I recently started learning some programming languages on YouTube, it’s been great. However, I’d like to know if I can actually be a full programmer without a degree.
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I recently started learning some programming languages on YouTube, it’s been great. However, I’d like to know if I can actually be a full programmer without a degree.
You do not need a computer science degree to be a programmer. You need to know how to program to be a programmer. Computer science degree is only a signal that you have gone through the coursework and your transcripts tell how well you did in your coursework. You can become a proficient programmer without a degree. There are enough resources available online and books available offline to learn programming and even advanced Computer science concepts such as algorithms and all.
Strictly speaking, no. But I believe the number of people who can be sufficiently productive without formal training is not as high as you’d be led to believe. Programming little things is not hard, and that entices many people into the field without the real prerequisites to contribute effectively. Basically, if you don’t get formal training, you’re an amateur. You may be able to convincingly play a professional even if you are not. And software imposes a peculiar set of standards, making its far more likely for an amateur to pass themselves off as a pro.
Note, too, that there’s a difference between no formal training an no degree.