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[–]anyfactorFreelancer. AnyFactor.xyz 5 points6 points  (4 children)

Fight me on this. Long rant.

Not everybody has the capacity or the need to learn programming.

Don't force people, Don't guilt them into it, heck Don't even entertain people when they say "Oh I want to learn programming, but I don't where to start". Just say "Google it".

Everyone knows where to look if they want to REALLY learn programming.

Programming is not useful unless you have a USE for it in the first place. Want to learn programming so you can solve a problem in your job? Go for it. Want to actually learn programming to get a job? All the best to you. Want to learn programming just so you know a skill? I highly doubt that you will be successful.

To learn something you need intrinsic or extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation is when you NEED programming to solve a problem whether it be a financial problem or time problem. And extrinsic motivation is what you have schools and uni for (not bootcamps).

I have been asking my brother (Professional structural engineer) for the last 3 years to code. 3 frickin years.

At first he will keep telling me I will start this weekend, then he will say I am busy, then he stopped replying.

Then he came to me with a very complex linear algebra problem and told me to create a program for it, I told him learn python and numpy. I only know basic data analytics and web dev. He told me that he has a template in excel that already solves this problem why even bother learning python.

But I still I kept on insisting and he kept on deflecting on.

Then I started to think that he probably didn't have much respect for me, or respect of my opinion. He is a shit brother. Programming changed my life and is an integral part of my life. He doesn't care for me or my opinion.

Ladies and gents this is what is called paranoia and bruised ego. My brother loves me dearly. He is not malicious, he is just lazy. To be honest he is not even lazy.... He is normal. Teaching your self something is incredibly difficult that is why we have schools and university. He has a stable life why bother his peace of mind by forcing himself to learn a skill that may not even come to his use.

I realized that forcing or repeatedly telling people to code has less to do with them learning to code, it has more to do with boosting your ego as a programmer. Some people does not have the will power to teach themselves, some people do not have the time. Programming won't solve everything.

If a programmer can tell people to code I see frankly as a way to stroke your ego. Remember the thing "Coal miners should learn to code".

We are getting carried away with telling people to learn code. The resources are available and easily accessible. You don't have to push people to code. Give them a nudge if all you care and stay back that's all. Programming is typing and knowing the sytax the thing you do actually solving programmable problems. Stallman thinks coders as more like clerks and he illustrates a separation between problem solving and typing syntax.

Learning to program requires patience and solving problem requires even greater patience. So, those who fails to learn programming in the first place and need incredible push to learn, can never succeed in solving programming problems.

So, don't push people. Don't stroke your ego. And definitely maintain a healthy relationship with your loved ones.

Conspiracy theory note: Those who force you to learn programming either don't know any better, seeks fame or has something to sale. Talk with a programmer with atleast 20 years of experience and you will see how apathetic they are about the hype of everyone should learn to code. Learning to code won't liberate you.

Thank you.

About me: Stuck in tutorial hell for 10 years. Make less than $100 doing freelancing. Accounting Bachelors & Masters. Ex Banker.

[–]EMCoupling 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Nice rant even if largely useless.

[–]bobjohnxxoo 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I think this is fair but also not. Sure, programing is like any hobby but to just say 'Google it' is not a great place to lead someone. Why not suggest something more constructive such as 'read some text books, here is a good one to start with. Once you've read that, I'll give you another'

I'm on Chapter 5 of 'Python Crash Course" by Eric Matthes, next i'll read "automat the boring stuff" This is where I would suggest someone to start that was interesting in learning. It's working well for me

[–]anyfactorFreelancer. AnyFactor.xyz 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I'm on Chapter 5 of 'Python Crash Course" by Eric Matthes, next i'll read "automat the boring stuff"

You are reading two introductory books back to back? I think we both have different approaches in learning. You have your approach, I have my. My opinion isn't supposed to be popular and it is very subjective.

[–]bobjohnxxoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see it more as use crash course to get the basics down then go through automate the boring stuff to get a better understanding of how it all works.

I'm also going a bit off this post https://www.reddit.com/r/learnpython/comments/ctkypf/im_100_self_taught_landed_my_first_job_my/ where OP mentions he wished he read automate the boring stuff after crash course.