1. Data Structures and Algorithms
If you want to become a programmer then you ought to know
data structure and algorithms well; there's no way around it.
This is one of the important topics of any programming job
interview and without you knowing basic data structures (e.g. array, linked
list, map, set) it's not possible to write a real-world application.
That's why every programmer should put serious effort to
learn data structures and algorithms during their computer science course.
Even If you are self-teaching programming yourself, then
also you must know data structures and algorithms; in fact, many programming
boot camps will teach you data structures and algorithms as the first thing.
If you want to learn it by yourself then Data Structures and
Algorithms: Deep Dive Using Java is a good place to start.
And, if you need some free alternatives, then this list of
free Data Structure and Algorithms courses can also be useful.
2. Source Control (Git)
Source control is used to store your code and helps
programmers to collaborate within a team. For example, if many programmers are
working in the same codebase but on different feature then source control tools
like Git helps them to collaborate without overriding each other chagnes. In
short, if you want to become a coder or software developer, you must know
version control tools like Git or SVN.
Thankfully Git and Github have streamlined the market and
now more than 70% of organizations use Git, so you can probably get away by
just learning Git.
By the way, you should put some effort into learning Git on
the command line as well, and you should be comfortable with advanced version
control concepts like branching and merging as well as the tool itself using
both the command line and GUI.
I recommend, The GitHub Ultimate: Master Git and GitHub
course to all people who wants to learn Git online.
3. Text Editors (Vim)
There is not a single day when I have not used a text editor
like Vim while working as a programmer or Software developer. It's one of the
most essential tools even for non-programmers like DBAs and System Admins, and
anyone who works with computers.
I have mostly used NotePad on Windows and VIm in Linux, but
you have a lot of choices available in terms of advanced editors like Sublime
and NotePad++, which provides IDE-like functionalities.
I suggest you spend some time learning your favorite editor
and keyboard shortcuts, productivity tips are something you can learn. If you
like Vim then Vim MasterClass is one of the best course to start with and if
you are a Windows guy then you can check Sublime Text for Rapid Web Development
to learn Sublime, another powerful text editor.
4. IDEs (IntelliJIIDEA or VSCode)
When I started software development, I need to code in
Notepad or DOS Editor, and then save the file, run the compiler from the
command line, create a package by running an ANT script. Activities like
Debugging and Profiling were a distant dream but the advent of IDEs like
IntelliJIDEA and Visual Studio has completely changed how modern programmers
develop software.
In other words, IDEs like IntelliJIDEA or AndroidStudio is
the single most important tool for any programmers. For C, C++, and C#
programmer, the choice is clear: Visual Studio. And for Python developers,
Jupiter Notebook is getting better and better every day.
For Java programmers, there are three major IDEs to choose:
Eclipse, NetBeans, and IntelliJ IDEA.
While Eclipse is my favorite, IntelliJ IDEA is probably the
most powerful of them. If you happen to be an IntelliJ IDEA fan, then I suggest
you go through IntelliJ IDEA Tricks to Boost Productivity for Java Devs to
learn your IDE better.
If you need more choices, you can also check this list of
free Eclipse courses and this list for some recommended IntelliJIDEA courses.
5. Database and SQL
SQL is a classic and probably the most valuable skill for
any software developer. It's been around for more than 30 years and I think it
will be around for another 30 years. Given the omnipresence of the database,
it's expected from a programmer that he is familiar with essential database
concepts like normalization and table design along with SQL.
There are many databases like Oracle, Micrsoft SQL Server,
MySQL, PostgreSQL, but knowing just one is enough. The key point is that you
should be familiar with the database. You should know how to
insert/update/delete data and write SQL queries to retrieve it.
Knowledge of advanced concepts like joining an aggregate
function is a big bonus and if you want to get that then The Complete SQL
BootCamp is a great place to start with.
And, if you need some free alternatives, here is a list of
free courses to learn SQL for Programmers and Software developers.
6. UNIX or Linux
Like SQL, UNIX also has withstood the test of time. It's
also been around for more than 30 years and I hope it will be there for many
more coming years.
Since most programmers have to work in Linux machines at
some point, good knowledge of Linx command line goes a long way.
It allows you to work effectively. You can search files,
know what's going on with the system by checking its CPU and memory usage, and
perform basic and advanced tasks.
If you want to learn Linux commands I suggest going through
Learn Linux in 5 Days and Level UpYour Career course on Udemy.
If you need some free alternatives then you can also check
out this list of free courses to Learn Linux for Beginners here on Dev.to.
7. Microsoft Excel
I may get a lot of flaks for including Excel in this list
but I still think that Excel is one of the king tools for programmers, software
developers, project managers, traders, and business guys. It's much more than
just spreadsheet software.
It provides many useful features and functions to perform
sophisticated data analysis. I have used Excel to track progress, reconcile
data, data science, data quality checks, and for project planning.
It has several uses and that's why I urge every programmer
to learn Excel in depth. Instead of just copying and pasting data, you should
know basic functions like searching, sorting, filtering, and VLOOKUP to compare
stuff.
If you want to learn Excel from scratch or want to improve
your knowledge, Microsoft Excel --- Excel from Beginner to Advanced is a great
course to start with.
8. Programming Languages
Of course, if you want to become a programmer than you must
know a programming language: C++ or Java, or maybe Python or JavaScript. You
can choose whatever you want to but my personal suggestion is that you should
at least know Java.
It's very easy to start with and that's why a good choice
for beginners. It's also immensely powerful and allows you to virtually
anything.
It has got libraries from doing basic stuff like web
development to more complex tasks with Big Data and so on. If you decide to
learn Java then The Complete Java MasterClass is probably the best place to
start with.
9. Networking Basics
Today's world is an inter-connected world and anywhere you
go, you will find computer networks, starting from your home, where you are
using Wi-Fi across many devices, to schools, colleges, and offices which use
Local Area Network (LAN) to the Internet.
Most of the applications you will write like Web
applications or Mobile apps will also not be standalone but client-server kind
of application where the request will go through the network to a server.
Clients will access your application from anywhere in the world.
The bottom line is that you must understand the networking basics to understand, develop, and support your application. If you want to learn more then I suggest you join The Complete Networking Fundamentalscourse on Udemy. It's a good starting point for beginners.
10. Scripting Languages
In point #8 I have asked you to learn a programming
language, and yet here I am asking you to learn a scripting language? Why?
Can't the same programming language be used as a scripting language?
Well, there are certainly some Programming languages that
are good for both OOP coding and scripting like Python, and that's why I asked
you to learn them at least.
But if you happen to choose C/C++ or Java then you can't
whip out something as quickly as a Python or Perl developer can do.
That's why I suggest every programmer learn Python and If
you agree, The Complete Python Bootcamp is a great course to start with.
The scripting language makes it easy to create tools and
scripts to solve common problems in the programming world. If you have a good
command of a scripting language like Python then you can automate mundane stuff
easily.
Once again, I suggest you learn Python kill two birds in one
stone, and if you need some more resources, these lists of free Python courses
are also very helpful
Computer science graduates and all people who want to become
Programmers or want to go into Software Development or Web Developers can use
this list to find out about things, tools, and skills to become a successful
programmer.
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