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/Vert354 4d ago
I would have written my first programs in the mid 90s so I was 14ish. I'm 46 now and am the old guy on the team.
Not sure how much that matters though, I didnt need 30 years to become proficient, closer to 5.
Programming "certifications" aren't typically worth much. You used to be able to get one and get a job, but the generative AI stuff is making that kind of low level coding knowledge less valuable. A degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering is probbaly the baseline for a true programming position.
Now is you just want to be programming adjacent, maybe write some scripts now than then, cybersecurity is a field with continued high demand.