12 replies to this topic

[NaCl]

I am planning to major in Computer Science next year when I go to university, however, I am worried. I have no real experience with any languages and I feel that a CS major would be expected to know at least the basics before starting college.

I can somewhat understand what is going on if I read some source code. For example, I can easily understand the common sense aspects of programming like comments and include statements. However, I have no idea how to write anything of my own.

I've tried learning C++ and Java but none of the online tutorials would say things in a way I could not understand at all; it seems that they were written for people who already understood the fundamentals.

I am decent at math; I have gotten a 4.0 in every math course in high school except my current class (precalc/trig combined course), which I have a 3.3. I also got a 4.0 in both physics and chemistry. None of my classes were AP, though.

Would I be able to succeed in college level CS courses even though I don't know any programming languages yet? And would I be able to become a good programmer?

Thanks to anyone who can give me advice :)

[BlaineSch]

Yes they start you out at a VERY basic level. Learning a lot before hand always gives you the upper hand but nothing is required.

[so1i]

If you have the logical way of thinking that most people who are good at maths/physics have, then you are a good way down the road. It's just learning the actual languages, which is like learning anything else - it's just practice.

[technica]

Being a programmer only need good logic. If you are good in creating logic to solve the requirement problem statement then you can be one of them.

[chili5]

NaCl said:

I am planning to major in Computer Science next year when I go to university, however, I am worried. I have no real experience with any languages and I feel that a CS major would be expected to know at least the basics before starting college.

You don't have to know anything. Most universities that I have looked at require no programming background. All you really need is a strong level of math prior to university and ability to think logically.

However, if you have prior programming experience, university will be much easier. First year will be a lot of review.

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I am decent at math; I have gotten a 4.0 in every math course in high school except my current class (precalc/trig combined course), which I have a 3.3. I also got a 4.0 in both physics and chemistry. None of my classes were AP, though.

Yea, with those grades you should do fine. All the universities here require two math courses: advanced functions and calculus. So if you have a good level of math you will be fine. Also physics is great, so you should do great.

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Would I be able to succeed in college level CS courses even though I don't know any programming languages yet? And would I be able to become a good programmer?

Yes. The requirements don't usually include any computer science background. Just a background in calculus/functions and physics. :)

[Sinipull]

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Would I be able to succeed in college level CS courses even though I don't know any programming languages yet? And would I be able to become a good programmer?

Yes, and yes. They'll teach you from absolute beginning.

[DarkLordoftheMonkeys]

As long as you have a good imagination, you can be a successful programmer.

[NaCl]

Thanks to everyone who posted~ much less nervous now :)

I will try to learn VB before I start college, is it worth learning as a first language even though it is limited in many ways?

What about ML? Is that a good language to learn?

[BlaineSch]

Honestly since you don't know what language you will be needing for work and your not freelancing what language you learn is not nearly as important. Learning the logic (structured programming) is what your after meaning almost any language would work more than perfectly.

You might take a look at your degree plan sheet and see what languages you will be learning and try to get one of the first one you'll be learning and learn that one.

[njr1489]

The only thing you need to focus at the moment is becoming better at problem solving. Eventually when you do learn programming, you will think of the way to go about writing it. It's more of a thought process.

[marky]

The biggest advantage that you have is that you are fairly competent at mathematics. Computer Science degrees entail a fair bit of mathematics, logical thinking and analytical aptitude. From what you have mentioned it is apparent that you are acquainted with the basics of programming. It is not required that you are conversant with all the programming languages. However, I would suggest you to look into the courses that are a part of computer science degrees (collegeamerica.edu/computer-science-degrees.html). This will help you take the final call.