My goal is to learn how to program a website with Python/Django in the next year
ID: 650539 • Letter: M
Question
My goal is to learn how to program a website with Python/Django in the next year. From what I've understood, I also have to learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript.
I understand in order to build a website, I will need to find a co-founder whose skills far exceed mine. But still, the situation will be way different if I'm a person who's closer to his/her level and has dedicated a lot of time teaching himself than every other "I have an idea, just need a tech co-founder" type of guy.
I do plan to pursue a degree in computer science, but after finishing high school last May decided to take an year off, so I am free to learn programming in the next 10 months.
For now, I have the chance to attend some college courses in a top institution. Which ones are a must for a web developer so that I don't have any gaps in my understanding of programming and write "sophisticated code"?
EDIT:Thank you all for the help!From the courses suggested I may be able to attend some/none/all of OOP(with Java),Networks and Graphics,SE-Algorithms,Discrete Math for Comp.Scientists,Databases,Information Retrieval and Data Mining.Which of those are more important for Web development with Django?
I've read a lot of times people saying that self-taught programmers had gaps in their knowledge, didn't write clear code.This is why I'm asking which CS courses can fill those gaps? Not only in practical skills,but in mindset,way of thinking.
Explanation / Answer
First, understand that a CS degree is generally not vocational education. Many of the courses develop the logical thinking that is required to solve complex problems. These courses are heavily math and computer science focused.
With the exception of 2-3 classes, what they do not do is teach you a specific set of languages so you can go get a job as a "X" Developer. Teaching yourself basic web programming for Javascript/HTML/PHP (or some other serverside language) generally takes just a few months of self-training.
It is a good idea to get a degree in computer science. This should be a part of an overall plan to self-improvement that takes years of practice and self-discipline.
If all you care to do is build a single website to make a profit, then writing good code is not a high priority. In this case, a CS degree would not provide much benefit at all.
As a beginner, you simply are not going to be good. Accept this fact. It will make you less close minded to the more experienced devs you will be working with. An open mind will also make you more accepting of ideas that conflict with what you believe is best-practice.
If your goal is to just build a website, then signup at a community college for an intro to web programming course. Or, anything Javascript/HTML/pick your web language. These classes are meant to prepare you to do the basics of web work on the job. As I said in the beginning, Computer science is not meant for this type of training.
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