Questions for all programmers willing to help a beginner

[Thomas K Gamble]

On Tuesday 27 April 2010 10:41:20 am Daniel wrote:
> Hello first of all. I'm very happy that I can write this email and I kindly
> ask for your help in my problem. I sat down and thought today about my
> future dream of becoming a programmer. I love very much Gnu/linux, I'm very
> enthusiastic when it comes to computers in generally, I help everyone as
> much as I can. I don't know I breath and live with computers 24/7. I go to
> bad, and can't wait to wake up to start learning something new every day
> when it comes to them. I want to make a career in programming. Not for the
> money, I don't want a super high speed car or a fancy home and such things
> like that. I only want to be able to feed myself and have a roof under my
> head, and live as modestly as possible but contribute to the gnu/linux and
> free software world as much as I can. I'm a beginner when it comes to
> programming languages. Right now I started learning python. I have to say
> that I know very little about programming languages but I try and learn
> every day to move on and finally be at the point were I can write some real
> programs and hack/improve free software. I have this feeling of I don't
> know, accomplishment when looking at source code, thou I don't understand
> all of it, yet. I love very much this area(programming) and I feel that I
> want to dedicate my life to it. I am very seriously, I read a lot, and I
>  can say with all of my heart that I love this and I am very enthusiastic.

If you are truly serious about making a career of programming, you should 
seriously consider attending University and taking some computer science 
classes.  The first and second year CS classes include beginning and 
intermediate programming courses.  Depending on the Uni, they will most likely 
be in C, C++, or Java, all decent languages to start with since you will 
initially be learning programming concepts that can be applied to any 
language.  A good foundation in these basic concepts is essential.

You can do it on your own, through self study and practice, but this will 
likely take more time, and if you are not a self-motivating person, you may 
find it much more difficult.

>  But I want to ask you something. I know this isn't enough and I am
>  wondering what qualities does a programmer need to have in order to be
>  one. And also I kindly ask for you to give me some advices, hints or
>  anything that may be suitable for me in my future career.

A head for math, self motivation, a love for puzzles.

If you see a problem and can't let it go until you find a solution, you will 
likely be a good programmer.  If you find yourself frustrated when solutions 
don't come easily, you may have a tough time as a programmer.

> 
> I wish you everyone the best and thanks.
> 

-- 
Thomas K. Gamble
Research Technologist, System/Network Administrator
Chemical Diagnostics and Engineering (C-CDE)
Los Alamos National Laboratory
MS-E543,p:505-665-4323 f:505-665-4267

There cannot be a crisis next week. My schedule is already full.
    Henry Kissinger