8 replies to this topic

[nibiru]

The semester is over and I need to either get a regular job or start building a better portfolio for my career. I’m getting a bachelor’s in Computer Science and I want to focus on web programming. I know of all the various languages available, like HTML, JavaScript, PHP, Perl, etc… but what I need help with are the other tools I will need to get started. I want to have a fully featured website by the end of the summer showcasing my talents. What languages do you think I should focus on the most, and in what order? On top of this, what utility applications should I learn (like wordpress, an IDE, etc..) I have access to *some* software as a student, at discount prices. Finally, does anyone have suggestions on hosts I can use? Obviously it would need 99.9+% uptime, PHP enabled, and relatively cheap. Most of my experience is with c++, Java, C, android app programming, and a small amount of Haskell so I know the basics of programming, just not web-based stuff.

*I know this isn’t the best website to be asking this, but I’m posting this in multiple places to and taking advice from as many people as possible

[Hegr]

I have access to *some* software as a student, at discount prices.

Here are some programs that might help you out since I cant help you with any other part of this thread.
https://www.dreamspark.com/

[Sylv]

I'm a software engineer and do a good amount of web stuff so maybe I can help .

For tools. I'm a fan of adobe dreamweaver for web stuff. But thats gonna be spendy. Alternatively a program I use some times is Aptana Studio. Its very versatile and can be setup with auto complete for several language as well as a bunch of other customization options. If you can't get your hands on dreamweaver, go with that imo.

For graphic stuff. Again im a fan of adobe photoshop. And again, spendy . Use Gimp.

When developing the site, I'd suggest using chrome to preview it as I find their built in developer tools to be the best. Be sure that you test in multiple browsers though as stuff always shows up different and chrome is quite good at throwing up the webpage correctly even with some errors that may confuse other browsers.

For what to focus on and build as a demo... That depends. Are you good at design and graphics? I know I'm not lol. If you are. Focus on making a very nice looking website. Learn HTML and CSS3 in and out. Then supplement with some Java Script.

If you are not good at design or don't like doing that kind of stuff etc. Learn the HTML and CSS basics. Then figure out JQuery(Very powerful and convenient javascript library) and PHP. Perl is not used all that much nowadays, at least not that I've encountered on sites I've picked up/developed etc.

You will probably want to look into HTML5 also. As its up and coming and quite powerful it would be a very nice selling point for you to know it very well and be able to build sites with it.

If you have experience with traditional programming like C++. You could also consider learning ASP .net for more advanced sites. Its definitely useless as a general site building language. But if you are interested in creating business sites it may come in handy. Its got a lot more overhead and learning required then any of the other stuff I mentioned though.

I would at least look into wordpress a little bit. If you pickup a site thats built with it and have no prior experience you will find it is very annoying and difficult to customize at a code level until you understand it.

I use Arvixe for all my hosting needs. They have solid rates and plenty of options. The thing I like most though is that their support is quite easy to reach and responsive via online chat.

Hope that helped. Feel free to ask more questions etc.

[nibiru]

That's awesome Sylv, I really appreciate the post.

[Freelancer]

Focus on Python, and help develop Guild Wars 3.

[Horgag]

Nibiru - I run an IT staff of 30+ people, including developers, programmers, etc... the skills sets and languages you will need will be company or industry specific. I have close friends who do website database programming for American Airlines, systems programming and design for GM, etc.... I also have friends who create websites for small companies, build web based video games, etc...

The strategy my friends use when deciding what skill sets to enhance to more forward with their careers are to spend a few hours studying job postings throughout the industry. Study those postings of jobs similar to which you hope to land someday. Then look at jobs that will be the next career move up the ladder after you land that first job. Those postings will highlight the skill sets you will be expected to have, they will lay out the languages you need to learn and should focus on, and will list the experiences they will expect you to have, even if it's from developing your own site. It's almost a roadmap that is readily available to you.

This simple strategy helped me move quickly up the ladder to CIO, and my friends move quickly up the ladder into many high paying developer jobs in the industry. I think it's always better to have a plan based on real world needs rather than blindly guessing at which skill to develop next.

[nibiru]

Focus on Python, and help develop Guild Wars 3.

I wish. Getting a job in the video game industry has the same odds as a high-school football player being in the NFL.

@Shaggs Thats a good point; i've browsed job postings with a similar goal in mind but I found they ask for a ton of skills, more than any single job requires of a person. I have a good idea what I want to do first, and I might pick up more ideas while browsing jobs like the one I want to get.

[Sylv]

To expand on the job posting browsing. Lots of jobs do list several skills/languages as required. A very common theme however, is that unless you are applying for some higher level job that REALLY has a focus on several languages and skills, all you would need to start is some very basic knowledge and general programming experience. Don't be dissuaded by postings that list several languages. If you have experience with a couple languages, then you will have a basic grasp on any but the most exotic of languages.

Really though, you need to decide either what you WANT to learn and be doing as a programmer and purse that into finding a job. Or, not have any specific thing you want to do (besides programming lol) and take a sampling of current needs as Shagg suggested.

Also. Game industry isn't that hard to get into depending on what your definition of the "game industry" is .

[Horgag]

Yes, in the higher end postings, they will ask for a ton of skills, but if you cross check job postings in the areas you are looking for, you will start to see trends of some of the more common skills. Or if you compare the skills to the job responsibilities, you may see some languages or skills that will stick out like a sore thumb as the "keys" they are looking for. When I go to hire, I focus on the "core" skills I need and will compromise on some of the lesser skills if I know the person has the other intangibles like being a team player, dedication, work ethic, etc... I will give an inexperienced candidate a shot if they show they understand the cores I'm looking for but also explain their plan over time to gain the additional skills I seek.