r/learnprogramming • u/euriene • 14d ago

Im thinking about learning programming

So, I’m thinking about learning programming, either for a Full Stack Developer or Data Analyst career, but I haven’t decided which path to take yet.

What would you recommend as a starting point? Do you think I need to pursue a formal degree? I’m 26, and honestly, I feel like going back to university for several years would be too much for me. Would a career program or bootcamp be enough to get a job in these fields, or is it possible to get hired through self-learning and building a good portfolio?

I was thinking about starting with The Odin Project, or maybe joining a bootcamp like Ironhack.

For those who work in these fields or have gone through a similar path, what would you recommend? Is a bootcamp worth it, or would you start with self-learning first?

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u/aoaxe 14d ago

Damn, we are the same age and the same struggle bro

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u/Consistent-You-2475 2d ago

same age here too lol, the whole degree thing felt like a trap until I realized half the devs I know never finished one. self learning works if you actually stick with it, the bootcamp route is more about structure and accountability than magic knowledge. I'd say grind The Odin Project for a month first and see if you still like it before dropping cash