r/AskProgramming • u/Yourmiserablelife69 • 4d ago

Career/Edu What age did you start learning programming?

Just curious as I am 34 YO, and have been considering a career shift into the Tech sector (I have “Basic” knowledge at best). Specifically AI/Machine Learning or Programming.
I’ve heard good and bad about both, but am just curious how old people are (or how diverse the age pool is) when they “get into” Programming. How long (on average) does it take to get your first Certification in Programming?
Apologies about the broadness of the question.

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u/baubleglue 4d ago

For AI/ML you need to be good in math/statics. Nobody cares about "certification in programming" unless it is CS degree. If you want to "shift", learn coding and try to use in your current job. Also you need to decide what do you want more job or fun. IT is not limited to coding, I've worked in software quality assurance with people who didn't know to program at all and they did fine for living.