How can a beginner developer ask for advices of specialist?

Question

I am a beginner programmer. I'm studying for applied math specialist, but I'm not sure I'm on the right way. I mean, knowledge that is given us in university is a little bit out of date, and, it seems to me, that a lot of different universities all around the world have the same problem. I know who I'm now - i'm a student of cybernetics faculty. I know whom I'd wanted to be - a good developer. The problem is that I see my goal, but I don't know how to reach it. I think that just a simple conversation with some successful code developer would help me - I'd like to listen, how did people become those whom I want to be. But I don't know how to find those people, how to contact them.

Can anyone help me, please?

Answer 1

Look for user groups around your area - you can often meet experienced devs at these things.

Answer 2

The simplest answer would be that to be a great developer you need the passion and interest to sit day in and day out in front of the computer just figuring things out. Start with a small goal - set up your own website, then bulid on it with more and more features and you are on your way.. You can always go to school, but the need for your own dedication will always be there. A lot of the best programmers in the world did never go to school, but they share the passion of what they are doing..

Answer 3

1. Read books! They really help.

See: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1711/what-is-the-single-most-influential-book-every-programmer-should-read

1. Try to find some junior position in a developer company. The goal here is to be among professionals who can advice you and teach you some real development.

2. Don't give up! Be stubborn :)

Answer 4

Some of the things you can do:

• Read blogs of various developers - like those with good reps in Stackoverflow.
• Go through various question and answers in this website.
• Try to do some home project and clarify doubts related to that here.
• As Paddy mentioned - look for user groups around your area.
• Read good programming books - things which teaches good techniques, design patterns (lots of questions on good books here in Stackoverflow)
• Attend conference and listen to good developers talk. If not possible find those videos in the internet.

Good developers are not everywhere - that's why books and internet was created.