ACTUAL Skills That Make You a Programmer

[@pachown]

You can do it guys! I started my coding journey as self taught, then I did Andy’s program, then I did a bootcamp, and I finally got a job, a year and a half after my journey started. Commit to the career change and you will eventually build up the ability to do it.

[@AndySterkowitz]

Congrats pachown!!! You’re going to kick ass in your career. Best of luck.

[@khairiyusoff5040]

I wanted to change career now at the age of 37 from manufacturing to software dev. Do I have to go down as junior exec as I have no prior experience? Can I demand in terms of the salary or they consider me as fresh graduate?

[@pachown]

@@khairiyusoff5040 They will consider you an entry level engineer unless you pick it up extremely well. There were 4-5 out of the 20 in my bootcamp that ended up making 100k+. The rest of us were between 60-90 depending on what we could get.

[@khairiyusoff5040]

@@pachown thank you for your feedback, appreciate it.

[@osmanbajraktarevic833]

What boot camp?

[@N0w1at3r]

All of your videos are like you went into my head and made videos of everything I've been thinking. You have probably one of the best videos ever created for new people going into software engineer.

[@AndySterkowitz]

Thanks Hero!

[@mursalint]

To gain analytics skills you have to be curious, don’t take anything for granted, ask questions and always keep an open mind that there is never only one solution for a problem.

[@NMarz-tu2td]

thank you again and again you are my brother from another father and mother :)

[@ifyouseejeanne]

Right on time! This is all I need as of the moment. Thank you ♡

[@Joseph-do9ue]

I am so glad that u upload a video after a while 😍 Welcome back my motivator❤

[@AndySterkowitz]

Thank you so much 😀

[@NMarz-tu2td]

thank you very much , keep it up

[@panchopaulo111]

It's good to have you back!

[@AndySterkowitz]

Much appreciated Paulo!

[@ABUSHfan]

I really enjoyed this video. Gave me some motivation back

[@Bob_Marley-c7x]

Ok, now i will watch all you videos with my coffee in the morning to start my day ! so motivating !

[@codeNameMoose907]

After 20 years of being in another industry, I was told my problem solving skills were very sub par although people saw how much I tried; I even took classes but still cannot break things down. My other co-workers were able to solve problems I couldn't, and I was stoked they did, but I never understood how they determined how to solve. I have a growth mindset and believe I can do anything, but this one thing may not be for me. I thought enrolling in a software bootcamp would help me, but I still am clueless. Still not getting it so another career may in order. Oh well....

[@bodhiforest401]

Don't give up! Please keep trying as this is definitely a skill you can develop! Maybe it didn't grow in the other industry because you're better suited to grow problem solving skills in an industry you like and enjoy like this one, good luck!

[@CraigalFun]

I feel similar

[@codeNameMoose907]

@@bodhiforest401 Thanks, Bodhi! I'm so sorry that I didn't respond sooner--just saw this today! I'm still going at it! It sure doesn't get easier but persevering...I appreciate the encouragement! 🙏 😊

[@sixstringscoder8412]

If you were to explain how to play tic-tac-toe or how to make a grilled cheese sandwich in a step-by-step way, that's in the same vain as problem solving. I'd suggest start there by writing down a list of steps. Then you move those skills over to coding. Your tic-tac-toe app must take into account the same steps needed to play the game by hand. You have to build the game board, you have to place the X and O on the board, you have to determine what is a win. Just putting down the steps in writing helps a lot and help you visually see what needs to be accomplished. It will get you asking the questions like "Okay, how do I click this square and get an X to show?" You search, experiment, then you learn how. Rinse and repeat...until the day we die. : ). Good luck and happy 2022!

[@northstarcode8675]

I was just wondering where you are :) This desert of despair is one cold and dark place without your guidance. Glad to see you back.

[@omaryahia]

good solid points, thank you I subbed 👍🏻

[@buildmore9829]

Thanks for uploading Andy.. really missed you

[@AndySterkowitz]

Glad to be back! Thank you for the kind words :-)

[@ppLaser22]

Your video was very helpful! I was just about to go down the rabbit hole of focusing on technical skills, Phew.

[@marcopetrillo6867]

One of the hardest things to do is explain to a family member or friend what you're working on as a software developer when they haven't got any knowledge about the topic. It's just so unrelatable, might aswell be talking a foreign language.

[@AndySterkowitz]

It is an art to be able to communicate technical things to non-technical folks. It's something you can certainly do but it takes real effort.

[@not-a-doctor]

My niece (10) asked me what I'm doing at work as a programmer. My best answer was "I am a teacher, for computers". I get to explain to them how to do stuff, but they are not very good students (at all!), so I have to be veeeery clear in what I'm telling them - otherwise they will do it so, so wrong :D

[@xeliqa3921]

@@AndySterkowitz its what seperates the good and the great self employment gigs

[@shawncaceres3426]

It’s great to see you back and bringing the 🔥!!

[@AndySterkowitz]

Thanks Shawn! Glad to be back.

[@Genovia816]

I give this "two" thumbs up. Thanks for the reminder

[@LeighRobinsonBushcraft]

Concentration is a big issue for me. It seems that if i'm not picking up my phone, it is constantly beeping with notifications trying to get my attention. Then I hear a chime for new emails and then I realise I have wasted nearly an hour and am locked in to KZbin video about boxing or MMA. My concentration is slowly getting better though.

[@3dpassionate90]

God bless you Andy!

[@eifelitorn]

2:32 wait is he hammering a screw ?

[@maneeshjena]

Pls keep making such awesome videos.

[@AndySterkowitz]

Thanks Maneesh!

[@kaushikiyer9470]

Hey!!! that's after a long time your video hasn't been... glad that you are back. By the Way, I am preparing for my further studies. Wish me luck!!! And as usual, loved the content.

[@deonrich3149]

long time no see andy!!

[@HuGiv5]

The only thing you need to become a programmer is to not give up lol That's it, stick to it, rant at the screen, solve the problems even if you need to copy paste from Stack Overflow. You'll likely break a monitor whole at it. Good luck everyone & don't worry, programming is about solving challenges, many times you'll be weeks trying to figure shit out. Don't trust these videos when guys are typing thousands of lines of codes in 2 minutes, it's bullshit. Also learn to debug, in java master junit 5, other languages will require different tools. Listen to this guy he's smart, he gives food information. Learn more about CS, do Comptia certs but most of important, never give up. 👍

[@BehrouzRZ]

You are Goddamn Right

[@Dylan-ix7vi]

Which Comptia cert would you recommend to take?

[@SeniorJuniorDeveloper]

Another great video thanks!

[@bizcon3991]

Yeah i really need this skills and mindset that you share. Thanks for sharing Andy. Btw I'm from Indonesia and start to learn programming but i also have to make a living as affiliate marketer. So it's kinda tough to be honest. but yeah hope i can nail it. and i really hope i can do both and someday i can join your paid coaching for better understanding.

[@Joe-mx2ul]

Abou the focus mentality when reading a book: if you know you can’t stay focused for more than 15 minutes when reading. Read for 15 minutes, go drinks. Cup of water, take a little walk and go back or if you too stuck to your phone. Start following programming content on tik tok Facebook etc. just get on the “ eating/ breathing codes” mentality. Push yourself to the limit and Remeber why you doing this. Be successful, have a lot of money, help civilization with your code. Just don’t give up. Bc in 5-10 years from now, you’ll look back and be proud of yourself for not giving up

[@yudanaim6849]

Well said. You nailed it. The secret sauce.

[@outbru]

Just would like to add something important to keep in mind. While your tips are generally good, I would add that they might be harmful to some people in some cases. For instant, autistic and ADHD people would very unlikely improve their ability to focus with those tips, and if they try they'll suffer in vain. And software development is kinda a very attractive topic for many of us, so those people are likely watching this video right now. If someone finds way too hard to focus, they should, instead, see a doctor, to get proper medicine and/or proper therapy to help develop strategies to cope with their difficulties.

[@petrhampl7761]

Iam game developer but I have to say. You are making great videos I stumbled upon one of your videos on youtube and now Iam watching going to watch all videos that are not specifically related to software development. Keep up good work and looking forward to next video 😁😁

[@jeremycompton3010]

Andy, l have got to say, l am so greatfully appreciative for all your video's. They are the right kind of content for me to consume at the moment. l really like all the area's you cover its so helpful. l have come from the position of not knowing anything to know knowing something that will aide me in my quest to programme. l wanted to know about the mindset to become a programmer and you have been answering all my questions plus more. l see you have a great teaching passion. 😊👍 Keep posting, your stuff is great.

[@BboyKeny]

Thinking syntax is what makes a programmer is like thinking that an author writes better stories by only learning new words.

[@TheIllerX]

Expected to hear some rather standard advice I could criticize here in the comments. Was a bit dissapointed on that part, all the advice was on point. These more human skills are the most important ones to focus on, in my opinion.

[@MartinJaszczuk]

This is a really good video... Where have you been? Everything ok?

[@BrendanMetcalfe]

Facts!

[@Genovia816]

Hello Andy, Could you make a video with specific tips and ideas for organization and disciplinary skills for a developer? I have found, mid-project, that I've totally hosed my organization and things become a bit messy and I'm afraid to scrap anything 🙄 Even when I decide to go in a different direction with my approach. I'm starting to realize though that for every project there is a trend that can be applied no matter what my specific goal it. I'm still trying to tweek the details and having some feedback and others tips could introduce some things that I haven't thought of. Here's a couple of examples. 1. I always make a folder called deliverables and the ONLY thing that goes in that folder are things that I'm ready to deploy. 2. I have learned that it is very important to make copies of my work in the last functional state, so if I am working on one small change in the scope of several changes in a project. I complete step 1 and once I get step one complete, I make a copy with the date in the name and continue to step two. My reason for this is because tooo many times I'll be working on one copy and a subsequent step, I find that I need to take a different approach on step two but step one is fine. I can start over from step two without getting lost in my own mess and breaking something. I hope these tips can help others think of some other ideas that can share. I would LOVE that 🥰

[@rickbo5858]

Look up CLEAN CODE by uncle Bob and learn design patterns, when you learn software engineering at university this is always in the curriculum. Try to limit yourself more.

[@tardis103]

3:55 you had me bro I was dying

[@qwarlockz8017]

Toy problems? In your experience.. how important were toy problems? Have you gotten them in interviews? How tough? and if yes to all... what was your method at getting better at them?

[@yuriortiz4648]

I was intensely focused when he mentioned about the secret skill, goddamn XD

[@manuelgonzales6483]

Haven't seen you in a bit. Hope you are doing well.❤🔥❤

[@AndySterkowitz]

Thanks Manuel!

[@anthonyjohnson9291]

I just want to point the fact that man was hammering a screw lol

[@AndySterkowitz]

LOL what!

[@kmoartyyc]

Thank you for communicating your ideas in a concise way 😊. I've just started learning code through Khan Academy(JavaScript to start) and I'm absolutely loving it. At what point should I consider paid coaching or taking an accredited online course?

[@xeliqa3921]

You can learn everything for free ! however, paid tutorials usually (if they're high in ratings that is) have had alot more thought put into them in terms of order of learning. A youtube video is great for learning a certain topic. But where it falls short is when you don't know what you need to search or know to become better. A good tutorial paid or free even will keep you in a nice track up until a point when you've gained enough confidence / experience to stray away from the track. If i were you i would try and soak as much knowlege as possible for free, if you have the funds to splash £20-100 on some solid books / tutorials then it'll speed up your learning, but it all comes down to the work you put in, doesnt matter if its free or paid. Hope this helped, probably overkill response but i try to help when i can.

[@kmoartyyc]

@@xeliqa3921 thank you for taking time to respond. That makes sense and I appreciate your suggestions. 💓

[@Cetax]

For some odd reason, I don't get notifications when you post a video.

[@WormyLeWorm]

Hm, the link doesn't appear functional. Thanks for your channel. I've completed a certificate in development and have always been kinda lost on how to keep learning new things that are desirable for employers while I'm looking for a job. Also tough these days with remote work being more appealing, especially since I have older family to take care of... It'd be really nice to find something remote to do as a friend of mine from my same program did right away. He got lucky, it feels like.

[@SosetaFurioasaJr]

There’s no slots available in the link you provided :(

[@theromanek]

I am dying about hammering the screw into wood.

[@magnanimist]

How to hammer a nail into wood... step 1) use nails instead of screws step 2)... step 3) profit!

[@AndySterkowitz]

Lol

[@keylanoslokj1806]

Totally noob question. Would you recommend to practice languages 1)after downloading them? 2) on an online integrated site? Or 3) in a virtual machine?

[@blouisuba2647]

In Nigeria and we find it difficult to buy from Amazon, please how can I get the head first 😔😔😔

[@carterfinance2376]

I’m not sure what you mean but there are free coding courses on KZbin and there are books you can buy or download for free as a pdf:)

[@Maya-tq7jc]

What kind of videogames to build your analytical skills do you recommend for instance?

[@AndySterkowitz]

Any type of game where you can level up is helpful.

[@gaminggoddessaria]

May I ask how old you were when you got your first job as a software engineer? I will be 31 when I graduate with my bachelor's in computer science next December. I hope it isn't too late. I just subscribed to you I like your videos!

[@RVRayRay]

You have plenty of time! I’m just now starting the long road to becoming a programmer at age 52 and I love it so far! It’s starting to all make sense now 🤓💡

[@jesulobajohn8468]

Hello Andy, When building projects for your portfolio as a beginner looking to get a job in the industry, do you recommend frontend mentor challenges? Thanks.

[@larrylarry1368]

I won't be able to watch this video if I break my phone or going offline.

[@Redstarcrew]

Would you recommend learning the basics of JS before getting into React? Ive studied computer science engineering for 3 years now and we have mostly been coding with java and C. But i want to code in my freetime aswell

[@BboyKeny]

I advice basics of JS, HTML and CSS first and how the DOM works. But you can learn those during learning react

[@MephiticMiasma]

"Knowing syntax is all there is" Nope. My comparison would be to compare the programming language to a human language. Knowing English grammar and spelling does not make you a poet or an author. They are key tools, but the real genius is having the vision and knowing how to use them to achieve it.

[@besthobbit]

Man I'll be happy if I can break 50k 😂

[@khayrobs]

I smash like, I pro now?

[@AndySterkowitz]

Yes!

[@sujayxaradhya]

Andy why don't you do uploads on a regularly basis or alternate days basis. As we are expecting from you to come with a new video every week. If you love your audience please do uploads. A reply would be appreciated.

[@bendover4728]

Meh. Getting back my job at McDonald's

[@seetsamolapo5600]

1st