Programming is a skill that transforms thinking, opens up new horizons, and changes lives. In recent years, starting a career as a programmer from scratch has become one of the most in-demand professions, and more and more people want to try their hand in this field. It is important to understand that this path is accessible to anyone willing to invest in themselves and their knowledge.
Programming develops logical thinking, teaches problem-solving, and offers a multitude of career opportunities. But where to start? Here you will learn how to become a programmer, what steps will help you master this profession, and what mistakes to avoid.
The first step into the world of programming – where to start?
Immersing yourself in this field is like discovering a new universe – at first, everything may seem complex, but with the right approach, any barriers can be overcome. To become a programmer, you need to start by realizing what you want to develop: websites, mobile applications, or something else.
How to choose your first programming language?
The choice is similar to choosing your first bicycle – it determines how enjoyable and easy the ride will be. Let’s consider several popular options:
- Python – perfect for beginners. It is easy to learn, and its syntax is almost like English. Used in data analysis, web development, machine learning. It is like a universal tool that is suitable for most tasks.
- JavaScript – essential for those who want to create websites. Frontend, backend, mobile applications – JavaScript is everywhere, and its popularity in Russia is steadily growing.
- Java – a choice for those dreaming of developing large corporate systems or mobile applications for Android. Many banking and insurance systems in Russia are built on this language.
Each language is good in its own way; it is important to determine what inspires you. Focus on your goals and choose a tool that will help you achieve them. The best programming languages for beginners are those that align with your interests and goals.
Secrets of successful learning programming from scratch
It is important to approach the learning process consciously. Here are some detailed strategies that will help you achieve results faster:
- Regular practice. Just reading books or watching video tutorials is not enough. Practice daily, even with small tasks. Use platforms like Codewars or LeetCode to solve problems, start with the simplest levels, and gradually move on to more complex ones. Practice not only in writing code but also in reading others’ code to understand different approaches and solutions.
- Real projects – working on real projects provides unique experience. Start with simple projects, for example, create your portfolio website or a task tracking application. One successful example is creating your own Telegram bot that performs useful functions such as weather notifications. Working on a project will teach you how to use version control systems like Git and how to publish code on GitHub.
- Online courses and mentorship – at the initial stage, it is important to gain structured knowledge that will help in the future. Choose quality online courses such as Stepik, GeekBrains, or Yandex.Praktikum. Among platforms for finding mentors, Codementor and Meetup stand out.
Sometimes motivation fades, but it is important to remember: every programmer was once a beginner and faced the same difficulties. For example, the story of Ilya Krasinsky, who started in 2015 by taking his first Python courses on Stepik. Initially, he worked as a freelancer, earning around 20,000 rubles per month, but by 2018, he landed a position as a junior developer at Yandex with a salary of 90,000 rubles. Two years later, in 2020, he became a lead developer at Mail.ru Group, where his income reached 250,000 rubles per month. This journey is evidence that perseverance and consistent practice lead to outstanding results.
Job opportunities for programmers: from search to initial successes
The beginning of a career is always a challenge, especially in such a dynamic field as IT. The first step is to create an impressive resume and search for initial job openings. Many IT companies in Russia, such as Yandex, Mail.ru Group, SberTech, Tinkoff, Kaspersky Lab, and 1C, are willing to hire beginners and train them in the basics if they see the desire and potential.
How to craft an impressive programmer resume
A resume is the first thing an employer sees, and it is important for it to be of high quality. Here are some key recommendations:
- Clarity and conciseness. Describe only relevant experience and skills. No one is interested in your experience as a sales consultant in 2010.
- Portfolio. Even if the projects are small – include them. This will show that you are genuinely interested in programming.
- Skills. Include specific languages and technologies you are proficient in, such as JavaScript, Python, HTML/CSS.
How to prepare for a programmer interview – winning in the first minutes
An interview is not only a test of knowledge but also the ability to present it correctly. Typical questions that may be asked include: “What is a closure in JavaScript?” “What are the data types in Python?” Experts recommend answering these questions as specifically as possible: for closures, explain that it is a function with access to its outer scope even after the parent function has finished executing, provide code examples to demonstrate understanding of the concept.
For the question about data types in Python, it is best to list the main types (int, float, str, list, dict, etc.) and briefly explain what they are used for. In addition to technical questions, it is important to prepare for questions about motivation and future plans: here, experts recommend talking about long-term goals, such as development in the field of programming, the desire to work on interesting projects, and contribute to the company. These answers should sound sincere and demonstrate your readiness for learning and growth.
How much does a junior programmer earn in Russia?
The salary level for junior programmers in Russia varies depending on the region and company. For example, in Moscow, a junior developer can expect a salary ranging from 80,000 to 120,000 rubles per month. In St. Petersburg, this figure is approximately 70,000 – 100,000 rubles, and in other regions, it ranges from 50,000 to 90,000.
The programming language and field of activity also influence income. For example, developers working with Java and engaged in backend development may expect a higher income than frontend specialists. The earnings largely depend on the chosen language and its popularity within a specific company.
A programmer’s career starts now
The path to a programmer’s profession begins with one simple decision – to start taking action. No matter what fears and doubts arose before, anyone willing to invest their time and effort into learning can become a programmer. Programming opens doors to a world of possibilities where there are virtually no limits. Start small – choose a language, complete your first course, write your first code. Let this journey be full of discoveries, challenges, and victories, and each step will bring you closer to a successful career.
