Rating: 
Summary: Encouragement always welcome
Review: Thanks to Mr. Liberty for writing the book on "Complete Idiot's Guide to a Career in Computer Programming." I am not an idiot, at least not after my morning coffee, but I sure felt like one while trying to become a computer programmer.When I was struggling, in the mid-1990s, to switch from copy-editing/data-entry to Web programming, there was nothing to help me. No how-to books, and not much on the Web. You trip over stuff now, there's so much. Two things that kept me going were a firm conviction that computer programming was the thing for me, and the help and encouragement of coworkers who were already programmers. This book may help others start their careers. That's a good thing. I intend to use it to help further my career. That's even better. Keep up the good work. I look forward to future editions. This field begs to be explored in a larger volume next time around. I am already looking forward to the newly revised edition whenever you get around to writing it. I sincerely hope there will be a revised edition for the new decade. I enjoyed this one a lot, and still refer to it. Perhaps there will be two career sections, one for standard, "old economy" programming, and another for "new economy" Web programming. I can dream, can't I?
Rating:
Summary: A real road map!
Review: The Complete Idiot's Guide to a Career in Computer Programming is a different kind of computer book. The author firsts describes the benefits and virtues needed as a programer (work ethic, pay, scheduling). He briefly outlines several different programing languages and a course of study. He lists numerous resources for learning and development (and if he doesn't list it he shows you how to find it). He gives a road map to entering the computer field and how to prepare for that entry. And refreshingly he is brutally honest about his beliefs on the direction of computer industry and who's going to succeed in it (you and me!). On the down side: there is a lot to cover and he's really limited with what he can present (there are only 282 pages!). At times the book jumps from subject to subject and he tries to compress complicated subjects into mini primers (9 pages for software modeling - yuck!). The bottom line? If you have any inkling at all of becoming a programer or are new to the field or have a desire to get some positive direction...BUY THIS BOOK! Any lacking in material is easily made up by the author's consistent listing of other study materials. I wish this book had been published a long time ago when I decided to change career paths!
Rating:
Summary: Jesse Liberty is the Man
Review: The frist day I recieved this book I could not put it down ! Not only does it give you helpfull advice, it also teaches you the basics of programming. In time I will own every book written by Jesse Liberty, great author (Try his book C++ in 10 minutes)Simple to understand and read, so far his books have been the best out of the several programming books I have purchased !
Rating:
Summary: A great book!
Review: This book answered all of my questions about starting a career in programming. He also believes that anyone can do it, whether a college student or self taught. He even gives you a breakdown of what to study and how long for all respective languages. Want to program the internet? He even tells you what to study for that too. He does only recommend his books, but I found that they were highly rated on this site.
Rating:
Summary: "A career in Computer programming"
Review: This book gives a great deal of information one can use. If that person is a beginner or a long time users in the field. The computer industry has taken a wide spectrum in a very short time. Jesse Liberty has narrow it done to a reasonable process. Telling the levels of education and how to proceed to get there.
Rating:
Summary: "A career in Computer programming"
Review: This book gives a great deal of information one can use. If that person is a beginner or a long time users in the field. The computer industry has taken a wide spectrum in a very short time. Jesse Liberty has narrow it done to a reasonable process. Telling the levels of education and how to proceed to get there.
Rating:
Summary: Great if you want to formulate a career plan
Review: This book is wonderful for those people that think that a career in programming would be a good thing for them, but don't know where to start. It goes through some programming basics (not languages per se, but theory of programming), and then talks about developing "road maps" so that you are clear on how developing a particular skill fits into a useful career development path. It discusses the types of programmers out there, and why you might be good for one type of programmer or another. Finally, it gives you good advice on landing that first job. It's written in a way that's very easy to read - sort of like if you were sitting down and having a personal tutorial with Jesse Liberty. The author really does back up his books with after sales support when you have questions, or are just stuck. You really feel like you are a part of a community as you're reading the book. After reading this you'll WANT to read his other books, like "Teach Yourself C++ In 21 Days". Full marks, Jesse! There is one downside - he mentions his own books regularly, but if you are intelligent person and can appraise those books yourself (just read their online reviews right here on Amazon.com), you'll be fine, and you won't make a purchasing mistake!
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Summary: Essential for Anyone Considering a Career in Programming
Review: This book should be titled "The Essential Guide to Beginning a Career in Computer Programming". Written in a simple fashion (in the Idiot's tradition) it is easy to understand, without wasting your time. However, it's true value rests in it's realistic guidance to entering the field. The information about the different areas whereyou can begin programming is excellent. It includes an introduction to some programming concepts (about 80 pages worth) that is useful if you are still trying to decide if you want to become a programmer. It is not, however, an introductory programming book and should not be used as such. If you know anything about basic programming concepts already, then this book is not for you, unless you are just looking for more information about starting out as a programmer. I am presently changing careers to computer programming and this book was instrumental in helping me make this decision. There has long been a serious need for this kind of book. While there are several computer career guidance books out there, this is the one to get. The others talk about the computer/technical career field, but this one talks about actually becoming a programmer. I have returned to college to take programming courses and the drop rate for these classes is about 50%. These people should have read this book first. Then they would have known that programming was not for them. Save yourself some money. Buy this book!
Rating: 
Summary: Book implies college CS students are idiots.
Review: Unfortunately Liberty comes across with a chip on his shoulder against formal college education in this book. Statements like some of the best programmers he knows are "taxi drivers and psychologists" and former university training mainly teaches students to operate "mainframes". In the Introduction it says "According to a study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by the year 2005 there will be over two million new jobs for software professionals!" which fails to mention most of the jobs will be overseas easily outsourced as making tennis shoes. Otherwise, Liberty still shows his expertise and there are good sections on advice for interviewing and resume writing. But in the end as an idiot, I wished I had majored in engineering instead of computer science especially when 90% of my undergraduate computer science student body were graduate students from the eastern side of the world.
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