how much of a PROGRAMMING language do you need to know to say that you know it?

Question

hi to all
i've been learning python for 12 days and i've learnt nearly all the basic syntax(variables,modules,functions) and some wxpython(buttons,bars,dialog boxes,check boxes)
all i want to know if this is enough to say i know the language if not what am i supposed to know(where to learn)
and what kind of programs should i be able to make to be an accomplished python programmer
all answers will be appreciated
thanks all

Answer 1

Well, first off, you said that you've learned "nearly all the basics." I'd say that you definitely need to know all the basics to even *think* that you know the language.



That being said, I would say that the better you get at a programming language, the more you realize that you don't actually know the language very well. However, if you can code in it proficiently in an interview and get a job programming in it, I'd say that you would at least be reasonably proficient in it.



However, to be truly proficient in a programming language, I would say that you would have to be able to look at any (reasonably commented) source code in that language, and be able to understand what it does, and how it works (within a reasonable amount of time).

Answer 2

The problem is this: You can learn the entire syntax of a language in one or two days. Knowing a language, however, is not the same as knowing how to use the language.



If you don't understand the basis of programming logic structures and don't understand the method of combining the three elementary structures layer by layer to build a productive program, then you can be an absolute farklin' genius with the language and still be a doink of a programmer.



As I ready your question I would say that the best you could claim is that you are familiar with the language. But to say that you KNOW it is presumptuous in the extreme. I've been programming in one language or another for over 35 years and I'm still learning BASIC's advanced features such as are implemented in Visual Basic for Applications (for example).



I will offer you this advice. If you want to say that you know a particular programming language, fine - but if you are thinking about a future career, the question isn't "Do you know this language?" - but rather "What constructive things have you done with this language?"



Here's the key to understanding this under-appreciated point. Nobody hires a programmer. They hire problem-solvers. They hire problem solvers who know how to solve problems through the arts of programming. Don't focus on the languages as much as the method of taking a problem and turning it into a solution via some sort of program in whatever language is available for you.

Answer 3

After 12 days, you might thinkthat it is an easy program and not much more to "being an expert" however, you should try some projects that are asked for help in forums that might show you that it isn't as easy as you might think.



I did programming for about 6 years and I know less now than the first few weeks when I started.



The problems with programming in a specific software is that you also have to learn other coding associated with programs like C+, Vb.Net, Java, SQL etc so that it can be implemented into your project.



Not to say you can't get by with only one programming type but your prospects are much higher if you can do more than just simple tasking.

Answer 4

When you can be asked to program something on demand in an interview. For example, I love the interview question of: write a program that will count from 0 to 100, display 100 once, and then back down.



Then I will have them modify the program to use recursion.



Last, I will have them alter their code to count from X to Y that is specified on the command line.



If they coded like crap, they will have to do almost full rewrites. If they can not do it, then they fail and often I will fail them at the interview for putting false stuff in their Resume.



BTW, 12 days playing with a language is not an expert. 12 Days of playing with a language makes you a beginner. Specifying that you are a beginner is good, and I would not fail you at the interview.



So using something like a chart for languages is good:

C: expert

Perl: intermediate

Tcl: hack

Python: hack

Shell: Expert

Ruby: beginner

etc...

Answer 5

Firstly, I'd like to thank you for choosing to learn such a new and powerful language. Python is definitely awesome.

Secondly, I'm assuming that this isn't your first programming language? Once you learn the basics of programming through your first language (C++, C#, JAVA?), learning any new language really isn't very difficult. In my senior year in college, my Software Engineering teacher pointed out that any one of us had the ability to learn a new language, in a very short period of time. It would take about 10 days, 8 hours a day. And after being in the field for about 7 months now, I would have to agree with him

From your description above, I'd think its safe to claim that you know the language. Try making a simple game using your Python skills. It sounds like you are a good problem solver, and I don't think you'll have too much trouble.