Hey guys im 16 and really like programming (although im fairly new at it)
ive already taken a year of basic html and what not. This year im taking a class in c++ and VB next year i hope to take java and php. However next year will be my senior year and i will have to start applying for colleges and im trying to convince my parents that there ARE jobs in computers its hard for them to do this they like to stay locked up in there own little world **cough cough** stone age **cough** so what i was wondering is what jobs are actually out there for this kinda stuff what are booming markets and what is stuff like c++ actually used for? Frankly id like some actual job names that are out there because saying "oh ya i could be a game designer" well that dosnt go far and i dont really want to be one any way.
so any help u could give me on A. jobs out there and B. what is c++ used for and lastly C. are java and php good choices for next year?

Well, I'm impressed. The majority of young people that are interested in and starting programming all want to be games developers. And yeah, games development isn't the greatest thing to do as a programmer. In my opinion, anyway .

And yeah, family tend to have difficulty understanding the urge sit and code. Especially when you're in the midst of learning the basics of the language and all you've got to show is some text printed to the screen .

Jobs

Jobs for programmers are everywhere. Most larger companies use software that is developed in-house, so they have an IT department which handles the creation and maintenance of that software. Then there are companies that specialise in writing specific software for companies. The majority of the software ever written you will never hear or see in your lifetime.

Not only that, but more and more things are requiring programmers. Mobile phones now run their own operating systems. Automatic bank tellers, checkouts at stores. Then you have these "smart" fridges, dishwashers and cars.

Then there is also the possibility of research, whether it be for a university or with Google, someone has to design tomorrow's technologies.

I personally am going down this

So yeah, there are a lot more job opportunites (and more awesome things) out there than games development. There are even more if you are a -good- programmer.

Languages

C++:
Pour your heart and soul into this before you even look at Java. If you can program well in C++ then you'll be more than able to program well in other languages. It combines both the structured and object-orientated paradigms. Because it is derived from C, it is a lot closer to the system. C++ is used for all sorts of applications, from really low-level system tools to GUI based apps. A very flexible language.

That said, C++ is one of the more difficult languages to master. A lot of educational institutions have difficulty with students

C:
Also a must learn, but easy to pick up on how it differs once you've learnt C++. A system level language, operating systems are generally writting in C and Assembly. Compilers also seem to be written in C more than anything else. That said, it is quite possible to write GUI apps in C, it just doesn't provide the object-orientated facilities that C++ does.

Java:
This language is purely object orientated and platform independent. Fantastic for programs to be run straight of web pages as applets, and excellent for writing GUI apps. When you get there, use Eclipse as an IDE, very impressive. For all its benefits, I'm violently opposed to it being taught as a first programming language (let me know if you want me to go into more detail if I haven't bored you already ).

VB:
Most anything you can do with pure VB (not the stuff you use inside Access), you can do better and faster in Java. For the point and click GUI building, there are a number of tools available for Java (a plugin for Eclipse, NetBeans).

PHP:
Used for server-side applications and dynamic web content. Good if you're into that sort of thing.

With that all said and done, language preferences are argued about by the "experts". Everyone feels slightly differently. Some have had better or worse experiences. I for instance, cut my teeth on C++, and prefer using it as it feels more natural to me. Other people might find other languages preferable.

The other thing with languages is that they all are better at doing certain specific things. Just like Java and GUIs, C and OSs. Mixing and matching languages is also a good thing.

Erk, looks like I've gotten a little overexcited . I tend to do that when I get talking about programming.

I love this stuff so let me know if I've missed anything, or you aren't actually bored and have more questions.

Cheers.

Bah, looks like I half started two different thoughts and missed finishing them. I do apologise for the double post.

Anyway, in the jobs section, I was starting to say that I was going down the research type path, since in my time at university, this is what stood out to me as what I would like to do. Currently my big interest is in evolutionary algorithms, neural networks and other such stuff (especially optimization problems). And the way things are going, I could be looking down the barrel of an academic position researching these sorts of things.

And the unfinished thing about C++ was that a lot of educational institutions find students have difficulty learning C++. But like everything in the computer science world: everyone blames different things (the language, student's aptitude, student's motivation, etc...). I still stand by what I said, though, if you can master C++ it won't be difficult to move on to other languages.

well that is good!! some people are having hard times learning programming, and you are gifted enough to pursue that career! More companies are hiring computer programmers now, and there seems to have so much vacancies that after you have graduated few years from now the positions are very much available. The pay for programmers are way higher than just webdesiging. but you should have as well a talent in designing very nice page lay-outs.

To convince your parents, you should do some freelance jobs. get refered by your friends, or from an online community like Trap 17. Ask for a payment and in no time you can show this as a proff that there is indeed a careen in computer progamming.

Though people have said some pretty true things about jobs in programming, you haven't gotten the full story.

Yes, many companies are hiring programmers, and yes, many jobs are being created for programmers. However, programming is a very popular field and programmers are a dime a dozen. If your company didn't like you it'd be the easiest thing in the world to find a replacement. Also since technology is changing so often, if there were to be a big change in the way things are done you'd have to learn a lot (ie punch cards -> keyboards).

The money's not exceptional, either. As of this month starting programmers only earn about $48,000 (http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layouth...IT10000071.html).

Hope I didn't completely turn you away, but it's better to have the full story.

That is for starting programmers and average programmers. Like I said before, the need for -excellent- programmers is high. Which is why you need to put a lot of effort in becoming good at what you do.



Heh. The industry has become a lot more standards orientated since then. You'll find that those sort of jumps will occur over much longer periods of time given the amount of people that also have to make the change.

Here is an excellent article about C++. It says everything (and more) I wanted to say about the language.

C++ in the Real World

yeah dear i can suggest u to start your carrier with C.but if u wanna jump to JAVA its good. if u wanna start ur work from home i would suggest to develop projects for colleges or u can also go for freelancing it will help u to develop ur confidence and earn handsome amount. so just go for it!