I'm 29 years old and have spent my entire career in the automotive industry. Now, I'm excited to venture into the IT field.



After exploring the vast resources of the internet, I've been pondering the following questions:
- Who would be the best starting point for me in the IT field? I'm torn between becoming a programmer or a tester.
- Which programming language should I prioritize learning while continuing my current job? I need to support my family, but I want to smoothly transition into a new profession. I've come across PHP and Java online—would one of these be a good choice?
- Should I attend courses or is it more beneficial to self-study using books and online resources?
- Overall, where would you suggest initiating a career in the IT industry for someone entering this field for the first time? Additionally, what are some key steps I can take to excel in this new sector?

Your decision to move into the IT field is a commendable one, given the growing demand for IT professionals across various industries. As someone with a background in the automotive industry, you already possess valuable skills such as problem-solving, attention to detail, and determination, which are transferable to the IT sector.

Now, regarding your dilemma about whether to start as a programmer or a tester, it's important to assess your strengths and interests. If you enjoy logical thinking, problem-solving, and creating new software applications, then pursuing a career as a programmer might be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you have a keen eye for detail, enjoy finding bugs or issues in software, and ensuring its quality, then becoming a tester could be a suitable choice.

In terms of programming languages, both PHP and Java are widely used and can offer promising career opportunities. However, considering your current job and family responsibilities, you may want to prioritize learning a language that is in high demand and has a relatively gentle learning curve. Java is known for its versatility, as it is used in a wide range of applications, from enterprise systems to mobile apps. On the other hand, PHP is commonly used for web development and is relatively easier to learn for beginners. It might be useful to explore job postings in your area to see which language is more in demand and aligns with your career goals.

As for education, considering your current commitments, a combination of self-study using online resources and books alongside occasional targeted courses might be the most practical approach. Online platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, or Codecademy offer flexible learning options and can be cost-effective. However, attending specific courses or workshops for in-depth knowledge on certain topics can also be beneficial.

To initiate your career in the IT industry, networking is key. Joining relevant IT communities, attending meetups, and connecting with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights and potential opportunities. Additionally, consider building a portfolio of projects to showcase your skills and practical knowledge.
Transitioning into the IT industry requires careful consideration of your strengths and interests, prioritizing in-demand skills, and utilizing a combination of self-study and targeted courses. By leveraging your existing skills and taking proactive steps to network and build a strong foundation in IT, you can pave the way for a successful career in this dynamic field.

In the early stages of learning programming, it is important to focus on mastering the fundamental concepts rather than specific languages or technologies. For instance, understanding the Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) paradigm, design patterns, algorithmization, and data structures provides a strong foundation that applies to many programming languages. This knowledge enables a clearer comprehension of various technologies and programming languages. With these essential skills, learning a new programming language with a C-like syntax becomes manageable, and it facilitates understanding the purpose of different programming languages.

When you have selected a programming language, it is advisable to delve into it, reaching a moderate level of proficiency. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with the relevant technologies, libraries, and frameworks associated with the chosen language is crucial. For example, expertise in C# goes beyond understanding the language itself; it includes knowledge of the .NET framework and proficiency in ASP.NET, WPF, or Silverlight.

Moreover, it's important to be cautious when choosing learning resources such as courses and video lessons. Personal experiences highlight the potential shortcomings of certain courses and the limited effectiveness of conventional learning platforms. Instead, consider utilizing alternative resources like Lynda or Tutsplus, which can provide a concise understanding of key concepts and guide you in the right direction.

I'm 30 years old. I graduated as a mechanical engineer, and for the first four years after graduation, I worked in the mechanical engineering field, both at large factories and in small consulting firms that served those factories by supplying tools and equipment.

During my university years, I realized that mechanical engineering was not really my passion. Like you, I believed that IT was where I belonged. I was drawn to intellectual work, or so I thought at first.

For nearly four years, I dedicated myself to retraining and becoming a Programmer. I followed the path of the Habra community, embracing its ideals of algorithms, design patterns, UML, and design. I focused on Java SE and EE, as well as web development. Simultaneously, I delved into C++, php, asm (x86), later Dart, and various other technologies and platforms.

I initially chose cross-platform development because I support free software and did not want to tie myself to platform-dependent solutions, given that most consumer computers in commercial settings run on MS Windows.

I even enrolled in a distance learning program for a second degree at TUSUR university, but found it minimally beneficial, so I discontinued after a year.

At 26, I felt like time was running out, and I finally made a breakthrough by switching to a job in the IT department of a non-software company. There, I experienced the ups and downs of the IT world in full. Although there were some benefits, I gleaned professional lessons from that job, particularly in writing complex SQL queries, stored procedures, and functions. It was a typical IT department within a non-software company, working on an in-house information system (ERP/CRM/SRM/... etc.) with a bit of administration. This marked the beginning of my IT career, lasting less than a year. Next, I worked at a bookstore before finally joining a software firm specializing in high-profile business applications.

Through these experiences, I realized that professional development in IT wasn't my calling. I'm glad I recognized this and didn't force myself to continue working in a field I didn't truly enjoy.

In all three companies, my work was essentially the same, just using different tools and languages. By the time I left my last job, I had developed a strong aversion to business applications. It was then that I became convinced that most commercial IT projects are uninteresting and worthless. Additionally, glamorous websites with "well-designed layouts" just seemed superficial to me. For instance, I currently have a tab open in my browser that demonstrates what I consider to be a good design (although I only came to this realization recently). It focuses on providing clear information without unnecessary embellishments aimed at selling a mundane accounting system. I won't dwell on the challenges I faced in the IT field, as Toster is a resource primarily for programmers or IT students, and I don't want to provoke any negative reactions.

If you're considering programming or testing, programming offers more versatility and potential for growth. Learning a language like Java is a solid choice, especially for enterprise applications, while PHP is great for web development but may have a steeper competition curve.