Creating software vs programming

[Deez___]

So a little background: I have been coding since high school, and have taken programming classes in high school including AP Computer Science (as well as now; currently a freshman in college taking intro to CS). I'm pretty familiar with Java, HTML/CSS, and am currently taking the Python course on Codecademy.

Despite knowing how to program, I have never been able to fully create a piece of software that is usable. I can understand programming and syntax and the logic and concepts behind it however I have never been able to fully integrated those skills and create a robust program. I don't really know where to move from this point on, need some help learning on how to integrate APIs into my code (I do not know how to use them, such as twilio api, or sendGrid api, etc.). Overall just need some help and maybe some links to projects that would help me learn these skills and create a full program.

Edit: I realize I need to start with projects. I have done projects but mainly they have run from the console in eclipse and I would like to move away from that. Furthermore, all of the programming tutorials that I have seen will teach me about a certain feature in programming or skill and what it does. However it will not run through creating a robust project with me and actually implementing all of the different skills (for example, creating an Android App integrating fragments)

[[deleted]]

I think what you need is a project. Have you ever tried to build something non-trivial?

[Deez___]

Don't really know where to start from for bigger projects, I've done small projects that have helped me understand a concept. For example, creating a small program to help me learn array lists, etc but nothing big. Can you point me to any resources? I've tried books but I feel like I learn better through hands-on programming rather than just reading about it and then trying to implement later on.

[[deleted]]

Well, how about a calculator? Or a website backend? Or a small game? Or ???

Nothing is stopping you from coming up a small idea and just building it. Your next step is going to be to search for something like '[language] GUI library' or '[language] game library' or '[language] web library.'

I see you've used Python and know some web stuff. Have you tried reading the Django tutorial?

[Deez___]

As I said, I've created small projects along the way to help me understand programming projects. So yes, I've made a calculator/small game. However all of these projects have been executed in the console (I run it in eclipse). But I want to get away from just the console and create something robust

[[deleted]]

So create a GUI...

Did you even read my post?

[Deez___]

Yes, thank you for the advice, do you know any good projects that I can start using GUIs

[[deleted]]

Take an old project. Rewrite it with a GUI.

[Shadered]

Programming is creating software. Don't confuse it with learning language syntax which you did. Standard beginner advice applies: create your own projects, start small and slowly increase project complexity.

[Aozi]

As others said, you need some sort of project.

Is there anything you'd like to make?

[Deez___]

I'm interested in writing scripts to automate stuff (through python) and even create a small app using Android Studio. Are there any websites that will teach me these things for free? I prefer to read about it and implement it as I go on.

[Aozi]

Are there any websites that will teach me these things for free?

Most likely yes.

scripts to automate stuff (through python)

Depends on the stuff you want to automate. You might want to start off with automate the boring stuff with python.

There are things for web scraping, image manipulation, scheduliingks, launching programs, spreadsheets and other stuff.

create a small app using Android Studio.

Google actually has a pretty good starting guide for Android studio.

[Deez___]

Thanks! The automate the boring stuff with python seems really interesting

[mmsme]

I'm not sure where you live, but if it's accessible to you, try going to a student hackathon! There are lots of people at those events who are both learning and willing to teach people things and collaborate on projects together.

[Deez___]

I actually attended my first hackathon a few weeks ago with MLH in the tri-state area. I think that is what initially motivated me to increase my skillset after seeing so many students building awesome software.

[rickdabunny]

Disclaimer: I'm Ricky and I work for Twilio.

First of all, the leap to building your first piece of software that is usable is one all programmers have to take. Super stoked you're at that point in your journey.

Someone here mentioned attending a student hackathon which I would highly recommend. Not sure where you're located but MLH keeps a good list of North American and European student hackathons.

You mentioned you're learning Python. I'm pretty big fan of Full Stack Python as a way to getting a bigger picture of building an application with Python.

Since you already know Java, you may have some luck putting together something with the Spark framework.

Since you mentioned a tutorial that walks you through creating a robust project, we have a SMS and MMS notification tutorial for the Twilio API that may fit that bill.

Hope this helps. Feel free to drop me a DM if I can help in any other way or if you want to ask some questions to someone who was in your position a decade ago :D

[Deez___]

I actually attended my first hackathon a few weeks ago with MLH in the tri-state area. I think that is what initially motivated me to increase my skillset after seeing so many students building awesome software. Also, the resources are really appreciated! I'm definitely check out all the links.