I'm eager to embark on a career pivot from a novice to a proficient programmer, despite my inadequate foundation in computer science, algebra, geometry, and English during my academic tenure. My aspiration is to delve into the realm of C# programming. To facilitate a seamless learning curve, I'm soliciting guidance and expert advice on the following aspects:

Which mathematical disciplines should I revisit and reinforce, and are there any seminal texts or resources that you'd recommend for a comprehensive review?

What level of English proficiency is requisite for a programming career, and are there any specific language skills or certifications that I should prioritize?

I'm seeking to acquire a solid grasp of programming fundamentals to decipher technical terminology, but I'm uncertain about the optimal starting point. I've explored Sololearn, but it appears to cater to individuals with pre-existing knowledge. Similarly, YouTube tutorials often presuppose a basic understanding of programming concepts. I've scoured online forums for relevant literature and resources, but I'm unsure about their efficacy or comprehensiveness. Any recommendations for newbie-friendly literature, lectures, or courses would be greatly appreciated.

What's a realistic timeframe for acquiring a robust foundation in programming, and how much additional time will it take to attain proficiency in C# to the point where I can secure an internship and work with a moderate degree of autonomy?

I'd love to hear from individuals who've successfully transitioned into programming careers despite similar background deficits, as their insights and anecdotes would be invaluable in informing my own journey.

Thank you in advance for your input and guidance.

C# programming is like trying to learn a new language, except instead of words, you'll be dealing with semicolons, brackets, and endless errors. But hey, who needs a foundation in computer science, algebra, geometry, or English, right?

For mathematical disciplines, just wing it – you can always Google the formulas and hope for the best. As for English proficiency, don't worry, you can just copy-paste from Stack Overflow and hope no one notices. For programming fundamentals, start with Sololearn, YouTube tutorials, and a healthy dose of trial and error.

A realistic timeframe for acquiring a robust foundation in programming is 5-10 years, with an additional 5-10 years to attain proficiency in C#. Securing an internship will depend on your ability to charm your way into a job or create a portfolio that's 90% copied from others.

No one is born with innate coding skills. We all start from scratch, and it's essential to acknowledge the knowledge gaps that need to be bridged.

Firstly, let's talk about the fundamentals of computer science. While it's not necessary to dive into the depths of CS right away, having a solid grasp of the basics is crucial for any aspiring programmer. Fortunately, most introductory programming courses and literature cover the essential concepts, making it easier to get started.

Algebra and geometry may seem like unnecessary subjects, but trust me, they can be beneficial in specific industries. However, it's not a requirement to master these subjects from the get-go. As you progress in your programming journey, you'll discover that technical English or English reading skills are vital. This means being able to comprehend technical texts and dоcumentation without necessarily being proficient in spoken English. Don't worry if you're not fluent in English; the programming terminology is predominantly in English, and you'll pick it up as you go along.

I must confess that I struggled with English myself, despite being a proficient programmer. However, I never encountered any issues with professional literature, thanks to my technical English skills. If you're interested in expanding your capabilities as a programmer and in life, I recommend learning real English, not just technical English.

Now, let's talk about the best way to learn programming. I strongly advise against piecing together disparate topics from forums and videos. Instead, opt for a unified resource, such as a book or a video course. While free or pirated courses might be tempting, they often lack the structure and support that comes with a paid course, including teacher feedback and work review.

As for C#, I'm not an expert, but I can offer some general advice. When learning a new language, it's essential to start with a comprehensive resource that guides you through the basics step-by-step. Don't try to learn from a manual or reference book; these are meant to be consulted as needed, not memorized. When you encounter unclear concepts, that's when you should delve into additional resources, such as textbooks, manuals, and forums.

In the programming world, we often talk about the importance of having a solid foundation. This means understanding the basics, including data structures, algorithms, and software design patterns. As you progress in your programming journey, you'll encounter various technologies and frameworks, and it's essential to stay adaptable and keep learning.

To illustrate this point, let's consider the concept of technical debt. As a programmer, you'll inevitably encounter situations where you need to make trade-offs between short-term goals and long-term maintainability. This is where technical debt comes in – the idea that you'll need to revisit and refactor your codebase to ensure it remains scalable and efficient.

Learning programming requires a structured approach, and it's essential to acknowledge the knowledge gaps that need to be bridged. By starting with a solid foundation, staying adaptable, and continually learning, you'll set yourself up for success in the programming world.

Embarking on a programming journey, a solid grasp of mathematical fundamentals and arithmetic is sufficient for most tasks. Familiarity with Boolean algebra, although not typically covered in school curricula, can be advantageous. No need to fret if these concepts are unfamiliar; even I, at times, find myself refreshing my memory on basic math notions like numerators and denominators, or referencing Wikipedia for prime numbers. Certain mathematical problems and algorithms seamlessly integrate into programming, illustrating concepts like recursion in calculating factorials. For me, basic math knowledge has proven adequate.

Career transition into programming is a viable path, as evident from my own experience and those of others from diverse backgrounds, including accountants, managers, drivers, sales professionals, pharmacists, emergency doctors, and psychologists. Success hinges on attitude, discipline, time commitment, and diligence. As for timeframe, Hexlet's programs typically span 10-12 months, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Some may accelerate, while others may require more time, taking breaks or seeking clarification on challenging topics.

Personally, I completed Hexlet's program in approximately 8 months, starting in May and securing employment by February the following year. For foundational knowledge, I recommend CodeBasics, offering introductory courses in C#, Java, PHP, JS, and Python. Except for C#, Hexlet provides comprehensive programs for these languages, enabling students to acquire a full-fledged profession and skillset. CodeBasics, with its free access and supportive community, allows you to grasp fundamental programming concepts, identify your strengths, and seek help when needed. A valuable resource is the book "Grokkai Algorithms," featuring engaging illustrations, straightforward language, and Python examples that can be quickly grasped with a couple of evenings' dedication.