Mastering computer science is not about programming alone, it is about the study of algorithms (a series of steps, understood by someone or something, in order to complete a task in a certain number of steps). Many computer experts have no need to program anything. In fact, Edsger Dijkstra once said: "Computer science uses computers like astronomy uses telescopes."
Steps
Step 1. To be a computer expert you must learn to be a student
Technology is constantly changing; new languages are developed, new algorithms are devised, among many other things that you must be able to learn to be always up to date.
Step 2. Start with a pseudocode
A pseudocode is not really a programming language, but it is a way of representing a program in a way that is very similar to English. The algorithm that is probably most familiar to you is on your shampoo bottle; apply, rinse, repeat. That is an algorithm, which is understandable to you - the "computer agent" - and it has a finite number of steps.
Step 3. Adjust the pseudocode
The example of shampoo is not a very good algorithm for two reasons: the first is that it does not have a condition to stop it and the second is that it does not really specify what you have to repeat exactly. Do you have to apply it to your hair again? Or just rinse again? A better improved example would be "Step 1 - Apply. Step 2 - Rinse. Step 3 - Repeat steps 1 and 2 (2-3 times for best results) and then finish." This is more understandable to you, it is explicit and has an ending (a finite number of steps).
Step 4. Try to write algorithms at all times
Like for example, you can write one about how to get from one building to another on your campus, or how to make a casserole. Soon, you will be seeing algorithms everywhere!
Step 5. Once you have learned to write algorithms, programming will be very natural and easy for you
You must buy a book on programming and read it so that you can learn the language. Try to avoid online tutorials because many are written by amateurs and not by professionals.
However, do not hesitate to seek help on the Internet. Programming languages like Java and C ++ are all the rage right now, but procedural languages like C and Python are easier if you're just starting out because they exclusively deal with algorithms
Step 6. Programming is just the translation of a pseudocode into a programming language
Spending more time planning pseudocode before programming will help you spend less time writing and thinking.
Advice
- A whiteboard is a great place to write algorithms.
- After you learn a programming language, learning another within the same paradigm will be easier for you because you are still only translating the pseudocode into a real language.
- The field of computer science can branch into computer design and development, databases, computer security, or programming languages, just to name a few. Therefore, a tip is to focus on one or even two branches that are of interest to you.