Can You Become a Good Programmer Without Formal Computer Science Training?

Yes, absolutely.

I don’t want to dismiss the value of studying computer science. For some individuals who were already predisposed to excel as developers, it provides the perfect launchpad. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the quality of the education also plays a significant role. Some college students who study computer science may not perform well in the real world, while others do excellently but attribute their success to factors unrelated to their formal training.

It is very likely that you're considering this question due to either a lack of interest in pursuing a computer science degree or a situation where such an option isn’t available to you. Rest assured that the skills needed to excel in a software development role do not necessarily depend on any formal education. Regardless of whether you study computer science or not, you will find yourself working with unfamiliar tools and perhaps unfamiliar code. This part of your journey is common to everyone and is often frustrating. You may feel like you don't know what you don’t know, and the more experienced individuals around you may practice some things correctly while others incorrectly. You might suspect the latter, but you can’t be sure since you lack their experience.

Regardless of your background, the path to becoming a skilled programmer is unique but has some common elements. With minimal experience initially, you push through and come out stronger. And, the learning process never ends.

Useful Skills to Help You Become a Good Programmer

Here are some practical suggestions to help you in your journey:

Build Software on Your Own: Use tutorials and free tools to develop your own projects. This will provide you with a wealth of knowledge and confidence. You won’t have co-workers to assist you, but you also won’t have co-workers teaching you the wrong way. Trustworthy Information Sources: Have a reliable source of information outside of your workplace. Read books and blogs. Implement what you learn. First Job Challenges: Not having a degree will change your job search experience. The greatest challenge will be getting your first job. But, don’t worry – if you have some level of skill, with examples on your resume, and can talk about them intelligently, you’ll stand a much better chance than someone who studied in school but hasn’t done anything yet.

Again, I’m not dismissing the value of a computer science degree. However, there’s another perspective: Until you actually make some software, you won’t even know if you enjoy it. Some individuals are naturally drawn to programming, while others aren’t. Personally, I believe it’s a mistake to commit to studying it without first trying it out. Remember, if you find that it suits you and you decide it’s what you want to do, you can always pursue a degree in computer science later.

Conclusion

Becoming a good programmer with or without a degree in computer science is entirely possible. With a focus on practical skills and a willingness to learn and self-teach, anyone can achieve success in this field. Don’t let a lack of formal education hold you back.