How to become a programmer from scratch and find a job: the path through the eyes of experts

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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.

Top 10 rules for effective remote work for a programmer

Organizing Workspace: Key Aspect of Remote Work

In the conditions of the modern world, remote work is becoming increasingly popular and in demand. Programmers are one of the professional groups that actively use this work format. To be maximally productive in a remote environment, it is necessary to follow certain rules and recommendations. In this article, we will discuss the TOP-10 rules of effective remote work for a programmer.

1. Creating a Comfortable Workspace

Optimal lighting and proper ergonomics will help avoid fatigue and increase productivity.
Working on a computer requires the correct height of the chair, monitor, and keyboard placement.
Smart use of garage space will allow you to create a zone of concentration and comfort.

2. Planning the Workday

For effective remote work, it is important to establish a daily routine and stick to it. Allocate time for work and rest, taking into account the specifics of your schedule. Do not forget about the 5s system in managing your time.

3. Communication and Interaction

Regular communication with colleagues through online channels will help maintain team spirit and effective communication.
Basics of business communication are important for successful interaction in a remote team.

4. Structuring the Work Process

An optimal structure of the work environment and production space will make your work more organized and efficient. Define rules and processes for yourself and stick to them.

5. Setting and Achieving Goals

For successful remote work, it is important to be able to set and achieve ambitious goals. Break down large tasks into subtasks and monitor their completion.

Remember that remote work requires discipline and self-control. By following recommendations on organizing workspace and effective work, you will be able to achieve high results in your professional activities.

### Successful Workspace Organization Cases

#### 1. **Use of Adjustable Desk**
— Case of Company X: Implementing adjustable desks among employees led to a 30% reduction in fatigue and a 20% increase in productivity in the first quarter.

#### 2. **Ergonomic Chair**
— Case of Programmer Y: After acquiring an ergonomic chair, the programmer experienced reduced back pain, and their work productivity increased by 15%.

### Checklist for Effective Workspace Organization

1. **Proper Lighting**
2. **Ergonomic Workspace**
3. **Optimal Monitor and Keyboard Placement**
4. **Comfort and Concentration Zone**
5. **Variety of Lighting Modes**

### Comparison of Different Workday Planning Methods

#### **Pomodoro Technique vs. Eisenhower Matrix**
— Comparative analysis of workday planning effectiveness using two popular methods.

### Example of Successful Communication in a Remote Team

#### **Utilizing Online Platforms for Interaction**
— Case of Company Z: Implementing an online platform for employee communication led to a 40% reduction in project discussion time and increased interaction efficiency.

### Approaches to Structuring the Work Process

#### **Kanban Board vs. GTD Methodology**
— Comparison of two approaches to organizing work processes and increasing productivity.

### Example of Goal Setting and Achievement

#### **SMART Goals in Action**
— Illustration of applying the SMART approach to goal setting and subsequent achievement for a remote worker.

Practical examples and cases will help you better understand how to o

### Implementing Effective Work Organization Strategies for Remote Programmers

In the fast-paced world of remote work, where flexibility and independence are key, mastering work organization is essential for remote programmers to excel. By implementing practical strategies and following structured guidelines, programmers can optimize their productivity and achieve outstanding results. Let’s delve into the detailed aspects of work organization for remote programmers.

#### 1. Leveraging Technology for Workspace Optimization
– Utilize productivity tools like Trello or Asana to create task lists and track progress efficiently.
– Integrate time-tracking applications to monitor work hours and ensure timely completion of tasks.
– Explore virtual collaboration platforms such as Slack or Microsoft Teams for seamless communication with team members.

#### 2. Establishing a Distraction-Free Environment
– Designate a dedicated workspace at home, free from distractions and conducive to focus.
– Implement noise-canceling headphones or background music to enhance concentration during work hours.
– Set boundaries with family members or housemates to respect your work time and minimize interruptions.

#### 3. Implementing Effective Time Management Techniques
– Experiment with time-blocking to allocate specific time slots for different tasks and maintain a structured workflow.
– Embrace the Pomodoro Technique to boost productivity by working in focused intervals with short breaks in between.
– Prioritize tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize them based on urgency and importance, ensuring efficient task management.

#### 4. Cultivating Healthy Work Habits
– Incorporate regular breaks and physical exercises into your work routine to prevent burnout and promote well-being.
– Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to sustain energy levels and cognitive function throughout the day.
– Practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress, increase mental clarity, and enhance overall work performance.

#### 5. Enhancing Collaboration and Team Communication
– Participate in virtual team meetings and brainstorming sessions to foster collaboration and idea exchange.
– Utilize screen-sharing features during discussions or presentations to enhance visual communication and understanding.
– Provide timely updates on project progress and seek feedback from colleagues to ensure alignment and transparency within the team.

By embracing these practical strategies and integrating them into your daily work routine, remote programmers can elevate their work organization skills, boost productivity, and thrive in the dynamic realm of remote work. Remember, effective work organization is the cornerstone of success in the remote work landscape.

August 30, 2025

Best laptops for a programmer: professional review and specific recommendations

Choosing the right equipment for efficient completion of professional tasks has turned into an exact science, where it is important to establish harmony between speed, convenience, and long-lasting resource. The best laptops for a programmer’s work today are not limited to standard models – the market offers unique solutions that combine high functionality, reliability, and technological drive.

How to choose the best laptops for a programmer’s work: parameters defining the result

The equipment is selected with a focus on long-term productivity and stability. Performance is formed by the comprehensive synchronicity of all components, where the processor plays an important, but not the only role.

Key parameters to consider:

Processor. Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 provide instant processing of complex tasks. Models with such chips easily handle multi-threading, which is critical for programming.
Memory. The optimal amount is 16 GB of RAM. 32 GB is used for developing large-scale projects.
Screen. Gadgets are equipped with displays with a diagonal of 15.6 inches and a resolution of at least 1920×1080 pixels. High resolution minimizes eye strain and allows comfortable work with multiple windows.
Storage. A 512 GB SSD ensures high-speed program and system startup.
Battery life. A battery with a resource of at least 8 hours without recharging provides mobility and freedom to work outside the office.
Operating system. Linux and Windows 11 provide reliable stability when performing professional tasks.

Devices for a programmer’s everyday tasks are selected based on these parameters to eliminate compromises between comfort and efficiency.

Best laptops for a programmer’s work in 2025

An analysis of the equipment has identified unequivocal leaders. The assessment is based on performance, build quality, functionality, and autonomous usage parameters.

Rating of laptops for work in 2025

The rating reflects the key market trends, where power is combined with mobility and durability. The best devices in this list demonstrate a high level of adaptation to modern tasks:

Apple MacBook Pro 14 M3 Pro
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)

After studying the models, it is easy to determine which devices best meet developers’ requirements. The best gadgets successfully combine performance, functionality, and well-thought-out autonomy.

Laptop functionality: what is truly important for a programmer

The functionality of the equipment goes beyond a set of characteristics. Models provide complete control over work processes. Advantages of highly functional models include:

Compatibility with a wide range of drivers.
Seamless support for virtualization technologies.
Fast processing of multitasking operations.
Reliable cooling system.
Thoughtful keyboard ergonomics.

A gadget with these parameters ensures reliable and uninterrupted operation even under high load conditions. The best laptops for a programmer’s work allow running complex compilations and test environments without delays.

Mobility and autonomy: optimal format for tasks in any location

Modern programming requirements have shifted the focus towards mobility. Gadgets for developers’ work processes provide ease of transport and long-term operation without connecting to the network.

Examples of mobile solutions:

Dell XPS 13 Plus weighs only 1.26 kg and demonstrates autonomy of up to 14 hours.
HP Elite Dragonfly G4 features an ultra-lightweight 1 kg chassis and provides autonomy of up to 13 hours.

Such laptops at home or on trips create a convenient ecosystem without limitations.

In-depth review: best laptops for a programmer’s work tailored to specific tasks

Each programming direction has unique requirements for equipment. Devices for a developer’s daily activities are selected considering the specifics of tasks, from interface visualization to server data processing. Different power, display, and autonomy parameters suit various specializations.

Examples:

Frontend development device: ASUS Vivobook Pro 16 OLED with a resolution of 3840×2400 ensures precise interface visualization.
Backend development gadget: Performance takes a key position. Lenovo Legion 5 Pro with AMD Ryzen 7 and 32 GB of RAM guarantees smooth operation of server solutions.
Mobile development laptop: Apple MacBook Air with an M3 processor is optimal. High autonomy and mobility simplify application testing on the go.

Modern devices ensure quality project implementation in any direction.

Which laptop to buy for work: expert recommendations

When choosing equipment, not only characteristics are taken into account but also the overall system stability.

Recommendations for selection:

Check driver compatibility with the software used.
Consider processor performance in multitasking tests.
Choose a screen with high resolution and quality matrix.
Evaluate real autonomy in standard programming scenarios.

Well-balanced devices combine mobility, high performance, and wide functional capabilities.

Conclusion

The choice of equipment becomes a strategic step towards achieving high efficiency. The best laptops for a programmer’s work help confidently handle any professional tasks, combining power, mobility, and thoughtful functionality. Optimally selected devices provide stability, comfort, and a high pace in a dynamic digital environment.

August 26, 2025