Should I learn a programming language before I attend college for Computer Engineering? [closed]

manpreet Best Answer 2 years ago

I've dipped my toes in C++ programming but I haven't actually delved into it. I want to know if I actually need to learn it or any other com/tag/languages">languages before I go to college for Computer Engineering or am I just going to learn it at school anyway?

manpreet 2 years ago

Yes, for several reasons.

1. The sooner you start getting experience with the field, the sooner you'll be able to figure out if this is the field you should be majoring in. If you don't like programming, then Computer Engineering is probably not a good field to major in. Even if you are mostly interested in designing CPUs, you are going to be doing a LOT of programming.
2. Most folks find that the level and amount of work expected from them in college greatly exceeds what they are used to in secondary school. Unless you are exceptionally talented, you are going to find yourself hammered with work. Do yourself a favor: find out which language is used for teaching the first year course and start learning it now. Worst case, you'll be a little bored in the class, but you'll be able to get the work done faster and use the time saved for your other classes.
3. Many classes are graded on a curve. The downside of this is that you will be competing with your fellow classmates for grades. Many of your fellow computer engineering students will have already done a lot of programming, so you may already be behind the curve. This is a good time to start catching up.
4. The only way to get good at programming is to do a lot of it. The more time you spend programming in the next few years, the better you will be at it. The more experience you have, the better the chance you have at landing internships and jobs.