University

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 17, 2005 12:50 am

I'm thinking of going to University and taking up some computer science courses, specificaly in the computer programming aspect of pc's. I'm sitting on a pretty nice lump of cash right now that'd pretty much pay my way through uni. I was thinking of getting a nice car this summer but now I'm tempted to go to Uni instead and take up programing. I really think it's what I'd love to do. Anyone here ever take computer sciences at a university? Got any tips?

Post by **andyman** » Tue May 17, 2005 12:56 am

You should take a creative writing course instead

no, really

Post by **DiscoDave** » Tue May 17, 2005 1:00 am

I'm about the finish my first year of computer science however I'm going to transfer to Computing and Networks after my first year. I dont really see myself as a programmer.

If you're really interested in becoming a programmer, then I think you should do a degree in software engineering.

Post by **Massive Quasars** » Tue May 17, 2005 1:02 am

If it really interests you, give it a shot.

Post by **duffman91** » Tue May 17, 2005 1:09 am

I just finished my degree. Don't start it unless you're sure you like to code. Don't start it if you suck in math either. Don't take classes at anything less than a respectable 4 year university.

Make sure you're not going into the degree just because you like using computers.

That's my best advice.

edit: by the way, alot of people don't graduate because it is infact a difficult degree.

Post by **tnf** » Tue May 17, 2005 1:18 am

I did two years of it after I left the PhD program I was in for molecular biology. Wanted to get involved in computer driven drug discovery. I enjoyed some of the coding...loved creating algorithms and the challenge of optimizing them with inline assembly code and whatnot. But to be honest, I realized I couldn't handle making a living hunched behind a computer screen all day. Like duff said...make sure you LIKE to code. And, don't go for one of the wimpy versions of the degree that doesn't require all the math. Get the full degree.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 17, 2005 2:06 am

i've coded a few things before, never anything major, basicly HTML and Microsoft Access DB which is a lot like VB I guess. I really enjoyed it, I have a degree in computer networking along with an CNA and an A+ cert but that's it. Nothing major, I don't really like the network administration side of things but really enjoyed the programming aspect of a job I did years ago. I really think it's something I'd enjoy for some reason.

Post by **duffman91** » Tue May 17, 2005 2:31 am

Kracus wrote:i've coded a few things before, never anything major, basicly HTML and Microsoft Access DB which is a lot like VB I guess. I really enjoyed it, I have a degree in computer networking along with an CNA and an A+ cert but that's it. Nothing major, I don't really like the network administration side of things but really enjoyed the programming aspect of a job I did years ago. I really think it's something I'd enjoy for some reason.

Then give it a try. Take one or two classes and see if you like the atmosphere.

Be warned though, your later years in computer science will involve: compiler construction, algorithm analysis, architecture, and automata (heavy on theory)

Post by **Dark Metal** » Tue May 17, 2005 2:38 am

I say you should fuck off and die, but that's just me...

Post by **+JuggerNaut+** » Tue May 17, 2005 2:40 am

Dark Metal wrote:I say you should fuck off and die, but that's just me...

no, not just you.

Post by **inolen** » Tue May 17, 2005 5:00 am

duffman91 wrote:Be warned though, your later years in computer science will involve: compiler construction..

That sounds mildly fun.

Post by **U4EA** » Tue May 17, 2005 6:12 am

It's not. We had to build a compiler for a custom mathematical programming language as the term project, and I have to say it was probably the most boring crap I've ever had to program.

Post by **dnoyc** » Tue May 17, 2005 8:55 am

inolen wrote:
duffman91 wrote:Be warned though, your later years in computer science will involve: compiler construction..
That sounds mildly fun.

it can be, but in practice it usually isn't. lex, and yakk are trash.

Post by **4days** » Tue May 17, 2005 9:01 am

you're too stupid for university kracus, no offense.