Do you have to be smart to get into computer programming?

Right now i work at a daycare. I really want to go back to school and go as a micro programmer specialist. i didn't get the best grades in high school. I am trying to have as much self confidence as I can. but i dont want it to be too diffucult for me. I really want to do this but I'm worried and I dont want to have to waste my money.

Do you have to be smart to get into computer programming?
Don't worry about the maths side, a basic level will get you through most types of programming. As for grades and intelligence, your question is written with more intelligence then I see in some of the answers given here by some supposed professional programmers. If you find your chosen route presents problems, there are various alternatives you can take once you start training. As for self confidence, a little uncertainty when programming can make you far more careful with your code and therefore less likely to create errors (MS could do with a bit more care - see the Vista problems here). Choose the type of work you think you will enjoy, speak to a local college for advice and go for it.
Reply:As for the math aspect, you just have to at least know algebra at the moment, they will teach you the rest of the math at the college. You just have to be willing to learn and have a decent memory because you have to remember the commands.
Reply:Don't worry if you didn't get the best of grades, you can start out at your local community college, which will be easier to get into. You do have to be good with computers, be detail oriented, and be good at memorizing. If you're worried about wasting time and money, you can start out with one or two basic classes and see how it goes.
Reply:Just be enthu and be analytical.


Does not matters that you have studies math or science or english.


Just be Analytical. Think Logically and try tyo achive the Results.


When i started Electronics Comm Engg, I was from Arts Background and I really did well. Does not matter from which background you are. just learning attitude is enough.
Reply:No, just a proficient math skill, good memory, and a high I.Q., nothing smart.
Reply:The first thing you have to ask yourself is, how good are you at math?





Math plays a HUGE role in any computer science program. I'm talking trig, calculus, statistical analysis, and matrix theory. Now, this was part of the curriculum at my school and may not be the same where you are planning to go.





The bottom line is, talk to an advisor where you are planning on going and find out what the requirements are for the degree you are looking at. Look at ALL of the requirements down the line and make sure you are willing to put the time in to the classwork. Programming requires a bit of dedication.





Good luck!
Reply:I'm not sure what a micro programmer specialist. A google search indicates that this is just some light programming experience with knowledge in various aspects of computer technology like networking and databases. As this is no different from someone who has a solid level of knowledge in programming, I'll address your question as if you simple asked, I want to be a programmer.





%26gt;%26gt; i didn't get the best grades in high school.


Grades don't necessarily reflect your ability as a programmer. But all decent programmers I met were very good thinkers (and smart as well). That doesn't necessarily mean they were grade achievers. But they are very active in thinking and reasoning out things. Hence, they also are good at logic, and your ability to reason things out is tested the more you get into comp. sci (as opposed to just basic programming).





%26gt;%26gt; I am trying to have as much self confidence as I can. but i dont want it to be too diffucult for me.


You may want to try learning programming on your own. This isn't as hard as it sounds. If you find a good programmer support forum (Google search reveals http://forums.devshed.com , http://www.dreamincode.net , and http://www.daniweb.com ), you can ask them for help in your learning process.





By trying to learn on your own, you'll have an idea of whether programming is for you or not. If you do find yourself being able to adapt to the programmer's mentality, you can continue to pursue it with confidence.





%26gt;%26gt; I dont want to have to waste my money.


Which is why you should try learning on your own. Costs will be quite low that way. You'll get most things you need for free, and maybe spend $20-$80 for books initially. You can start with $0 costs, and spend a bit of money on books if you find yourself successful with programming. That means for no cost, you can determine whether or not programming is for you, and if you do continue, you can learn with limited expenses.
Reply:You don't have to be smart, but be prepared that you have to spend a lot of time in it. You can't learn programming in a few months as it involves a lot new concepts and new ways of think. Most these are very abstract it can take you a few years before you can become comfortable with it. So think twice is this really something you want to do for your career? If you like it, go for it.