myself to stay competitive,"

The Realistic Path to Competence

For most programmers, becoming good typically takes time. It took me about two years to go from an "amateur programmer with 10 years' experience" to being "competent as my peers." At the beginning of this period, despite having some experience with programming languages and working on various software projects, I was not at the same level as my colleagues. With their help and a couple of years of additional classes, I finally reached a level equivalent to that of a "senior programmer" – a stage where one is competent enough, but lacking in design skills.

For the majority, it is almost impossible to achieve this level of competence in just two years or even less. While it's true that there may be exceptional individuals with a natural genius for programming, they are the rare exception rather than the norm.

Developing a Habit of Learning

Reading and understanding technical books is critical in building a strong foundation in programming. Books such as those from O'Reilly, renowned for their in-depth coverage of specialized topics, are particularly valuable. One of their books on Machine Learning has been invaluable in helping me stay competitive in the field. They are designed to provide a wealth of information in a condensed format, suitable for both beginners and experienced developers.

Developing a habit of reading these books and applying the knowledge is essential. It's not just about theoretical knowledge; hands-on experience with code, experimenting, and building projects are crucial for becoming a truly skilled developer. Speed, efficiency, and scalability are attributes that come from practical experience.

Starting Fresh and Still Being a Good Programmer

While it's difficult to enter the field without a strong educational background or a considerable amount of experience, it is possible to start fresh and still become a good programmer. Passion, dedication, and continuous learning are key. There are countless self-taught programmers who have achieved success by embracing this path.

Freelance platforms, open-source projects, and personal projects can be excellent starting points for gaining experience. Contributing to the GitHub community or participating in Hackathons can provide valuable exposure. As you continue to code, you'll start to realize the profound impact of practice on your skills. The more you code, the more you understand, the more efficient and effective you become.

Conclusion

While becoming a good programmer without formal education is challenging and requires a lot of effort and luck, it is not an impossible task. Developing a habit of reading technical literature, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience, and being passionate about your work are key factors in achieving this goal. With persistence and dedication, you can build a successful career in programming, regardless of your educational background.