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Francesco Napoletano
Francesco Napoletano

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So, you want to be a programmer?

Originally published on my blog

How many times have you said this?

"I'd like to learn to code some day."

Sitting at coffee with a friend:

"I'd like to create a website some day."

Mingling at the office Christmas party:

"I want to create an app some day."

Plenty of people are wannabe programmers. They'll tell you about their idea, all the research they've done, the cool features they've come up with. Very few actually do anything about it. They sit on their nice, comfy couches and say, "I'd like to learn to code some day."

You've said it yourself, haven't you? The couch is very comfortable. No one blames you. You work hard at your job. When you get home, you're tired. The couch calls to you: Rest! You've earned it! A fellow enjoying his well-earned rest on the couch.

But do you ever wonder? Do you ever wonder what it would be like?

To create that app that's in your head. To see it outside your head, on a screen. But apps or websites don't get there by themselves. Programs need a programmer to write them. Do you want to be a programmer?

If so, there are two things you absolutely have to do.

  • Decide you want to be a programmer.
  • Prove to yourself that you are a programmer.

Do you want to be a programmer? Say it, prove it.

Prove to yourself that you're a programmer. What does a programmer do? A programmer writes code. You must write code.

Any pro will tell you (I consider myself a professional programmer), the secret is perseverance. Programmers write code.

It's really that simple.

Adapted from couchto50k.club

And now, if you're already a programmer, share this article with the guy/girl you know is always saying: "I want to learn to code some day".

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