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Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by EvilSec: 4:02pm On Dec 31, 2020 |
Many computer science students choose the major expecting to learn how to code and are shocked to find that that’s not what it is. So what’s actually involved in a CS major and why is it useful? CS teaches reasoning about computing: – what can and can’t be done by computers – how to get computers to do things efficiently – breaking down complex problems so they can be tackled by computers – managing layers of complexity – what is the role of computing in our society etc. To learn to code, the best route is self study rather than CS or any other major. There’s probably no other skill for which there is so much freely available high-quality learning material online. Be wary of coding bootcamps: most of them haven’t lived up to their promises. Even for students majoring in CS, it takes self study to learn to code fluently. Traditionally, this put students with no prior programming experience at a big disadvantage. So CS programs have recently been increasing the emphasis on coding within or alongside the curriculum. In short, CS is a much more abstract set of skills than coding. Not everyone needs it, but it’s extremely helpful for developing algorithms, making long-term decisions about computing technology, or simply to more deeply understand the digital world. Software engineering isn't the same as either coding or CS. Universities aren’t set up to teach it because they are limited to toy projects that end when the course ends. The only way to learn to wrangle a million-line codebase with hundreds of contributors is to actually do it. 5 Likes 4 Shares
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Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by blackpanthar: 4:28pm On Dec 31, 2020 |
When it comes to ICT.... Naija federal and local university education na scam. 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by chingle5(m): 8:16pm On Dec 31, 2020 |
EvilSec: OP have finally said it all ![]() ![]() My own input best way to be a programmer 1. Hangout with people that are programmer, just always stay where they hangout 2. Practice.. I say practice don't get stuck in the reading loop ![]() ![]() 3 Likes |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by EvilSec: 4:42pm On Jan 01, 2021 |
chingle5:Well said. 1 Like |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by Akanimoh113(m): 4:52pm On Jan 01, 2021 |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by Nobody: 7:38pm On Jan 01, 2021 |
If you can code to solve the requirement below without computer science studies or a computer science/ computer engineering/ software engineering degree then I agree that the OP is 100% correct. You are to loop through this string below with headers and rows to create a valid Json string. You can use any language you prefer. "Country\tState\tTown\r\nNigeria\tLagos State\tLagos\r\nUSA\tTexas\tDallas\r\n"; Which should produce the Json result below: [{ "Country": "Nigeria", "State": "Lagos State", "Town": "Lagos" }, { "Country": "USA", "State": "Texas", "Town": "Dallas" }] You can validate your Json result here: http://jsonlint.com |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by cixak95211: 7:55pm On Jan 01, 2021 |
No, You don't need CS to learn how to code However, people who studied CS, at least, outside Nigeria, will be far ahead of you. Top coys like Apple and Google actually go to the best schools to pick the best CS grads, automatic employment opportunities , no stress You can still get into those companies too, without a CS degree, but then you must work like hell, to learn in a very short period of time what the CS grads learnt during their whole stay in school, at least 4 years. Tell me you can learn in just 1 yr what is originally intended to be learnt in 4 yrs. The answers lies within you. Would I encourage any coder/programmer/engineer etc to learn CS . . Hell yeah 2 Likes |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by Karleb(m): 8:21pm On Jan 01, 2021 |
Most people who play down on the importance of CS degree don't have one. Most CS degree gate keepers are people with CS degrees. At least, FAANG companies have established the fact that what's important is your ability to learn. 2 Likes |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by Akanimoh113(m): 8:43pm On Jan 01, 2021 |
Karleb: Please check your PM |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by tensazangetsu20(m): 9:27pm On Jan 01, 2021 |
cixak95211:They don't pick automatically o. They still need to pass through the data structures and algorithms interviews. Clement founder of algo expert studied maths at UPenn and he had to grind CTCI to get a job at Google. He also worked at Facebook before creating algo expert. People downplay the importance of a computer science degree. Imho that's the second most important degree in the world after medicine and it's related courses. It's possible to learn coding on your own but computer science goes far more than just coding toy apps. Data structures and algorithms, systems design and discrete mathematics are just few of the things people study in computer science. I have a useless engineering degree and honestly knowing what I know today if I had the opportunity to go back to the university to start afresh I would do a degree in computer science. I am trying to get in for a master's and it's surprising how restrictive the field is even to fields of engineering. 2 Likes |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by olalekan9320(m): 6:56am On Jan 02, 2021 |
tensazangetsu20:If you don't mind Information Technology, NOUN offers it, and I think they accept Bsc in engineering, mathematics and physics |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by tensazangetsu20(m): 7:42am On Jan 02, 2021 |
olalekan9320:I want to move far away from Nigerian education as much as possible. 2 Likes |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by olalekan9320(m): 7:55am On Jan 02, 2021 |
tensazangetsu20:lol, it's very necessary ![]() |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by cixak95211: 11:57am On Jan 02, 2021 |
tensazangetsu20: I didn't say automatic job offer . . I said "AUTOMATIC EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES" Thanks. |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by Malfromed4: 12:59pm On Jan 02, 2021 |
I think no, everyone can learn to code without the need to study computer science. As the internet now is flooded with many tutorials to help everyone learn how to code for all levels Beginner, Intermediate and even advanced. One of the sources i personally prefer to go is w3schools, recently, they added Python in their tutorials. 1 Like |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by Babtunz: 6:44pm On Jan 02, 2021 |
Short answer ----- No. |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by EvilSec: 11:48pm On Jan 02, 2021 |
Karleb:The post isn't terribly controversial, and I didn't down play the importance of a CS degree. But while new students might not realize this, "computer science" does not teach how to code. Instead, it teaches lots of useful information that coders might need, like O(n) or OS fundamentals. You can't really teach how to program any more than you can teach somebody how to play basketball. Sure, you can instruct them on some basics, but ultimately, it requires personal effort and practice. If you want to become a professional basketball player, then you have to spend time on the court almost every day practicing until you get good. If you want to become a professional programmer, then the same. It's not just personal effort. You have to play with other players, learning from them, all the little things. Likewise, if you want to learn programming, you really need other people to bounce ideas off of. I suppose getting mentored would help. But really, talking to people at your own level is where you'll get the most benefit. Then again, mentoring those below your level, getting challenged by unexpected questions, may help more than getting mentored yourself. 3 Likes |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by boycasio(m): 8:32am On Jan 03, 2021 |
ThePlainTruth: Can you convert JSON to txt? |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by Nobody: 2:22pm On Jan 03, 2021 |
Coding in software development is just like laying bricks when building a house. A good Computer Science degree will teach you the full software development life cycle, coding and different methodologies and how to use the right one. It will also teach you project management, legal and ethical issues relating to software development as well as how to do research. The big mistake people without a Computer Science degree make is that they feel software development is all about coding. boycasio:Yes I can and that's very easy. |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by The5DME(m): 3:12pm On Jan 03, 2021 |
No, it's not necessary. But with a computer science degree, you'll be at a great advantage thanbhose those without. |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by Nobody: 3:51pm On Jan 03, 2021 |
tensazangetsu20: Hmmmm, The OP only reiterated a statement made by many for good reasons. Many of the good programmers out there don't have a degree and CS is a course which one can conveniently study from home. This is one of the reasons the course is undergoing revised curriculum over the years to make it more relevant. My advise to others is study a course outside of CS and then you can have CS as a 2nd degree/diploma/certificate program. This is based on my experience working with different teams of programmers, part of my job was to educate coders on the design/engineering aspects of projects. The end result was always remarkable. I was a program manager then and many of the managers in core software technology firms like Microsoft, FB don't have a CS degree. I was even more surprised that you have an Engineering degree which you said was useless. That's very strange to know. Well, I tell most programmers you are doing the easiest job. The most difficult have been done by the "engineering team". Programs don't run in the "air" and so you need brilliant engineers to do the "home work" and when the hardware is effective & efficient then the programmers can give it the best utilization. Even in today's digital world CS doesn't still make the top 10 of relevant courses. Construction, Elet/Elet, Agriculture, Med/Nursing, Architecture, Mech Engr, Marketing/Bus Magt, Mathematics are more relevant. But the truth is all these courses now have a component of CS in them and things are so integrated these days. I will agree with you that CS/coding is lucrative and the reason is every field now need developers. The principle of demand & supply comes in, otherwise Engineering/Design is more tasking. That's why it's easier to get a job at Google, Apple, MS than Boston Dynamics, Tesla, Sphero, Diligent Robotics, Irobot, Fireeye, because in those companies you need to think beyond programming. I'm been learning coding just like I've spent time learning about Suspensions, Engines, Astronomy and Sound science. In summary everyone must decide a path that works best for him/her after getting the necessary information. OP makes cool cash from bug bounty and that alone sustains many. My friend left a lucrative IT job for marketing that gives him time and over 6M annually, another for real estate also some have left other sectors for IT, bringing in their wealth of experience from those fields into play. I also left the IT sector for years and just coming back because of some related projects/interests. If you are a good programmer you will always have jobs but it takes more effort to come up with the ideas you are working on. Off-topic If you love Mech Engineering like me Elon Musk has been challenged to bring in his Tesla Cybertruck against the hydrogen-powered Glickenhaus Boot in the 2023 Baja 1000. Let's see what Musk and his team will develop in the next 2 years. 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by GiftedTitty: 3:57pm On Jan 03, 2021 |
EvilSec: Pls what do you mean by this? |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by tensazangetsu20(m): 4:04pm On Jan 03, 2021 |
Studymore123:You finished it all men. My greatest problem with physical types of engineering is the few amounts of jobs available. Mechanical and Civil engineering alongside fields like Chemical and Petroleum engineering have very few jobs compared to Software engineering/computer science. For every one Mechanical engineering job, there's like 100 Computer science jobs. Even core industries that mechanical engineers and co ought to work in do not employ as much mechanical engineers again. Most of the vacancies are for people in computer science. Look at jobs.exxonmobil.com. Look at the number of Vacancies in IT compared to core engineering. I really dont know about the recruitment process at Boston dynamics but I do know that Robotics relies heavily on embedded systems. I am sure some parts of the interview would be around data structures, algorithms, and memory management. I did marine engineering which is basically a branch of mechanical engineering that focuses on offshore structures and I remember how difficult it was to even get vacancies when I graduated. I also learnt to fix cars when I left school and even though they are a bit of a few jobs for mechanics the highest pay you will be offered is 50k and that is even on the high side. It is not even up to a year I learnt programming and honestly I have gained more at least financially than what I studied for 4 years and other skills I picked up. 1 Like |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by Karleb(m): 4:51pm On Jan 03, 2021 |
@studymore213 Personally, I don't think I'd do this computer thing for too long. There are more money in other sectors. At the ground level, programming pays but when you move up and compare it to other professions, you'll have to have your own startup to earn big. Take for example, 20 year olds are earning £40K and more per week as footballers somewhere. What about basketballers, musicians even the local ones, real estate investors and the rest. My aim is to do this till I'm really tired of it and maybe 10 - 15 yrs later, retire and go full time into stock/forex investment and music. I don't want to spend my old age working my ass off for pay I can conveniently make sleeping all day. 1 Like |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by EvilSec: 5:03pm On Jan 03, 2021 |
GiftedTitty:One should not be taught in the University (best learnt by self study). One can not be taught in the University (best learnt on a real life project). Only one of them is (should be) taught in the University. |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by tensazangetsu20(m): 5:22pm On Jan 03, 2021 |
Karleb:To me programming is just a way to build capital and escape from Africa. Aside being a doctor, being a programmer is the second easiest way to relocate as there's a lot of demand outside. The internet has made making money very easy but you still need capital. Imagine if you bought Bitcoin of one million naira last year. You would have at least 8 million naira in profits today. What of shares and stocks in companies like Tesla, google, Facebook and Shopify. Last year was a bull market in the stock industry. There's also the app game of making and selling your own apps. The koko is capital which programming can give you. 1 Like |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by BigDawsNet: 7:34pm On Jan 03, 2021 |
Not really.. You may be a Doctor br profession Or a business manager, lawyer or An Economist But you can wake up someday and find a mentor to teach you how to code... Its a long journey no doubt! But its worth it When you finally become a programmer that can design and develop a software to solve a problem... Going to school to learn CS Is also great and it will prepare you not only to be a programmer from the basic but to be a Qualified Computer Scientist Because not all Computet Scienctist are into programmer... 1 Like |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by Plaouse(m): 9:36pm On Jan 05, 2021 |
Insightful. I've spent two years out of school (i.e after high school grad) I applied for Architecture as I wrote Jamb last year. In the last quarters of 2020 I got my hands of some javaScript (my first encounter with programming ever) and I instantly loved it, as I still do. I'm interested in the programing field of AI and Robotics. Now, I plan on changing my course after admission. Changing it to CS Considering the time I've waisted out of school (as I'm 19 now and will be 20 within this year) and the time it takes to be a good programmer; Should I remain with architecture (with programming by the side) or change my course so that I can have more experience in the programming field? Ps: Completing Architecture would take 5years. |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by tensazangetsu20(m): 9:49pm On Jan 05, 2021 |
Plaouse:If you can change to computer science now please do so. Your future self will thank you. 2 Likes |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by spartan117(m): 10:43pm On Jan 05, 2021 |
Plaouse:Pls do everything within ur power to change it. Infact you are lucky, I wish I had this insight before I wrote utme I can only imagine the level I'll be now if I started coding back then and studied computer science. But all the same thanks be to God I was still able to successfully make a career switch to programming. 2 Likes |
Re: Should You Study Computer Science To Learn How To Code? by GiftedTitty: 7:14pm On Jan 06, 2021 |
EvilSec: hmmm i intend to switch to software engineering. dont you think the theoretical aspect as as the practical aspect is important. Plus you made mention of "toy project" in your post does it mean software engineering isn't worth studying. |
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