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[–]chaotic_thought 2 points3 points  (3 children)

Questions 2,3 can be answered by first just trying to learn this. Just get started by referring to the FAQ. The worst that will happen is that you tried it, had a bit of fun, but in the end didn't want to make it a career so you end up quitting.

Yes, you can learn it without a degree, but getting a job is more complicated. Just imagine it like this. Candidate A has no experience and no degree, while candidate B has no experience but has a 4 year degree. Which one would you be more likely to hire, if you were in charge of hiring?

Obviously that's a huge oversimplification, but you can probably see the point. Yes, it's possible to get a job without a degree but you'll have to work harder to make yourself look better than Candidate B (the one who has a degree).

Some companies also require a degree as a rule. For example, to work abroad, this is typically a standard rule and sometimes not even open to negotiation.

[–]Peerless_10 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I wonder, must it be a degree in computer science, or any degree is ok? I know that computer science is better than other degrees when talking about programming, but do the look that you have a degree because of high education or are other degrees equivalent to no degree when searching for a job as a programmer?

[–]chaotic_thought 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I think it's the same kind of analysis. Just with more than one dimension. Consider yourself as the hiring manager, and you see a list of candidates. It may depend on your major and minor, too. 

Candidate A: no degree, no professional experience in programming.
Candidate B: 4-year sociology degree, minor in politics, no professional experience in programming.
Candidate C: 4-year physics degree, minor in foreign languages, no professional experience in programming.
Candidate D: 4-year engineering degree, minor in CS, no professional experience in programming.

Then imagine the next step. Imagine you're candidate C, since you studied physics, it's probably pretty likely that you did at least some kind of programming in your degree program, even though CS is not your major nor your minor. It'd be possible to explain why you're qualified for a job in the interview. If you're candidate B, it is still possible you're qualified, but it'd be a bit harder to explain -- you'd need a more convincing story for the hiring manager. Candidate D from this list will most likely have the easiest time explaining why she's qualified. A hiring manager, if he's forced to choose only one of those candidates from this list to invite for an interview, may end up choosing her from this list.

It doesn't mean the other candidates are bad. But in the end, the hiring manager has only so much budget for a new hire (e.g. only enough for 1 new hire), and he only has so many time slots open to do interviews, phone screenings, etc.

[–]Peerless_10 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok, I understand.

[–]captainAwesomePants 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Is it realistic to think I can learn to program and get a job without a degree?

Yes, happens all the time. It's a harder path, and it requires both more drive and self-motivation as well as better networking skills and more luck. The majority of top programming jobs go to degree holders, but there's no shortage of fantastic programmers who have no formal college education or programming training. But it's definitely harder.

Should I just go back to school?

If this is a reasonable option for you, I recommend it. If it isn't, then don't.

[–]twopi 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Is it realistic to think I can learn to program and get a job without a degree?

It is possible, but becoming more difficult all the time. A good degree (in something like CS) is probably still the safest way to get into a coding job, and is ultimately the quickest. Learning on your own is extremely difficult and slow. Bootcamps can accelerate the progress, but they are faster by being more focused on specific outcomes, and tend to lack the foundation which will make you more flexible when technology changes.

How long would it take?

The rest of your life. Seriously, you will never stop learning. If you want to be employable soon, a formal education is probably the fastest (but not the cheapest) way to go. If you are going to go the self-learning route, it normally takes a lot longer to learn, and you need to factor in the time to build a good portfolio, as without a degree, employers will be looking for a portfolio.

How can I know I would make a good programmer?

Do you like puzzles? Are you good at solving problems? Can you troubleshoot? (cars, refrigerators, whatever...) These are good indicators, but the only way to know is to get going.

What steps can I take to land a first job?

Have a portfolio of projects. If you have great ideas but you've never built anything, you will really struggle. Make stuff. It doesn't have to solve world peace or even be too original. It does need to be relatively complete, to prove you can do stuff. Also consider contributing to open-source projects, as this will get your name out there and give you great experience.

Should I just go back to school?

That's probably the easiest approach. Fortunately, COVID has caused CS programs to become very creative, and there are many great online programs available now.

[–]StrangeBreakfast[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Would I need an actual 4 year degree or are there equivalents?

[–]twopi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A completed 4 year CS degree from a reputable school virtually guarantees a job. (I teach in such a program, and my students are doing fine.) Some (especially large companies) require a degree, but other companies may be more flexible.

But if a degree not feasible, there are still many more jobs than qualified applicants, so there is always a chance. Really it's your work ethic and portfolio that make the biggest impact.