How To Make Software... Is it Hard?

51 replies
Hello, Warriors.
I realised that I like technical stuffs and I have been thinking of delving into software coding or able to make build software.

As it is, I do not have any background knowledge of coding. If I wish to start, how do I begin and how long will it take me? Is building software hard?

I would like to learn it from home, more like DIY scheme.

I downloaded an ebook which explained the possibility of using software building program to make any kind of software. How efficient are this kind of program versus coding from scratch.

I have my eyes on the future and would like to make application for marketing purpose.
Thank you.
#hard #make #software
  • Profile picture of the author Steve Hunt
    I wish you every success in your venture, If it is a passion of yours by all means go for it, most people I have spoke to have said that you can be writing basic programs after 3 months......
    Good Luck Anyway

    Steve
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6838148].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author whland
      Originally Posted by Steve Hunt View Post

      I wish you every success in your venture, If it is a passion of yours by all means go for it, most people I have spoke to have said that you can be writing basic programs after 3 months......
      Good Luck Anyway

      Steve
      I myself wanted to get into programming, but I could never figure it out. So it'd probably take the rest of my life and I still would be like :confused: lol when trying to learn the programming. XD.

      Heck I'm still confused sometimes when coding websites with php html. That's why I go for a template for my websites and just customize it to my liking. And sometimes I still screw up some of the coding and mess the whole page up. lol

      Anyway, like he said above. I wish you success, and I say go for it, if it's something you love to do.

      Chad
      Signature
      WebMasterBabble.com Webmaster Forum
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6971013].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jvreview
    With your passion, I'd suggest you find free ebooks/guides on this subject and go from there. If it's something you like, it may not feel that 'hard' :-) It also depends what kind of software you're building and how complicated/advanced. All the best with your new project.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6838172].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ArielT
    Originally Posted by masterpeez4py View Post

    Hello, Warriors.
    I realised that I like technical stuffs and I have been thinking of delving into software coding or able to make build software.

    As it is, I do not have any background knowledge of coding. If I wish to start, how do I begin and how long will it take me? Is building software hard?

    I would like to learn it from home, more like DIY scheme.

    I downloaded an ebook which explained the possibility of using software building program to make any kind of software. How efficient are this kind of program versus coding from scratch.

    I have my eyes on the future and would like to make application for marketing purpose.
    Thank you.
    Are sure you like that? I think you don't maybe you are worry about choosing something profitable

    I think you don't because you are in this forum of IM and if you liked the programming you would already know HTML, etc at least, so I think you really like IM
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6838189].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author hebsgaard
    Where to start?

    As a young man (well, younger anyway) I happened across a book called HTML for Dummies. This was in the prime of GeoCities. I found it interesting and thought to myself; how hard can it be?

    Fast-forward 12 years and I know there is a lot more I don't know about programming than I know.

    I don't want to kill your dream, but I do have to be brutally honest with you. Programming is not something you can pick up overnight!

    You have to be dedicated, passionate, determinde and patient, and I'm not saying you're not! I'm saying you need to realize that unless you are in for the duration you might as well not start.

    You mention the possibility of using a software building program. I highly recommend you don't. Is it just the end product you're interested in? or do you really want to learn? If it's the former I recommend paying a developer to do the job, if it's the latter that's great!

    Just realize you have chosen a road of pain, frustration and very long nights!

    If you apply yourself you will be able to create very basic programs in three months time. That might seem slow. On the other hand, if stick to it, remain patient and all that, in 5 years you will know there isn't a program you can't build!

    As frustrating as debugging code is, the joy of watching something you created do what it is supposed to do is...well...great!

    If you still believe programming is the right path for you I wish you good luck!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6838244].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author cjreynolds
      I agree somewhat with what hebsgaard says - I've seen many people struggle and beat their heads against the wall to learn this stuff, and some never get the hang of it.

      But it really depends on your aptitude. Some people have a "knack" for all things computer. For me, learning a programming language is as easy as fallin off a log. But everything on the computer is easy for me - I can learn to use new software in no time at all. It's not that I'm a genius - put me in front of an engine, or anything mechanical for that matter, and I become a complete moron! I just don't have the aptitude for it.

      If you really like working with computers, and you pick up quickly on using software (MS Office, etc.), then you might have a knack for programming - you don't know till you try

      For the type of stuff you'll need for IM, I'd suggest starting out with HTML - it's pretty easy to learn and will give you an idea whether or not you like programming. Once you're handy with HTML and CSS (they go hand-in-hand), I'd then go with php - it's become the de-facto standard scripting language for IMers and folks who do wordpress, and wordpress plugins are done in php (good market there). Javascript would be good to know, especially if you do hand-coded sites.

      Hope that helps! Good luck!
      Signature

      I just added this sig so I can refer to it in my posts...

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6838665].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author um1001
        Have to agree that it takes a certain aptitude for programming. You either connect with it or you don't.

        You must do things in the proper order. Like anything, it takes a certain amount of experience and toil before you can get to the point where your'e producing complicated things.

        Programming is a lot like mathematics. In the beginning, you're doing 1+1. It will take some dedication and frustration before you're able to do differential equations.

        Do you enjoy that process? If not, programming probably isn't for you.

        Edit - there's also quite a distinction between programming for the web, which is really just a markup language and application programming, which is much less forgiving. That's why it's easy to create a static web page but not so easy to create an interactive web application or desktop application. There are technologies (such as PHP, or .NET) that bridge the gap pretty well but even they can get to the point where you're dealing with procedural or even object oriented code.

        To complicate things even further, when you program for the desktop rather than for the web, you're dealing with the underlying operating system. Unless you are working with the JVM (Java) or similar, cross-platform compatibility isn't always easy to achieve. Thus, you have programs that work in Windows for example and not OSX.

        There are platforms that tackle the problem like Adobe AIR (and Silverlight, I think?) but it's another thing to consider: if you want to tackle desktop applications, you might have to get focused on a particular OS or technology.

        The rabbit hole goes deeper and deeper the more you learn about programming...
        Signature

        -- Jack Morrison / um1001

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6838720].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author DubDubDubDot
        It is difficult and time consuming, but in the end is worth it. People with the ideas and the skills to personally implement those ideas hold the keys to the castle. I'm not saying you are guaranteed millions, but it puts you in a position of having more skills than literally 99.9% of your competition. You can not write that off with a belief that outsourcing is your answer.

        It is a serious misconception around here that you can outsource this stuff and get what you want (or didn't know that you needed). Technically you could do it, but not many around here can pay $75 an hour for a legit programmer. Those people from developing nations that many Warriors like to hire through odesk or wherever don't know what they are doing. If they did, they wouldn't be working for the peanuts you are paying them.

        Here's a great article on the shortage of good coders:
        They Ain’t Making Any More of Them: The Great Engineering Shortage of 2012 | TechCrunch

        There's a reason why the guy in that article had to offer $400,000 to someone that could refer him 5 coders. It's because coming to WarriorForum and being told to buy outsourced labor for $10 an hour doesn't get it done.

        Originally Posted by cjreynolds View Post

        php - it's become the de-facto standard scripting language for IMers and folks who do wordpress, and wordpress plugins are done in php
        And as with just about everything IMers cling to, PHP is the wrong answer much of the time. PHP was designed as a templating system. Using it for anything beyond that has consequences that non-programmers (and even many self proclaimed programmers) do not understand. PHP is not what they call a "high-level programming language" and many WP plugins have no business being coded in PHP. If anyone reading this uses WP and a lot of plugins and your host told you to upgrade to VPS or even go dedicated and your traffic levels didn't seem to warrant that, it's probably because you bought poorly coded WP plugins (almost certainly done in PHP) that ate up too many resources.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6971583].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author madison_avenue
          The listserv of the Business Association of Stanford Entrepreneurial Students gets a dozen e-mails every week from someone looking to hire a programmer. Very few hear back. “If you don’t have the skills, I don’t know what to say to you,” says Geoff Woo, the group’s former president.
          http://nymag.com/print/?/news/featur...valley-2011-9/


          Interesting quote from a good article about starting a new software company. And why you'd better learn to code!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6971695].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author cjreynolds
          Originally Posted by DubDubDubDot View Post

          And as with just about everything IMers cling to, PHP is the wrong answer much of the time. PHP was designed as a templating system. Using it for anything beyond that has consequences that non-programmers (and even many self proclaimed programmers) do not understand. PHP is not what they call a "high-level programming language" and many WP plugins have no business being coded in PHP. If anyone reading this uses WP and a lot of plugins and your host told you to upgrade to VPS or even go dedicated and your traffic levels didn't seem to warrant that, it's probably because you bought poorly coded WP plugins (almost certainly done in PHP) that ate up too many resources.
          Thanks for that! I never learned PHP myself, always been an ASP guy, and just assumed that PHP was just sort of a "non-windows" cousin of ASP (might re-think the notion to learn PHP...)
          Signature

          I just added this sig so I can refer to it in my posts...

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6972159].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author RobertoM
          Originally Posted by DubDubDubDot View Post

          It is a serious misconception around here that you can outsource this stuff and get what you want (or didn't know that you needed). Technically you could do it, but not many around here can pay $75 an hour for a legit programmer. Those people from developing nations that many Warriors like to hire through odesk or wherever don't know what they are doing. If they did, they wouldn't be working for the peanuts you are paying them.
          Peanuts???? Developing countries?? We live in a globalized world dude. No more knowledge borders. What do you mean by "legit programmer"? An expensive one?
          I hired through Elance 2 programmers from Ukrania that developed a complex Java project working some 10 hours per working day @ $ 19/hour. They made $ 8,360 in less than a calendar month. It's a bunch of money there and also here. You don't want to know the IQ of these 2 boys (brothers). They were brilliant! The quality of the job has been excellent. And I paid after the job was delivered (on time).
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6972759].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author cjreynolds
            If you look for the first programmer that will "work for peanuts", chances are you'll luck into some crappy work. If you do your due diligence, research the person you hire, and don't use "peanuts" as a criteria, you're much more likely to get quality work, no matter where it comes from - and you might even end up paying them what you consider to be peanuts, though it might be an excellent wage for that person in his country.

            You can't judge a man by his asking price.
            Signature

            I just added this sig so I can refer to it in my posts...

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6972908].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author hebsgaard
    Of course it takes a certain level of aptitude!

    It's easier for some people than it is for others. That's not the point.

    The point is you can't expect to be building complex programs after a weekend. Dabbling is not enough to build good programs!

    Using software building programs is a non-starter as well. Sure you can build simple stuff, but even then the code you create will most likely be horrifying. If you ever had to manually edit it you will be faced with a nightmare. Especially if you haven't taken the time to learn the programming language in the first place.

    Programming is a valuable skill. I can definitely recommend taking the time to learn a programming language. It opens a world of opportunities.

    My main point, a warning really, is you shouldn't expect to master any programming language overnight!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6841434].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author IM Lover
    Originally Posted by masterpeez4py View Post

    Hello, Warriors.
    I realised that I like technical stuffs and I have been thinking of delving into software coding or able to make build software.

    As it is, I do not have any background knowledge of coding. If I wish to start, how do I begin and how long will it take me? Is building software hard?

    I would like to learn it from home, more like DIY scheme.

    I downloaded an ebook which explained the possibility of using software building program to make any kind of software. How efficient are this kind of program versus coding from scratch.

    I have my eyes on the future and would like to make application for marketing purpose.
    Thank you.
    You should speak to this guy Rich -> View Profile: RichBeck I'm pretty sure he is about to start up software creation coaching.

    -Lee
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6841468].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author RichBeck
    masterpeez4py,

    I would recommend you learn the Software business first.... and outsource the programming... It is a much faster route to profitability.

    Once you get your business up and running, you can decide if you want to invest a couple years coming up to speed with Web Development.....

    All the Best,

    Rich Beck
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6845661].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Thomas Michal
    Udacity - 21st Century University this is a great place to start "programming" and learning about computer science fundamentals.

    Note: Using HTML/CSS is not "programming" they are markup languages.

    And is it hard?

    Yes and no.

    It's different for everyone - you will have to always be learning something new.

    So if you just have ONE idea of something you want to create you might be better off outsourcing it to a company rather than spending 6 months learning how to code.

    You'll find out very quick if you like it or not though.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6845683].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jlarkin353
    good luck, it is hard but with talent and most of all perseverance you will get there!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6845740].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Go down to Barnes & Nobles and pick up a book on programming and software creation.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6845788].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author 9am
    It will take time but if you are keen to learn why not?

    You will only gain from it and if you don't reach a high enough level to build your own quality software it will help you to recruit and work with those that do.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6948515].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Logicandy
    i did my first program back in 2004 an dthe second one in 2010
    and i must say that i am improving really fast. DO NOT listern to people wo tell you its too hard. see yourself as a great programer NOW and keep dreaming aBOUT IT. iT Is going to happen!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6948560].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author phil.wheatley
    The only thing you need to know is this:
    10 Print "Hello"
    20 Goto 10
    Run!!!

    Awesome lol. Ok, seriously, I spent 3 years at college doing Pascal and then C++, the penny never really dropped for me. I think you are either good at it or you will struggle. The route I will be taking is paying others to write the code. Don't forget though, be careful about taking too much advice, if you want to do it, then go for it!!! I wish you luck.

    Phil
    Signature



    It's still not working for you??? Need direction?...
    ---->>>> BrainDirection.com <<<<----
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6948998].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author masterpeez4py
    Thanks to everyone that have commented. I am driven by the desire to see my creation at work. I just felt this excitement to build things and see how it works.

    Yeah I am good at math and calculus but what has that got to do with coding and does it define one's success rate.

    I will get hold of software creation books for dummies. I will take my time and I am not hoping to learn it overnight , but at least after a year, there should be a significant level of change in my coding knowledge. Thank y'all
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6954433].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DotComBum
    I suggest that you make some simply software to gain experience first and progress from there, also find some good programming forums so you can exchange ideas and gain knowledge from expert programmers.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6954571].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Cee
      [DELETED]
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6954666].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author GlenH
        Hi,

        I've been there and done that!

        Don't go down the ..'learn programming' route!

        You need to be the ' ideas man'.

        You do all the market research, develop the ideas and concepts, then hire good programmers to bring your software ideas to fruition.

        You then market the product, and pocket the profits.

        I've made it sound too simplistic, I know, but that's the whole idea in a nutshell

        It took me 6 years to perfect my system for creating software applications. And that was a pretty tough road.

        But it's far less hassle and pain than the route you're planning. I can assure you.

        And you'll definitely make more money.

        --Glen
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6954731].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author aident364
          You can do anything you have a passion. But everything in this world works in a systemic way.You can make software obviously it is hard or easy is quietly depending on you. If you want to make a software you must have learn some basic programming language, like C,C++, visual basic,java.Because software is nothing but a simultaneous combination of codes.Best of luck.
          Signature
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6954880].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jtraits
    Programming is mostly way of thinking ... writing the program is just studying the programming language, syntax etc .. if you have the programming thinking, then it's "easy" ... there are online tutorials like w3schools which i like since they offer quizes as well...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6954944].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author cjreynolds
      Originally Posted by Jtraits View Post

      Programming is mostly way of thinking ... writing the program is just studying the programming language, syntax etc .. if you have the programming thinking, then it's "easy" ... there are online tutorials like w3schools which i like since they offer quizes as well...
      This post reminded me of employment ads I used to see for programmers that sometimes required programmers with music experience or abilities. Because some folks believe that writing software is much like writing a symphony.
      Signature

      I just added this sig so I can refer to it in my posts...

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6966166].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author asepkomara
    You should explain what kind of sotwares you want to built.
    Different class different skills.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6954950].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author PaulLester
    Software development can be hard if you don't know programming.However,there is no need to learn programming if you don't like it and you can still have high quality softwares in your name.

    You can find thousands of highly talented programmers on any outsourcing site like eLance,Freelancer or oDesk.com and get your software developed for a few hundred dollars.

    In my opinion,outsourcing is the fastest way to start making money with software business.Just get the product created and focus your attention on marketing.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6955446].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author kazute
    Originally Posted by masterpeez4py View Post

    Hello, Warriors.
    I realised that I like technical stuffs and I have been thinking of delving into software coding or able to make build software.

    As it is, I do not have any background knowledge of coding. If I wish to start, how do I begin and how long will it take me? Is building software hard?

    I would like to learn it from home, more like DIY scheme.

    I downloaded an ebook which explained the possibility of using software building program to make any kind of software. How efficient are this kind of program versus coding from scratch.

    I have my eyes on the future and would like to make application for marketing purpose.
    Thank you.
    To be honest it all depends on what software you want to make, theres always zenoposter or ubot, both of these softwares will help you create some good stuff provided you know what u want to make.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6964784].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Maui Joe
    easy as hell when you pay someone else to do it for you
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6964795].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author techbul
    There will always be a lot of people willing to develop it for you for a lot less than it's actually worth. You just have to come up with the idea and know how to market it, and while that's still something hard to do at first, I don't think it comes even close to developing programs.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6964839].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JabMonkey
    Originally Posted by masterpeez4py View Post

    Hello, Warriors.
    I realised that I like technical stuffs and I have been thinking of delving into software coding or able to make build software.

    As it is, I do not have any background knowledge of coding. If I wish to start, how do I begin and how long will it take me? Is building software hard?

    I would like to learn it from home, more like DIY scheme.

    I downloaded an ebook which explained the possibility of using software building program to make any kind of software. How efficient are this kind of program versus coding from scratch.


    I have my eyes on the future and would like to make application for marketing purpose.
    Thank you.
    From what I have read by actual programmers who do both, nothing compares to being capable of doing your own coding, period, but if you don't want to spend the next 10 years becoming a master coder, go with the software building programs so you can make some cash for your efforts as you learn. Most use Ubot.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6966256].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MarketingMinded
    I've always been told by this who have their own software that it's the key to true passive income. I definitely have a software product in my horizons.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6966348].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jeffonmission
    Programming is definitely a "doing" rather than a "learning" venture - a worthy one if you're willing to put in the time.

    Once you pick up some skills, start getting involved in some open source projects. On these projects, you will learn how to work with a team of developers and skills like version control. Plus, you'll get to really understand how software is made which will help you in your future pursuits.
    Signature
    >> My Warrior Gift: I'm Giving Away 20 Free Custom Press Releases! PM for Details. <<
    Read HERE to find out why I would do this....
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6966644].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Vlad Romanov
    If you want to write good software, 3 years of Computer Science Bachelors. If you want to write amateur software that will occasionally get the job done you should be able to get away with about a year if you stick to it.

    Coding has a lot of background depending on which route you choose. You need to have a base in mathematics and have some understanding of logic control.

    Either way good luck to you if you decide to venture into coding and remember that it is a lot of hard work.

    P.S.: before you disagree with me, realize that there are obviously exceptions to what I wrote and some learn quicker and some languages take less time to learn.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6966723].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Bruce Wayne
    Using frameworks rather than programming from scratch is simpler and faster way of building any applications. It is a popular way of programming among programmers. From frameworks, I like the most jQuery (javascript framework) and CakePHP (php framework). However, if you are starting, you should learn basics of any programming language first. When you gain some knowledge, start using frameworks.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6966734].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author superstarrr
    Hello i'm a new internet marketer from Morocco, i saw alot articles you posted in this website and i see that there is very good internet marketers here, well i learned in this website that we need to creat a squeeze page then buy a domain name, we need an autorespender too to build a list, really i want to start in this job but i dont have money to start, you know i can say i learned eveything about the internet marketing but i dont have money to start, so i will be very thankful to you if you can help me just to have the autorespender and the host and the domaine name, i asked you because i saw that there is alot of good internet marketers here and im sure you will be very happy to help people who love your job, and thank you so much !
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6966755].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author cjreynolds
      Originally Posted by superstarrr View Post

      Hello i'm a new internet marketer from Morocco, i saw alot articles you posted in this website and i see that there is very good internet marketers here, well i learned in this website that we need to creat a squeeze page then buy a domain name, we need an autorespender too to build a list, really i want to start in this job but i dont have money to start, you know i can say i learned eveything about the internet marketing but i dont have money to start, so i will be very thankful to you if you can help me just to have the autorespender and the host and the domaine name, i asked you because i saw that there is alot of good internet marketers here and im sure you will be very happy to help people who love your job, and thank you so much !
      Welcome to the WF! (but you should start a new thread for this )
      Signature

      I just added this sig so I can refer to it in my posts...

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6970688].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mmntv
    Well, do you want to build desktop software or web applications/web based software? If desktop software, do you want it to be cross-platform (Mac, PC, and/or Linux)? Or PC only like many other IM tools?

    What type of software you want to build will drive your selection of languages and platforms.

    And there's programming - learning a language and syntax, and then there's a whole nother world of things to tackle to be able to rapidly put together quality systems. Component-based design, interface based development, object oriented programming. Handling updates. Supportability. Licensing.

    That said, if its something that interests you and that you can focus on, go for it. It is a steep learning curve. But the best way to learn is to create a reason. In other words, figure out an idea for a software product, write up the requirements and design for how you want it to work. And then learn as you go and build the product.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6966979].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author madison_avenue
    Python is great language to learn, because it uses very clear syntax and no confusing curly brackets etc when you are beginner. You also get to use the interactive interpreter which you can download onto your desktop, where you can practice running lots of code and get instant feedback. by running the code and see if it works.

    If you can program in python then go on to php, it will be easy because you will already know all the concepts, it will just be a question of learning the different syntax.

    I learnt python first then went on to php which was easier for me than starting with php.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6970786].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author cjreynolds
      Lots of good technical advice here - respect to all the experienced programmers who've posted

      Bottom line, though, "Is it hard?"

      I learned programming on my own - bought books and spent my lunch hours and free time on it for years. It's a slow way to learn, and you miss a lot of practical knowledge that only an experienced programmer can impart to you. After having "mastered" several programming languages over the years, I enrolled in a web publishing program at a local junior college. I had no idea how little I really knew! Yes, I had all the technical details down, and I could figure out how to accomplish about anything I wanted, but I had no idea how it all worked in the real world. It wasn't until I learned from professionals actually doing this for a living that I gained the skills and confidence I needed to venture into the programming business.

      The point is, programming is not hard if you know what you're doing - learning programming may be hard for you, depending on your aptitude for things technical. Learn as much as you can from the web, but be prepared to invest some time/money on education - you may not need to bust yer butt on a degree, depending on how well you pick up on this stuff, but a little professional guidance can go a long way.

      Good luck!
      Signature

      I just added this sig so I can refer to it in my posts...

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6970950].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Dr MaxIM
    Making software is not hard once you know what you are doing, but it is really hard to learn how ro create a good software.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6970828].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author cashkits4u
    Banned
    I am also interested in learning this. Is there a simpler way to learn this online without having to go to school? Like an online that simplify the whole learning process
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6970829].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ankur sharma
    I think i have different take on this. Name me any one software company which is owned by non techie?

    Most oof the big software companies are run by those who are programmers themself. You can build small softwares and sell it, but you cant gain heights.

    Either you are very good in cash flow management and you are lucky enough to have good programmer by your side.

    Butt let me tell you, porgrammers dont stay at one place for long, especially if you have startup. What if your programmer leave your cpompany?

    I am telling you, if you dont know programming, you will be burned.

    I highly recommend if you want to gain heights , then start learning coding. You dont have to be brilliant in it. But, you should atleast know what is going on inside it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6971035].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author RobertoM
    Originally Posted by masterpeez4py View Post

    Hello, Warriors.
    I realised that I like technical stuffs and I have been thinking of delving into software coding or able to make build software.

    As it is, I do not have any background knowledge of coding. If I wish to start, how do I begin and how long will it take me? Is building software hard?

    I would like to learn it from home, more like DIY scheme.

    I downloaded an ebook which explained the possibility of using software building program to make any kind of software. How efficient are this kind of program versus coding from scratch.

    I have my eyes on the future and would like to make application for marketing purpose.
    Thank you.
    Hey masterpeez4py,
    If you are looking to learn programming from scratch aiming to develop your own products to sell it through Internet, I think you are in the wrong path.
    It takes years to become an acceptable programmer (if you have the skills for it), and you must first choose a reliable Training Center (university or a very good school), select an IT platfom (.NET, Java, etc), and a couple of languages, then learn app design, analysis, programming methodologies and just then begin (repeat: begin) coding in the selected platform/language.
    It takes a loooong ride to become a programmer. Years.
    If you are in this position (to have your own software products to sell), I would suggest you to save time and money hiring someone else to develop your product idea.
    If you want to be a professional programmer and make a living of it, you must take it very seriously.
    Learning HTML or other markup languages to build and maintain websites is another world, where you can easily step-in in a very short time.:rolleyes:

    .
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6971038].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author hockmasm
    learning and writing code for software takes a certain type of mind and person to do it well. it can take years to learn what to do. here is my suggestion that will help you create a piece of software for $0.

    Figure out what you want the software to do. Create a craigslist ad recruiting programmers to build it. Get a quote. Then follow up with the responses saying that you'd like to be partners on this project as opposed to paying up front for it. You give them a commission ~40% of all profits. They build it, you market it. You both win with no money up front
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6971059].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author RobertoM
      Originally Posted by hockmasm View Post

      learning and writing code for software takes a certain type of mind and person to do it well. it can take years to learn what to do. here is my suggestion that will help you create a piece of software for $0.

      Figure out what you want the software to do. Create a craigslist ad recruiting programmers to build it. Get a quote. Then follow up with the responses saying that you'd like to be partners on this project as opposed to paying up front for it. You give them a commission ~40% of all profits. They build it, you market it. You both win with no money up front
      Nice idea Hockmasm!!!
      In your experience, you can get a good partner from Elance, Fiverr, Odesk or Freelancer?
      Thank you.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6971195].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Charles Profit
    Learn to code | Codecademy is a great place to start learning to code.

    This will give you a general idea if you "get" what it takes to become a programmer.

    But like many others have said, outsourcing is probably a better idea or finding a programmer to partner and share revenue with is even better.

    Generally, when your programmer makes more money based upon the success of the software, the quality will improve; they will do a better job, they will fix bugs faster, they will provide suggestions on UI and suggestions on the overall software.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6971304].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Delta90
    It'll definitely take some time to get into coding, for starters you need to choose which language you want to start off with. The upside is that when you've become quite good at one it's quite easy to understand the others. When you've decided which language you want to start out with go to some big known 'newbie tutorial' page and go through their guide or buy/lend a beginners book.
    Also don't code in the notepad, get a program that highlights code etc.
    I use netbeans and code mostly in java, netbeans has a great GUI editor as well.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6972658].message }}

Trending Topics