Microsoft confirmed the next release of its signature IDE will be faster, more approachable, more intelligent, and 64-bit…getting rid of out-of-memory exceptions. 

Recently, Microsoft announced the release of the new version of Visual Studio which many developers see as an overdue upgrade. Visual Studio 2022 comes with loads of new features and improvements in performance which I will shed more light on in this article. From the major improvements to the least significant additions, the following are 10 new features in Microsoft Visual Studio 2022. 

#1. 64-bit Visual Studio  

The 64-bit upgrade is one of the latest additions to the new version of Visual Studio. The shift from 32-bit to 64-bit is a big leap aimed at improving the app’s overall performance. This means developers using Visual Studio are no longer limited to ~4gb memory.  According to Microsoft, the highlight of Visual Studio 2022 is the 64-bit feature which is going to make the app “faster, more approachable, and more lightweight”. The strategy behind moving the main devenv.exe process from 32-bit to 64-bit is to ameliorate productivity by providing a larger memory which gives developers more room to edit and debug huge and complex solutions. However, the IDE does not affect the bitness of the applications built on it and it still supports 32-bit apps. In a demo released by Microsoft, Visual Studio 2022 was able to open up a solution that consisted of 1,600 projects and almost 300,000 files. 

#2. A Smarter AI Engine (IntelliCode) 

IntelliCode is Visual Studio’s machine learning and AI engine that provides contextual suggestions while devs write code. The whole line completion is the latest upgrade of this feature. In Visual Studio 2022, IntelliCode is smarter at predicting chunks of code and automatically completing sentences. The AI suggests the next chunk of code to the right of the cursor based on the current context. Just like in the earlier VS versions, IntelliCode covers various programming languages and runs on the local machine while it’s being used. With the aid of a large-scale transformer model, trained on about 500,000 public open-source repositories from GitHub, IntelliCode in Visual Studio 2022 now makes more accurate inline suggestions. In addition, the AI machine combines a robust knowledge of the coding context, learning from the type of code that’s being written, variable names, the IntelliSense list, and functions in nearby code. This is a significant upgrade in Visual Studio aimed at improving flexibility and productivity while coding. Now devs can get a lot done just by using their TAB key! 

#3. .NET 6 and .NET MAUI 

Visual Studio 2022 includes .NET 6 SDK (preview). The .NET 6 feature will enable devs to integrate support for new application types without having to increase the size of the SDK. These new application types include mobile and WebAssembly. The new additions to this workloads feature are list and update verbs. These new capabilities allow devs to build their preferred environment with simple commands and subsequently update it. Dotnet workload list shows installed workloads, while dotnet workload update ensures installed workloads are updated to their newest versions. In addition, for cross-platform client apps on Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS, VS2022 now supports .NET Multi-platform App U (.NET MAUI). Plus, devs can now write desktop apps with ASP.NET Blazor web technologies via .NET MAUI. However, you will need to download from Github the .NET MAUI workload template temporarily.  

#4. Enhanced Code Search 

An important tool for software development is code search. VS2022 allows developers to search outside their loaded scope for code, no matter what code base or repository it’s located in. Now code search can serve devs better when sharing code, investigating issues, learning from other devs, and adding changes.  

#5. Modernized UI 

The Visual Studio 2022 user interface welcomed some subtle changes aimed at reducing crowding, hence making the user interface more friendly. One of these changes is Focus Mode, a new feature in VS2022 targeted at enhancing productivity by allowing devs more control over their notifications and distractions. There are also cosmetic upgrades designed to decrease complexity and cognitive load. For example, icons and product themes in Visual Studio 2022 have been updated to enhance legibility and contrast. Moreover, Microsoft has integrated a new fixed-width font called “Cascadia Code” into VS2022. Cascadia was designed to support ligature and improve readability. Also, the new version of this Microsoft IDE integrates with Accessibility Insights to help developers build more accessible apps by discovering accessibility issues earlier on before their products get to the end-user. 

#6. Azure Cloud App Support 

Visual Studio 2022 comes with Azure cloud app support which is aimed at simplifying the process of building modern, cloud-based apps. Repos in VS2022 will describe typical app patterns and opinionated code that shows patterns in action. Repos in Azure cloud app support also offer infrastructure-as-code assets to provide Azure resources, pre-built GitHub workflows and actions set up with complete CI/CD solution. Also, to jumpstart coding and debugging, Microsoft has defined in the repository, the required development environment. 

#7. Integration with Git and GitHub 

Visual Studio 2022 offers support for Git and GitHub workflows for easy CI/CD. To deliver better asynchronous collaboration within the IDE, Microsoft integrated in-built checkpoints and logic to guide developers through the merge and review process. This added feature will save time and facilitate the exchange of ideas and knowledge among devs during the application development process. Microsoft explained VS support for Git and GitHub is aimed at helping developers have higher confidence in the code they deliver. 

#8. Better support for the C++ Workloads 

In Visual Studio 2022, C++ workload is now integrated with productivity features, tools, and IntelliSense. The new C++20 language features make it easier to manage large codebases, while the enhanced diagnostics makes tough problems simpler to debug with concepts and templates. Also, those upgrading to VS2022 will find it easier to build and debug cross-platform apps within the IDE as C++ is now integrated with support for CMake tools, Linux and WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux). Plus, VS2022 now also offers binary compatibility with the C++ runtime to address the issue of compatibility. 

#9. Real-time Collaboration 

Live Share also gets an upgrade in VS2022. To improve real-time collaboration, Live Share now features integrated text chats. Developers can collaborate, exchange ideas, pair programming, and review code using the newly integrated text chat feature in VS2022. This feature makes context switches irrelevant for collaborations. Additionally, for simplifying repetitive sessions, developers can now use the same link with frequent contacts. Microsoft will subsequently integrate session policies that will establish compliance requirements for collaboration. For example, MS will decide whether read/write terminals should be shareable. 

#10. Enhanced Diagnostic and Debugging 

Developers will see improvements in the performance of the core debugger in VS2022, with new features such as dependent breakpoints for more precise debugging, flame charts in the profiler for spotting repetitive sessions hot paths better, and integrated decompilation experiences. 

Wrapping it Up 

There are more improvements in Visual Studio 2022 that devs should look forward to. With the accessibility improvements and other refinements, it is clear that Microsoft is dedicated to working with developers to deliver a better code editor. 

Amanda Silver, corporate vice president of the developer product division in Microsoft confirmed that Visual Studio 2022 was largely shaped by several surveys and direct feedback to the company provided by the developer community. For more details on what’s new on Visual Studio 2022, check out the full announcement on Microsoft Devblog. 

As information technology becomes more and more essential to every single aspect of the world around us, there are even more job opportunities for people who have an in-depth knowledge of how it all fits together. DevOps is one such example of a new level of technical expertise that has been growing in popularity. But what is DevOps? 

It’s actually pretty simple once you break it down into smaller parts.  

First, you have development. This refers to writing code for applications – otherwise known as software development. Next up is operations – or server administration and support tasks. Finally, we come to systems engineering. This entails everything from designing databases and networks to dealing with physical security infrastructure like firewalls and locks on doors.  

Systems engineering is where DevOps comes into play. 

DevOps is the perfect solution for organizations that are seeking a high degree of IT automation. This is especially true when it comes to software development and application creation, as well as system administration and management tasks.  

What this means is that there will be less human effort required for these processes and more automated systems put in place so that everything runs like clockwork, without needing any human input at all except when something goes wrong or needs updating.  

DevOps specialists are highly skilled individuals who understand the inner workings of complex systems such as the ones used by businesses today with their vast amounts of digital information being transmitted from one place to another, either electronically or on hard copies through physical mail delivery services. This also includes the use of data centers and other facilities that are used to house all the different computer equipment involved in running a business, as well as its employees. 

What is DevOps?  

In order to understand what DevOps really means, it’s important to first take a look at where it came from. The term itself wasn’t used until just before 2010 and was created out of the combination of two different concepts: “development” and “operations”.  

These were both methods for handling computer tasks that had been around since the beginning of Information Technology. Development was about designing, creating or updating software that would then be passed along to operations people – who handled all the technical manual labor necessary in getting large programs up and running on servers. 

Systems Engineering fits somewhere in between development and operations by using scientific methodologies to come up with potential solutions to issues that might arise within the systems.  

This is what DevOps represents today – the unified combination of development, operations, and engineering methods into a single approach to handling all IT issues as they occur. It’s essentially applying scientific methodologies used in operations and systems engineering to the task of software development, which was originally only handled by developers before the idea of DevOps came along. 

The Importance of DevOps to an Organization 

DevOps is important for organizations that have already established themselves as large entities. DevOps can assist with everything from helping to keep the software and operating systems up-to-date, enforcing security protocols, providing strong backups in case something goes wrong on a system, as well as keeping track of all the inventory management for physical goods and assets.  

It’s also very helpful when it comes to data backup and recovery – which is especially essential in today’s digital world where so much information is stored electronically instead of on paper. Employees using computers at work are also more likely to be served faster because of automated systems used by DevOps specialists. 

Why There Is a Need for DevOps Specialists?  

The need for DevOps specialists can be easily explained by taking a closer look at the way businesses are run these days. Information Technology is key to their success, and IT departments with a large number of employees have been around since the start of business operations in the 1950s. 

Businesses used to handle most manual labor tasks with human employees before there was any automation put in place. But as technology evolved and advanced over time, so did everything else within an organization – from how it was managed to how work was done on a day-to-day basis. This included things like billing, record keeping, and even customer service – which became more automated than ever with the use of telephone answering systems and digital call centers where operators had no face-to-face contact with customers.  

Businesses had to keep up with the times and technology just like everyone else or fall behind – which they did at their own risk. 

The Evolution of DevOps 

To understand how DevOps came into being, it’s important to remember that while information technology started out as a separate entity from other business operations (like sales and procurement), it soon became something much more useful and critical for organizations in order to remain competitive.  

The role of IT departments slowly changed right along with everything else – moving away from simply overseeing day-to-day technical operations and developing new systems, toward being an integral part of all these processes themselves.

The Convergence of DevOps 

Now, we’re seeing another evolution in what it means to run a business – which is trying to balance the needs of all different types of employees, and not just those who work within the company itself. This type of change has been ongoing since the late 1900s when telecommuting came into being and independent contractors became much more common as well.  

The changing workforce brought about this shift away from centralized companies and toward getting jobs done through outsourcing. In addition to all these things, consumers have been making their voices heard through social media – voicing their opinions on products or services that were sub-par in quality or falling short compared to competitors. 

Of course, all of this comes with its own challenges – not just because it’s hard to manage these different types of workers who are under contract (and usually working remotely), but also managing the technology that connects them with others involved in getting a job done.

In order to keep up with the times, organizations must learn how to become more agile in the way they manage their businesses. This is where DevOps specialists come into play – and not as something that’s separate from other IT departments, but actually working alongside them. They are tasked not only with making sure everyone involved has secure connections with one another (and those outside of an organization who are hired), but also automating processes so they can work faster.  

Plus, DevOps specialists help ensure that everything is logged in detailed records for future reference should there be any issues later down the road when trying to diagnose problems that could have been avoided or at least handled more easily if there was proper documentation beforehand. 

How DevOps Works 

In order for DevOps to work, it involves a lot of different elements. There needs to be collaboration between business leaders and IT personnel in charge of updating software or managing the data that users within an organization are accessing. Working together will help ensure that everything is done efficiently and without unnecessary delays – keeping budgets in mind along with deadlines and hours worked at the same time. 

Current DevOps Limitations 

Although DevOps has risen to become a very popular practice in recent years, it’s still far from being perfect. The biggest drawback of this type of business management is that businesses will only see overall improvement once everyone involved agrees on the same things and works toward consensus so that there are no delays or miscommunications before anything else can be done.  

There also needs to be a lot more research and study put into how DevOps works in order to find out whether or not enterprises should invest in it at all – especially since many organizations lack adequate funding for their IT departments as it stands right now. 

The Future of DevOps 

As DevOps continues to evolve, we’ll likely see more and more companies using remote workers or outsourcing their labor as well. This will mean an increase in the need for having everything automated – from ordering new software to implementing updates on existing systems and applications.  

However, there will always be a need for individuals who understand code (programmers) as well as those who can get things done without needing code-level skills (which is why it’s important that DevOps specialists are also good communicators). Regardless, changes are happening faster than most organizations can keep up with – so sharing knowledge and collaborating between different parts of a business are critical if you want to remain competitive. 

How to Find a Job in DevOps 

If you’re interested in learning more about a career path in DevOps or are looking for a job with an organization that uses it, then there are some steps you should take. The first is to make sure your resume includes what kind of experience you have, and any other information related to the roles you’ve previously held.  

Look specifically for IT positions where you can see that they use DevOps methods or technologies and be sure to highlight those specific roles in your resume so they stand out among all others. You’ll also want to pay close attention to skills on your resume – not just technical proficiencies but also ones related to communications and project management.  

With the right information, you’ll be able to make a great first impression that gets your foot in the door with a company that’s already using DevOps and needs help making it better (or tweaking what they’re doing so it can have results sooner or go more smoothly). 

DevOps is an extremely useful tool to have if you’re a business owner or want to work for one. When used correctly, it can save time and money while also helping ensure that things get done properly without delays or glitches that could make the company look bad in front of other businesses using similar software. It’s important to stay current with DevOps trends as they continue to evolve so that you can be ready when any new opportunities come your way. 

People often ask which entry-level IT certification they should get, CompTIA A+ or Google IT Support Professional?   

The answer is not simple and depends on a variety of factors such as your background, the job you want, etc. In this article, we will do a straight comparison between these two popular entry level IT certifications so that you can make an informed decision. 

Theory vs Hands-On 

The theory exam for CompTIA A+ certification is a multiple-choice test that has questions that are relatively easy to answer with practice. On the other hand, Google IT Support Professional’s exam is hands-on in nature and gives you practical experience in troubleshooting various issues on Windows operating systems and resolving network connectivity problems.  

For candidates who are working professionals or have work experience in the field of computers, the Google IT Support Professional certification might be a better choice as it requires hands-on experience to answer questions.

Levels of Certification 

If you have general knowledge about computers and networking, then CompTIA A+ is most likely a good option for you. On the other hand, if you are just starting out as a computer technician or are a fresher with little work experience in this field, then Google’s certification will be more suitable due to its practical nature.  

Even if you don’t have prior computer knowledge, you can do the CompTIA A+. 

Common Benefits 

Although both of these certifications are useful for candidates who want to start their career as an entry-level computer technician, there is a clear winner in the benefits category which is CompTIA A+.  

The reason why this certification comes out on top here compared to Google’s certification is that it allows you to move onto additional certifications with relative ease. For example, after obtaining the A+ you can move onto CompTIA Network+ and Security+.  Both are highly in-demand certifications by employers. 

This makes earning new certifications easier if desired. On the other hand, Google provides no clear progression to help you advance your career in such a structured manner. 

Cost Comparison 

If you are looking to start an entry-level job as a computer technician, then the cost of obtaining certifications is another factor that you should consider before deciding what certification to get.  

While CompTIA A+ certification costs $229 US dollars, Google’s certification can be obtained for free if you complete certain requirements at their training site. If you don’t wish to go through any training or courses and just want to take their exam, then the price would be $79. 

This makes it clear that if your primary interest is getting a free entry-level certification with little work or effort needed on your part along with good potential job opportunities after obtaining this certification, then Google’s certification is a better choice. On the other hand, if you don’t mind paying for certification and are interested in multiple certifications, then CompTIA’s A+ certification is more suited to your needs. 

Which Should You Choose? 

If you want a certification that will provide you with the potential to earn multiple certifications, if desired, while making your potential job search smoother in the future, then CompTIA A+ is the better choice. If, on the other hand, you are interested in an online certificate that will allow you to enter the workforce right away without receiving additional training, then Google’s certification might be a better fit. 

Both of these certifications are useful if you want to start your career as an entry-level computer technician, but CompTIA’s A+ certification is superior in terms of available job opportunities when compared to Google’s certification. 

CompTIA is one of the most respected names when it comes to IT certifications.  The A+ certification has been around since 1993 and there are over 1 million people with the certification. It is also very well known in the IT industry. 

Based on these facts, it’s hard to argue against the recommendation of CompTIA‘s A+ certification as one of the best entry-level IT certifications out there today. 

Google’s IT Support Professional Certificate is an ideal choice if you prefer learning through self-study materials instead of attending training courses. The certificate requires a test score from an exam that is offered online, which makes it easy for students to get the certificate without any other out-of-class study materials or tests.  The CompTIA A+ exams can be prepared for via self-study or in-person instructor-led training. 

Even though both certifications require you to take an exam after you finish studying the material, Google’s IT Support Professional certificate doesn’t require any prerequisites before you begin your studies unlike CompTIA ‘s A+, which can be intimidating for some people who are not sure if their knowledge level is high enough to take either a class or online training course.

Career Outcomes 

As far as career outcomes go, CompTIA A+ is the best entry-level IT certification you can obtain for several reasons. It’s proven that CompTIA A+ certified individuals possess better employment opportunities and a higher salary than those who have taken Google’s IT Support Professional certificate because Google’s program doesn’t provide many job advantages whereas CompTIA ‘s training courses and materials are taught by people in the industry, which makes it much more relevant. 

Yes, it’s true that both of these programs will equip you with valuable skills to help you become a successful professional in whichever field or industry that interests you most, but the main difference between them is that CompTIA A+ encourages students to not only complete their coursework projects on time but also help them develop the soft skills necessary to succeed in their careers. 

CompTIA A+ is generally preferred over Google’s IT Support Professional by most people because it covers more content than Google’s certification. 

Even though Google’s IT Support Professional certification and CompTIA ‘s A+ both provide you with the theoretical knowledge necessary to succeed in your industry, Google’s IT Support Professional certificate is not generally preferred over CompTIA A+. 

Job Options 

With regard to job options, many people have the wrong assumption that after graduating from high school it is too late to pursue a career in their chosen field or industry. In reality, there are many careers available that you can obtain if you are willing to work hard and invest time into improving your skills.  

For example, an individual who receives one of these two certifications will be able to find jobs at small, medium, and large-sized businesses in addition to government agencies. 

Employment Stats 

Google’s IT Support Professional certificate has been around since 2011 whereas CompTIA ‘s A+ certification has offered training courses and materials since 1993. With that being said, Google’s IT Support Professional certificate requires a bit less time to complete than CompTIA A+.  The A+ can take about six months and up to 1 year to complete.  

Whatever your choice, remember to always stay focused and try to obtain as much knowledge and training as possible in your field of study. Dedication is still the secret ingredient, no matter what field or industry you choose to pursue. 

In the age of digitalization, where massive data is stored online and business processes are automated, a data breach is always a looming threat.  

It is becoming evident that the castle and moat security model is no longer adequate in protecting data infrastructures. Companies are now prioritizing cybersecurity by integrating security systems and implementing security policies to safeguard sensitive data. Therefore the corporate world is quickly adopting stiffer security models such as Zero Trust. 

What is Zero Trust Security Model? 

Zero Trust is an IT security model in which users and devices are granted access only when they have been authenticated and only to the resources they need to operate. This model mandates strict identity verification for every user or device inside and outside of the network perimeter. 

“Zero Trust ” was invented by John Kindervag in 2010. The former Forrester Research Principal Analyst developed this model after concluding that the traditional security model, which is based on the assumption that all entities within an organization’s network can be trusted, is an outdated approach to data security. The core principle of this approach is “never trust, always verify.”  

As opposed to the castle-and-moat approach where every entity inside the network system is trusted by default, no source is trusted in a Zero Trust model.  

Identities both inside and outside the network perimeter are seen as potential threats. Thus, access can only be granted to each request, after it has been verified, authorized, and encrypted. 

Since its inception, Zero Trust has become one of the more popular concepts in cybersecurity. The implementation of the Zero Trust security model or architecture requires the combination of advanced technologies such as Identity and Access Management (IAM), Multi-Factor Authentication, Next-Generation Endpoint Security Technology, and Identity Protection. These technologies will verify the user’s identity and defend system security. The main goal of a Zero Trust architecture is to prevent breaches and curb damage if the system is ever compromised. 

The Principles of Zero Trust Security 

There is no specific technology associated with the Zero Trust architecture. Some technologies work well in a Zero Trust environment, and some don’t. The Zero Trust architecture integrates several principles and technologies to achieve optimum protection. The following are some of the principles of the Zero Trust security model. 

Identity and Access Management: This strategy is a core element in building a Zero Trust infrastructure. Identity and Access Management enable enterprises to manage various entities such as people, software, and hardware. IAM assists in authenticating user identities before granting the right level of access to sensitive information. Additionally, proper management of identities and access permissions helps enforce user-authentication-related policies, validation, and privileges, and most importantly helps identify “access creep”. 

Least-Privilege Access: This principle involves granting access to the resources each individual needs to function. Essentially, this entails only granting the level of privilege needed to carry out a certain task, for only the amount of time needed to perform such a task. The goal is to prevent lateral movement across the network, as attackers get access to sensitive data by compromising user access and moving laterally across the network. By implementing this principle, organizations can reduce risk and minimize surface attacks. According to the 2020 Global State of Least Privilege Cyber Security report, 67% of organizations now prioritize the least privilege security strategy. 

Microsegmentation: This principle involves separating network assets down to a granular level to reduce the potential attack surface. Microsegmentation helps mitigate the spread of attacks and ensures potential threats can be easily contained. This is a core principle for Zero Trust as it greatly improves threat detection and response times. In the event of an attack, microsegmentation tools can automatically generate alerts in real-time and obstruct unauthorized activity. 

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Since Zero Trust regards trust as a vulnerability, all sources need to be authenticated multiple times before they gain access to the corporate resources. Multi-factor authentication requires continuous validation to prove the identity of users. This principle is a key component to achieving Zero Trust. Leveraging intelligent, continuous multi-factor authentication to provide additional security layers enables businesses to add next-level security even remotely. Ultimately, MFA decreases the chances of user identity becoming compromised. 

Intelligence and Security Analytics: Another pillar used in building a Zero Trust infrastructure is user behavior analytics. Using rich intelligence and analytics, businesses can monitor their network perimeter, detect, and respond to threats in real-time. In a Zero Trust environment, users cannot be trusted by default, even when they have been verified. Hence, it is imperative to ensure each user is who they claim to be by monitoring their behavior while inside the network perimeter. User behavior analytics uses algorithms, machine learning, and statistical analysis to sense any unusual behavior or cases where there are deviations from the normal conduct of the user. Because user behavior analytics focuses on internal threats, organizations can utilize this tool to get proper visibility and improve internal defenses.

Major Components of the Zero Trust Architecture 

The components of Zero Trust architecture interact seamlessly to form a security barrier and reduce threats. These are the major logical components of a Zero Trust architecture deployment. 

The Policy Engine (PE): The PE is the decision-making point in the Zero Trust architecture. The PE processes a massive amount of data to make its decision about access requests. It collects the needed data from a number of connected resources that monitor and collect actionable information. Essentially the PE makes and logs decisions, while the PA enforces these decisions. 

The Policy Administrator (PA): This component severs or creates the communication path between the subject and the resource. The PA works with the PEP to authenticate all access requests based on the policy decisions made by the Policy Engine. If the access request is authorized, the PA alerts the PEP to grant access. 

The Policy Enforcement Point (PEP): The PEP is the entry point where adaptive access control capability is enforced. Only the requests authenticated and authorized by the PEP are granted access to the resources. All authenticated access to resources is encrypted. 

Implementing A Zero Trust Architecture 

A successful Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) depends on how well its components are deployed.  

Zero Trust is a security concept, as such, there is no specific technology known to deploy the Zero Trust architecture. What this means is that companies can only rely on a combination of existing technologies to implement Zero Trust infrastructure across their IT infrastructure.  Although, there is a method of ZTA implementation known as the Greenfield approach which involves building the architecture from scratch. However, this context is quite uncommon as there is usually a pre-existing, perimeter-focused cyber defense system. 

The initial step in implementing a Zero Trust architecture is to identify the Protect Surface. The Protect Surface is where the network’s most valuable Data, Assets, Applications, and Services  (DAAS) are located. The protect surface of each organization is unique as it contains data critical to its operations. In a Zero Trust architecture, the protected surface is identified, and more importantly, the traffic around it is closely monitored.  

After the protect surface is identified, a micro perimeter can be created around it using a next-generation firewall (NGFW). This way only authorized users and legitimate applications can be granted access to the protect surface. The micro perimeter must be intensely monitored. Users and devices that interact with these resources must be identified and closely monitored as well. Close attention needs to be paid to how users and devices interact within the network in relation to the protect surface. The last step involves configuring and enforcing access policies, and monitoring and maintaining the network architecture in real-time to ensure improvement of the network security. 

Why Zero Trust? 

At the core of the Zero Trust model is data security. Data is a valuable asset that must be protected at all costs from hackers. The Zero Trust security approach strives to build security layers to protect data and ensure intruders have limited freedom even when they penetrate the network perimeter. Beyond security, Zero Trust facilitates agility and increases productivity as the chances of threats and malware penetrating the network area are now streamlined. 

The key benefits of implementing Zero Trust include: 

• Increased defense against external and internal threats 
• Authority to grant privileged access 
• Limited lateral movement within the network perimeter 
• Enhanced visibility into every user activity and across the enterprise
• Reduced possibility of data leak
• Reinforced security level both in the cloud and on-premises 
• Secured remote workforce and improved organizational agility, and 
• Optimal usage of authentication and authority                                  

Conclusion 

With the explosion of the remote workforce, traditional security measures such as firewalls, VPNs, and Network Access Control are becoming outdated. Also, with the rise of cloud computing, organizations are seeing the need to double down on cybersecurity as they no longer store their data in one location.  

The Zero Trust approach to security proves to be more effective in protecting network infrastructure and preventing data leaks, as it concentrates on securing the network perimeter from both outside and inside threats. Although Zero Trust might have recently become mainstream, we can expect this model to evolve further in years to come. 

As more and more businesses come to rely on cloud infrastructure and discover the benefits of cloud computing, there is an increasing need for professionals who can manage, optimize, and maintain cloud infrastructure services.  

As an IT professional, there is a constant need to expand your skills and knowledge to gain a competitive edge. One of the best ways to achieve this is by gaining hands-on experience and earning relevant certifications that can help you advance your IT career. 

Considering there are a plethora of certifications, it is important to focus on the ones that could potentially set you up for success in your career.  

In this article, I will compare two of CompTIA’s infrastructure-related certifications; the CompTIA Cloud+ and Server+. Keep reading to find out more about these certifications. 

What Is CompTIA and Why Should You Get Certified? 

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a tech association and non-profit organization that issues professional certifications for the IT industry. CompTIA has issued more than 2 million certifications globally since it was founded in 1993, and it boasts some of the most recognized vendor-neutral certification programs in the IT industry. 

What is CompTIA Cloud+? 

CompTIA Cloud+ is an intermediate-level cloud computing certification that focuses on cloud computing technology management and protection in a vendor-neutral environment.  

This global certification covers the cloud sector’s current technologies and provides the basic knowledge needed to monitor, protect, and analyze cloud resources.  

CompTIA Cloud+ validates your expertise in disaster recovery, application of virtualization, testing and troubleshooting, cloud migration, and host and network security.  

Besides its operational aspects, this certification also covers the business aspects that run on the cloud. CompTIA Cloud+ is recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and it is compliant with ISO 17024 standards. CompTIA’s Cloud+ certification is also approved by the U.S Department of Defence. CompTIA Cloud+ is valid for 3 years, after which you would need to renew the certification. 

Currently, if you want to acquire the CompTIA Cloud+ certification you have to write a single exam which is the CV0-003. The new CompTIA Cloud+ (CV0-003) exam emphasizes cloud security and high availability. The exam aims to test your expertise in deploying cloud solutions and integrating cloud-based technology solutions into systems operations, and your understanding of cloud markets and technologies. The CV0-003 exam, which is the latest version, costs about $338 US dollars. 

CompTIA Cloud+ (CV0-003) covers the following technical areas: 

• Deployment (23%) 
• Cloud Architecture and Design (13%)  
• Troubleshooting (22%) 
• Operations and Support (22%), and 
• Security (20%) 

CompTIA Cloud+ Prerequisites 

CompTIA Cloud+ is geared towards experienced IT professionals who are familiar with private or public cloud Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) platforms.  

If you want to take the Cloud+ exam you should ideally have at least 2 years of work experience in networking or systems administration. Also, CompTIA encourages aspiring Cloud+ candidates to acquire the Network+ and/or Server+ certification or equivalent knowledge before taking the CV0-003 exam. In addition to hypervisor and server virtualization, CompTIA Cloud+ requires knowledge of IT service management and cloud service models. 

Who Should Get CompTIA Cloud+? 

CompTIA Cloud+ is suited for IT professionals implementing and maintaining cloud technologies or cloud computing environments. However, if you are about to start your career in cloud computing, you can also take a shot at CompTIA Cloud+.  

The certification is also recommended if you currently hold any of the following roles and would like to advance your career: 

• Cloud Engineer 
• Cloud Consultant 
• Sr. Systems Administrator, and 
• Systems Engineer 

What is CompTIA Server+? 

Server+ is another CompTIA infrastructure certification. Although not as popular as other CompTIA certifications, Server+ is still a valuable addition to your portfolio if you plan to work in systems administration. 

CompTIA Server+ proves that you have the skills required to install, support, and troubleshoot servers in a data center and a hybrid environment.  

Server+ is vendor-neutral, which means you can apply your skills in any cloud environment irrespective of the platform. The exam centers on multi-vendor products and implementations. The Server+ (SK0-005) exam costs about $338 and the certification is good for life. 

CompTIA Server+ (SK0-005) covers the following technical areas: 

• Server Administration (30%) 
• Troubleshooting (28%) 
• Security and Disaster Recovery (24%)  
• Server Hardware Installation and Management (18%)  

CompTIA Server+ Prerequisites 

If you are interested in taking the Server+ exam, CompTIA recommends first getting the A+ certification (or equivalent knowledge) and at least 2 years of hands-on experience in a server environment. Although not a prerequisite, the CompTIA A+ certification can provide a solid foundation for many of the concepts that will be fleshed out in the Server+ exam.  

Who Should Get CompTIA Server+? 

CompTIA Server+ is recommended if you’re at the early stage of your career and aim to work in systems administration. Additionally, if you are an IT professional with one of the following, or related, job titles, who are interested in adding a new certification to your credentials, you will benefit from taking the Server+ exam.  

• Server Administrator 
• Data Center Technician, and 
• Systems Administrator 

CompTIA Cloud+ or CompTIA Server+…Which is Best for You? 

As with most infrastructure certification exams, prerequisites are an important factor. CompTIA Cloud+ and Server+ have different prerequisites. This means your choice is limited to the certification in which you tick all the boxes. However, in a situation where you meet both exams’ requirements, consider the following before making your decision. 

How Much Can You Earn with the Cloud+ and Server+ Certifications? 

Currently, the cloud computing industry is among the leading fields in IT that offer high salaries. This sector is also expected to grow immensely in the future.  

IT professionals with the Server+ certification earn an average salary of $82,000 US dollars per annum according to Global Knowledge. Cloud+ holders on the other hand can earn up to $99,071 per annum according to Global Knowledge. So, having Cloud+ and/or Server+ certifications can get you paid! 

If you already work with cloud technologies, Cloud+ is a nice addition to your credentials. Many experts consider it to be a nice-to-have but not important if you already have cloud experience. However, if you are seeking cloud related jobs or planning to make a transition, Cloud+ will be the foundational piece you need to make your way into the cloud computing industry.  

Server+, on the other hand, is more or less generic and can be useful in both infrastructure and cybersecurity careers. If you are looking to land an infrastructure job in IT, you might want to consider the Server+. 

How Long Does It Take to Study for Cloud+ and Server+? 

When it comes to earning IT certifications if, there are no shortcuts. You will need to invest your time if you plan to get certified as quickly as possible. The amount of time required to earn these certifications depends on your learning methods and level of experience.

Typically, it will take about 3 months or more to prepare for the Cloud+ exam if you are a beginner with no prior experience in cloud or system administration. Experienced IT professionals may need considerably less time as they are already familiar with some concepts of cloud technologies.

Since the CompTIA Server+ exam does not comprise performance-based questions, you will find it easier to prepare for the exam. If you have no prior experience or related certifications you will need at least 6-8 weeks of study to prepare for the Server+ exam adequately. Experienced IT professionals with prior knowledge of networking, hardware, and server support may need as little as 2 to 3 weeks to prepare for the Server + exam. The same applies if you have already passed the CompTIA A+ exam.

In Conclusion 

As more companies come to discover the immense benefits of migrating their data to the cloud, certifications such as CompTIA Server+ and Cloud+ will become more and more valuable.  

These two certifications are highly regarded by many employers and recognized by leading institutions. Unlike vendor-specific certifications, both Cloud+ and Server+ are vendor-neutral, making your skills more valuable to a host of different companies. 

Bear in mind that you will have to renew your Cloud+ every 3 years to keep your skills up to date. It is particularly important as cloud technology is ever-evolving.

Both Cloud+ and Server+ can set you on a great career path in IT especially when you combine them strategically with other CompTIA certifications. No matter what certification you choose, I strongly recommend that you also acquire vendor-specific certifications as you advance in your career. This should help you attain the required balance when stacking the certifications you need to boost your career prospects. 

In today’s world, technology jobs are on the rise. Not only are these jobs considerably high-paying, they also rank high when it comes to job security and satisfaction. According to Forbes, as much as 72% of all tech workers feel that they are satisfied with their job.  

There are many options if you are seeking a career in the technology space. The most popular, of course, is being a programmer or a software developer. This has led to a massive influx of coding boot camps and programming courses. Because of the rise of gaming culture, game design is also becoming very popular.  

So, if you are considering one of these options, you may be wondering which path is better. In this article, we will talk about some of the key similarities, differences, and paths so you can determine for yourself, whether learning to code or game design is better.  

Key Differences 

Of course, there are some key differences between learning to code and game design in terms of the definitions for each role, as well as the scope of work covered.  

Roles and Scope 

First of all, learning to code means that you are a professional who is well-versed in one or more programming languages in order to manipulate certain systems. This could be the front-end or backend of a web application, the logic behind a database, the algorithms that are used by enterprise software, and indeed – the logic behind video games.  

Because of this, you can easily surmise that programming covers a lot more fields than just gaming. When it comes to gaming, a programmer’s code controls the dynamics, rules, and physics behind the game, for instance, using languages like C#, C++, and Swift.  

Game design is a lot more specialized. Each and every year, many video game development companies vie for the attention of gamers with their latest titles. When these titles are announced, gamers judge the games based on the quality of their graphics and the simplicity of their controls.  

These graphics and controls are primarily conceptualized by game designers. Their role, therefore, is to simply design a game that can attract modern video game players. Video game design also involves creating captivating stories, enthralling characters, curating difficulty levels, and everything in between.  

Career Paths 

Now that we have established the differences of the roles and scope of programmers and video game designers, the next important thing to talk about is the actual careers that you can achieve when you pursue one of these paths.  

Game Design 

If you choose the path of becoming a game designer, your job will be to identify trends in the gaming world and be able to create games that capitalize on those trends. Companies will hire you to create comprehensive game design plans and to inspect existing systems to see where improvement is needed.  

Companies will also hire you to innovate. The new genres that are becoming more popular in the video game industry are all because of the creativity of game designers. In the past, MMORPGs like Final Fantasy as well as open-world action games like Grand Theft Auto were the most popular genres. Nowadays, survival-based battle royale games like Fortnite, PUBG, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone is taking center stage.  

If you feel like you have a great idea for a unique gaming experience, the path of becoming a game designer may be right for you. According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a game designer in the United States is around $73,631. 

Programming 

An oversimplification of the career path of someone who has learned to code is definitely more variable than that of a game designer because there are a lot of roles that you can take on when you learn to code, even those that involve creating video games alongside game designers.  

Think about it this way, almost everything in the world today is powered by code. Your task as a programmer is to manipulate that code to accomplish certain tasks. That is why there are so many things that you can do that involve this function. For the sake of comparison, however, let us take a look at two of the most popular paths for people who are interested in learning to code.  

1. Game Developer 

Whereas a game designer is responsible for creating abstract and creative functions of a video game, your role as a game developer is to create the logic that actually runs the game. This is very important because, without code, the designs created by a video game designer really cannot do anything.  

The programming language that you have to learn if you want to become a game developer depends on the type of system that you are making the game on. If you are proficient in C++, you can learn to develop games for Unreal Engine, which usually have incredible graphics that need a text-based powerful language like C++ in order to run it. 

If you are proficient in C#, you can take on the role of Unity game developer. This is not as difficult as learning to program for Unreal Engine, and in most cases, it is not as high paying, but this is the most ubiquitous type of game developer currently in terms of job opportunities because of the sheer amount of titles that are being released using Unity. Because video game developers are specialized programmers, you can expect to make as much as $140,000 per year working for a big company.  

2. Full Stack Developer 

If you do not exactly want to use your programming skills for video games, you can always become a full stack developer. Full stack developers are developers who have mastered a wide range of programming languages and frameworks to create both the frontend and backend of a web application. Even though there are more people training to become full stack developers than ever, the demand for these developers still is a lot more than the supply of available workers.  

Typically, you will have to master HTML, CSS, Javascript, as well as some frontend libraries and frameworks like jQuery, Bootstrap, and React.js to become a full stack developer. For the backend, Node.js, EJS, Express.js, and Django are some of the most popular technologies to master.  

Your income potential as a full stack developer depends on the technologies that you have learned both for the frontend and backend. If you know the React.js framework, you are likely able to demand a higher salary, sometimes up to $200,000 per annum including vested stock options and bonuses if you work for a decently sized company.  

Training and Education 

Even though there are specialized degrees for game design specifically, the best major in college is still computer science. With a computer science degree, you will have the technical and theoretical acuity to become either a game designer or a programmer. 

If you are in the process of switching careers and you do not want to go back to school, there are several courses and boot camps online that will teach you either game design or any programming language as well as give you direct paths to becoming whatever type of programmer you want to be.  

In the past, companies have been selective about those who have gotten their training from online courses and boot camps compared to those who actually have computer science degrees, but you will find that is no longer the case, there are more people employed in tech who have taken boot camps and online courses than ever.  

Why Learning To Code Is Important For Game Designers 

If you have the time and the patience, it is always an option to learn both game design and to learn how to code at the same time. Even if your mind is set on becoming a game designer, learning how to code will still give you the advantage because of some key reasons. These reasons are the following:  

Game Designers are at the Mercy of Code 

When you are a game designer, it is fair to say that you are at the mercy of the code that runs the game. It is often not the programmers that have to adjust to the game designers, it is the game designers who often have to adjust to what the programmers are able to do. If you learn how to code, you will be more aware of the scope and limitations of the code that will actually be powering the game, so you will be able to make adjustments based on your understanding of these limitations.  

Scripting: Modern Engines Require Some Code 

Remember who mentioned Unity and Unreal Engine as tools for game programmers earlier? In actuality, most companies today will require that game designers also know how to use these systems.  

If you want to design games using Unity or Unreal engine, you will have to be familiar with a technology called scripting, which is very much like programming but with a more limited scope. It’s simple, a game designer who can work with Unreal Engine and Unity with scripting is more attractive to companies than game designers who don’t, and you will be able to demand a higher salary if you are familiar with this technology.  

Better Access to Game Development Tools: Portfolio 

If you want the best companies to hire you, you are going to need a very impressive portfolio. As a game designer that does not know how to code, you cannot create an impressive portfolio of independent games if you do not seek the help of a game programmer.  

Knowing how to code as well as design games means you get to build your online portfolio of games completely at your own autonomy.  

So to answer the question, which is better – learning to code or game design; the answer is, nothing is better and nothing is worse. It all depends on your own personal preferences, your goals, and how much time you have on your hands. Be diligent and patient with your learning, however, and you will be well on your way to achieving your next high-paying technology career.   

Programming, also known as coding, is a top-rated IT skill. Due to its relevance in a wide range of industries, the demand for coding skills is on the rise. According to the bureau of labor statistics, demand for software engineers and developers will increase by 22.8% between 2012 and 2022. It’s no surprise more and more people are learning how to code to profit from a booming industry.  

 This article will show you the best ways to acquire programming skills. 

Getting Started with Coding: Your Career Pathways 

There are various avenues to learn how to code including getting a college degree, taking offline and online courses, and reading books on programming. These are all valid methods since they ultimately help you build your knowledge of the subject.  

 Since you are thinking about beginning a professional career in coding or switching from your current one, you probably would have asked yourself a question like “what is the best way to learn how to code?” The fact is, there are a lot of resources available to give you that required jumpstart. The following resources and strategies will point you in the right direction, allowing you to land your first coding gig in the shortest time possible. 

#1 – Online Courses and YouTube Tutorials 

Making the most of online resources is invaluable to starting a career in coding. According to a survey by Stack Overflow, 69% of programmers are at least partially self-taught.  

 Many people learn to code by signing up for coding boot camps or certification programs. Some essential requirements for taking online coding courses include a personal computer or laptop, a good internet connection, and a passion for coding. Once you meet these requirements, you’ll be well-equipped to take advantage of the numerous online coding resources and use them to create a wide range of projects.  

 YouTube is a great resource that gives you free access to tutorials on a wide variety of programming topics.  In addition to YouTube, other low-cost course training platforms offer online courses and MOOCs (massive open online courses). The following are some popular learning platforms to start your journey in computer programming.  

Coursera 

One of the best places to learn coding for free, Coursera offers several beginners and professional courses on programming. It employs the services of professionals from reputable institutions over the world to ensure each course meets industry standards. Completing courses may be free, however, getting a certificate comes at a price. On Coursera, certificates could cost anywhere from $30 to $100. Fortunately, purchasing certificates of completion can go a long way in improving your career prospects as they serve as a testament to your level of competence.  

Udacity 

Offering more than 150 free coding courses, Udacity offers “Nanodegree” programs that can put you on the path to success. These programs provide tutorials on specialized IT fields, including Data Analysis, Front-End Development, and Back-End Development. While individual courses are free on Udacity, Nanodegrees might cost you a small fee. 

Udemy 

Udemy offers both free and paid online coding courses. Unlike Coursera where courses are developed by certified instructors, anyone can develop and teach Udemy courses. Before signing up for a course on Udemy, be sure to read the reviews to know whether it would be worth your while. Udemy also occasionally offers coupons for paid courses for those who can’t afford them. 

Microsoft Learn 

Giving you access to free e-books, helpful resource downloads, and community support forums, Microsoft Learn can help you get started with your career in coding via a host of video tutorials, demonstrations, and assessments. 

edX 

edX is an open-source learning platform borne out of a collaboration between MIT and Harvard University that offers several free coding courses. You can learn several programming languages on edX, including over 600 free computer science courses. These courses are adapted from top global university curriculums.  

Khan Academy 

Khan Academy gives you access to a host of courses on technical skills, including programming. The interactive platform is well-suited to people with coding interests at any age including teens, children, and adults. 

Codecademy 

Codecademy is another remarkable online platform for coding tutorials. It ranked amongst the top 10 best online learning platforms of 2021 according to surveys conducted by BitDigree. The platform is well-suited to both beginners and experts.  

#2: Project-Based Learning 

Although a lot of quality content on coding is available online, it isn’t intended as a substitute for project-based learning.  

 You can buy courses, watch YouTube tutorials, and read books. However, theoretical learning can only be so helpful. There is a tendency to get stuck in a rut only reading books and taking online tutorials without taking a bold step to start coding.  

 Project-based learning is the most effective way to learn how to code. The project-based learning approach to coding is hands-on and requires you to start writing code, compiling, and debugging in an Integrated Development Environment (IDE).  

 Starting a simple coding project and working your way up to more complex ones is a great way to build experience. This would give you the requisite experience needed to land paid coding jobs or gigs, all while building out your portfolio.  

 Without hands-on experience, books and tutorials may make little sense and you will probably retain only a small portion of the knowledge you have learned. Some key recommendations to consider include the following: 

• Using search engines, such as Google and Bing to discover projects you can work on as a beginner. Remember that you can begin with the simplest projects, then progress to more complex ones. 
• Getting a mentor with greater experience than you can go a long way when starting out. A mentor can guide you on the most suitable path for your career and personal goals. 

• Harnessing the power of networking. Networking with more experienced professionals in your field has a bevy of advantages. You can network offline by attending boot camps or conventions or joining local tech hubs. Online tech forums such as Stack Overflow can also be very helpful.  

 #3: Honing Your Problem-Solving Skills 

A great way to learn how to code for any beginner is by improving your problem-solving skills.  

 A problem-solving ideology is critical to becoming a great software programmer. Moreover, your problem-solving skills allow you to remain competitive in your industry regardless of your level of proficiency. The standard five-step approach to solving coding related problems includes doing the following:  

• Understanding a problem and defining the scope of the intended solution 
• Developing a plan 
• Dividing the problem into smaller bits and solving each one 

• Quality checks; debugging the code, reassessing the problem, do more research, and 
• Regular practice 

#4: Making the Most of Online Code Repositories and Collaborative Platforms 

You can review and modify projects created by other programmers on Github, an internet hosting service that allows coders to host open-source projects for free.  

Finding some simple projects to practice with isn’t so hard since most computer programs these days are open-source. However, note the following when practicing with another programmer’s code: 

• Critically examine what function each line of code serves and whether or not it is the most efficient 
• Figure out better ways to modify the code for enhanced functionality, and  
• Find out if there are errors in any parts of the code 

#5: Gamified Learning 

While they might seem purely recreational, games can go a long way in reinforcing learning in a fun and engaging way.  

An increased focus on exposing young people to coding has led to a rise in the development of these games. Regardless of your learning process, you will find coding games useful, as they make learning coding easier. However, they should not be used exclusively, but in tandem with other learning resources, such as online courses and MOOCs. If you use them effectively, they can help fast-track your learning process.  

Popular gaming apps to try to include the following: 

• Gamestar mechanic 
• The scratch coding app for kids 
• Move the turtle 
• Hopscotch 
• Daisy the dinosaur 
• The cargo-bot coding app for kids 
• Tynker 
• CodeCombat 
• Codecademy gaming app 
• Codeschool 
• Treehouse 
• CodinGame, and 
• Fightcode

Wrapping It Up 

In this article, we explored various strategies suited to newbies starting out a career in coding. Tips covered were taking free online courses and tutorials, project-based learning, developing problem-solving skills, learning from projects on online repositories, and using gamified apps and platforms. 

The impact of mentorship and networking as a rookie programmer is also very important.  

These 5 tips will help you to start your coding career and put you on the path to success. 

Current trends show that more and more people are becoming interested in learning one type of programming language or another. Newbies will usually tinker around for a bit, exploring various programming languages, and opt for the one that suits them best. Many people attend boot camps while others teach themselves with the aid of online and offline resources. This article reveals the best ways you can teach yourself programming. 

Top Reasons to Learn Programming 

Many benefits come with learning how to code. Companies across several industries utilize Information Technology, and coding dominates a huge chunk of this space. The demand for programmers is at an all-time high, so tapping into this demand can be a lucrative career move. 

Some top reasons to learn programming include the following: 

Software Development Job Opportunities 

If you are interested in a software development job, it is essential to have coding experience as coding is a fundamental skill for software development. Since there is a global shortage of software developers, this skill will help you fill that gap. 

Boosts Your Resume 

Learning programming can make your resume stand out and take you a step closer to landing your dream job.  

Broadens Your Tech Knowledge 

Knowledge of programming opens you up to learning other IT-related skills more easily. This is quite beneficial as the IT department is a critical element of any organization. 

Freelancing  

With the rise of the “gig economy” and remote work, many people are turning to freelancing. Due to its cost-effectiveness, businesses are outsourcing jobs to freelancers more frequently. As a software programmer, you can benefit from freelancing opportunities and charge market rates. 

Improves Interpersonal Skills  

Larger projects depend strongly on collaboration between employees, meaning that you will be part of a team. Interacting with other programmers, designers, project managers, etc., will improve your communication and interpersonal skills. 

Problem-Solving Skills 

Developing programming skills can help hone your problem-solving skills. Knowing that you can solve problems and learn new things as you go can empower you as a programmer. 

Self-Taught vs Other Options 

You might be wondering if teaching yourself how to code is the best option. Making this decision largely depends on the kind of your person you are. For example, when you get a new appliance and you need to set it up, do you go through the user manual, do you try to figure it out without the manual, or do seek the help of a professional?  

Reading the manual shows that you are interested in knowing the theory behind how things work, trying to set it up without a manual may imply that you are more inclined to be self-taught while seeking the help of a professional implies that being self-taught may not be your best option.  

Some advantages and disadvantages of being self-taught are: 

Advantages 

• Low to zero cost of learning (low barrier to entry) 
• Self-paced learning 
• You can combine learning with other engagements, and 
• You can dedicate more time to learning those concepts that interest you most 

Disadvantages 

• No particular learning structure 
• You can lose focus and motivation 
• You may end up feeling isolated socially, and  
• The possibility of omitting to learn some important concepts  

Choosing a Niche 

It is essential to have an area of specialization or focus when starting your self-education journey.  This will help you to avoid being overwhelmed by the many programming options.  

To begin, you can get a general overview of programming, after which you can answer salient questions on what you hope to achieve with the skill, whether you want to be a freelancer or an employee of a start-up or big tech company, what technologies you hope to develop or whether you want to be a web developer, mobile app developer or a data scientist. Getting pragmatic answers to those questions will allow you to make an informed decision on where to start. 

Getting Started 

To start your journey in programming, you must first learn the syntax of your preferred programming language. Some of the top programming languages that you might be interested in include JavaScript, Swift, Scala, Go, Python, Elm, Ruby, C#, and Rust. You can learn them with online tutorials and MOOCs like Udacity, Coursera, edX, Khan Academy, Udemy, Codecademy, and YouTube. While utilizing these resources, consider the following tips for a problem-free learning experience.  

Starting Small 

Get right into it. Start writing lines of code almost as soon as you learn. It is a better learning strategy than simply accumulating knowledge. In addition, trying to compile and debug code will give you a better hands-on experience. However, you must start small so as not to get overwhelmed. Instead of diving right into implementing big data structures or algorithms, you can first master the easier concepts. For example, if you are learning JavaScript, you can start with simple JS Variables exercises or Python exercises. After mastering the basic concepts in your chosen programming language, you can then advance to more complicated exercises best suited to your level of experience. 

Read books 

Reading books is not one of the most common ways to learn how to code. However, its importance remains timeless. If you are willing to put in the effort, it can help you learn most programming languages. It is strongly recommended to make it a habit to read books regularly, as they can also serve as a future reference. Below are some books on programming you may want to check out: 

• Eric Matthes‘ Python Crash Course: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming 
• Code Quickly‘s Learn JavaScript Quickly (Crash Course With Hands-On Project) 
• The Pragmatic Programmer by Andrew Hunt, and 
• Donald Knuth’s The Art of Computer Programming  

Celebrate Wins 

Celebrating accomplishments like successfully compiling and debugging your code, finishing a particular online course, or a book on programming can be a tremendous source of motivation to achieve more in your career. It also plays a crucial role in re-energizing your commitment as a self-taught coder. These benefits emphasize the need for recognizing and celebrating these victories. 

Practice with Other Programmers’ Projects 

Watching tutorials is a great way to learn coding. However, without hands-on experience, you may find it difficult to build the confidence you need. As a web developer, you can replicate other developers’ websites. Doing this can solidify your web development knowledge. You may also change some of the website’s elements or upgrade the cloned website to a better version entirely. A great place to start is GitHub, a repository with invaluable resources for programmers. The website gives new programmers access to projects completed and published by more experienced programmers. It also allows you to collaborate with other programmers on a project of interest. Other GitHub alternatives include GitLab, BitBucket, Kiln, Codeplane, and Amazon Web Services.

Upload Your Projects to Online Forums 

In addition to gaining access to source code, GitHub and its alternatives are great places to share your projects. You might feel insecure about sharing your amateur work with more experienced programmers; however, it is highly recommended to share. Doing this creates room for both positive and constructive feedback which are necessary to make you a better programmer. You can also get a more experienced programmer to run a code review on an uploaded project, which can be intimidating. However, a reviewer can point you to logical errors in the code, ascertain whether your code achieves its objective, and suggest more efficient and effective ways of writing your code.

Write a Lot of Code 

Writing a lot of code by working on many projects is one way you can hone your programming skills. Initial projects may not be perfect, unique or make you money, however, work on them anyway. You can subsequently revisit them to make them better as your level of experience increases. It is widely accepted that quantity beats quality, but this only applies to newbies. As you become more experienced, you will naturally create better projects. A few key reasons to code often include the following: 

• Practice always trumps theory. You may know a lot about programming concepts and theories, but they are useless if you don’t put them into practice. 
• Give yourself room for mistakes and learn from them quickly, and 
• You improve when you are mentally committed to consistently coding. 

Dealing with Coding Challenges 

The journey to becoming a successful programmer is not a walk in the park, it may be filled with challenges. Sometimes, you may get stuck while building a project. So, what do you do if you get stuck? You may want to consider the following tips: 

• Acknowledge the fact that you can be bad at first, but you will eventually become better. 
• Do not get discouraged, instead, hone your problem-solving skills. 
• Do not underestimate the usefulness of search engines such as Google and Bing. Doing a search on the internet can help you figure out almost anything. 
• Get a mentor with the requisite technical background to guide you. A mentor’s wealth of knowledge and expertise can be invaluable to your programming career. 
• Make the most of online forums designed for programmers, e.g., Stack Overflow, to find answers to questions related to coding errors or bugs or ideas on handling coding issues. 
• It is good practice to sometimes take a break from programming. However short it is, the benefits of taking some time off to rest and recharge are evident. 

In Conclusion 

It is possible to become a talented self-taught programmer and rise to the peak of your career in any industry. Getting started might be challenging initially, but you can achieve it if you put in the required effort, stay consistent, and apply the tips in this article.  

Over the past decade, there has been a growing interest in software programming, also known as coding. Today, more and more people are asking questions about the top programming languages and where to learn them. This article explores answers to these questions and more.  

What Are the Top Programming Languages? 

Many languages are relevant in a host of applications in web, mobile, enterprise, and more. The IEEE Spectrum developed an app in collaboration with Nick Diakopoulous, a data journalist, that weighs and combines 11 metrics sourced from 11 websites to rank the popularity of programming languages. Python ranked first in the 2020 ranking. This object-oriented programming language retained its position from previous years. Python, Java, C, C++, JavaScript, and R are also amongst the top 10 most popular languages.  

Besides a passion for solving problems with code, many people consider a coding career because it is financially rewarding. Today, programmers are some of the best paid IT professionals the world over, according to CompTIA. For example, full-stack developers earn a wage of $113,011 US dollars annually, on average.  

 In addition to the increasing demand for IT experts, these reasons make software programming an attractive and potentially rewarding career option. 

Coding: Where to Start 

Coding requires high levels of patience and self-motivation. If you opt for a career in this field, you must put in the work regardless of the many challenges you may face. With that out of the way, here are some pointers on how and where to kick-start your coding career. 

• Start with the Fundamentals  
• Don’t Jump the Gun: Learn the Basics
• Try Your Hand with Your First Project 
• Choosing a Project  
• Seeking Extra Help  
• Gain Hands-on Experience, and  
• College Degree vs. Boot Camp: Choose one

Start with the Fundamentals 

I recommend you start by grasping the basics of programming. The first step to achieve this is deciding on a programming language to learn. This decision must be in tandem with your personal goals: what do you aim to accomplish as a programmer? Are you interested in web or mobile app development? For instance, a web developer requires adequate JavaScript knowledge, a mobile app developer, Java, Kotlin, or Swift, while a data analyst, Python or R programming languages.

Two great ways you can learn these programming languages include using interactive websites and watching online video tutorials.  

Interactive Websites 

Codecademy, Udemy and Coursera are a few interactive websites you can explore for quality content on learning to code. Their developers designed their courses with coding newbies in mind, incorporating compilers into their platforms to ensure seamless coding. Most of these sites offer free tutorials. However, you may get premium content and privileges for a small fee. 

Video Tutorials  

Video tutorials are useful for learning different programming languages. You, however, require an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for code compiling and debugging. Many tutorials also teach you how to install the required IDE. You can get these tutorials from online platforms such as YouTube. Some top YouTube channels where you can learn how to code include: 

• Kudvenkat 
• DevTips 
• ProgrammingKnowledge 
• Mike Locke 
• Learncode.academy 
• TheNewBoston 
• Adam Khoury 
• Treehouse 
• Derek Banas, and 
• CSS-Tricks 

You should note that some of these channels are best suited for beginners, offering valuable tips and tricks, while others are not. 

Don’t Jump the Gun: Learn the Basics 

As a novice, begin with the basics. A solid foundation in coding promises you a formidable career since it provides a base on which you can build more complex concepts. While learning the basics, you can write simple code that can solve simple problems. You may also learn about different data types, variables, various functions, and arrays or lists. Other topics you must pay attention to as a new programmer include: 

• Classes and Objects  
• How to Handle Exceptions 
• “If” Statements  
• Trees and Maps, and  
• Conditional Loops 

 Having a strong background in these topics assures you of a strong coding foundation.  

Try Your Hand with Your First Project  

After grasping the important concepts, the next important step is to build your first project. Gaining expertise in any programming language is the first essential step when building out your portfolio.  

 So, what project should you go for as a newbie? You can work on a simple project that piques your interest and has real-world use cases. For instance, if you are interested in photography, you can build a photography website showcasing your work.  

Start with a simple project at the beginning so you don’t get stuck. Keep working on simple projects until you are confident enough to attempt complicated ones. For example, you can build a simple checkers app if you are interested in working on a gaming project as a newbie. 

 A project that solves a particular problem can be very useful to you and others. Working on such a project can be very beneficial to your coding career in the long run. For example, it can get you more downloads and potential investments from tech companies around the world. These kinds of projects can give you a competitive advantage when applying for a coding job or freelancing gig. Some Python-related examples are website blockers, binary search algorithms, and calculators, while a few simple android project examples are tic-tac-toe and smart alarm. 

Need Extra Help? 

Sometimes you may get stuck while working on a project. What to do when this happens? Below are some useful tips:  

• Google the error 
• Join online forums 
• Attend events and meetups, and  
• Get a mentor  

Knowing how to find solutions to coding problems on search engines can save you a lot of time and stress. I highly recommend that you master this step because it can help you quickly fix errors in your code.   

Online, open-sourced forums like Stack Overflow and GitHub can also help guide you on what to do when you get stuck by directly answering your questions or by letting you download and explore different project resources.   

You can drop your questions on the platform and get relevant answers from more experienced coders and developers. The probability of getting the perfect solution is very high since other coders are likely to have experienced a similar challenge and found an excellent fix. 

 Attending events and meetups can help you network with programmers with similar interests, allowing you to share ideas and compare notes. However, it may be an inconvenience, as it requires you to leave your comfort zone. But you’ll enjoy it once you try it. You cannot neglect the benefits of mentorship. Getting a mentor on the same career path can give you an edge. She can guide you on courses to take, and tips and strategies to follow that will be of help to you. 

Gain Hands-on Experience  

Getting a job, internship, or volunteering are other great ways to hone your coding skills. As a coder, you will end up with a development job. It is therefore advisable that you land a paid or unpaid internship in line with your interests. This can offer a hands-on experience that can help develop your programming expertise. It also affords you the chance to network. 

Moreover, by searching for coding pages on LinkedIn, attending career fairs, and networking, you can find career opportunities. LinkedIn is effective for networking professionally, linking job seekers with prospective employers.  

Career fairs allow you to meet employers face to face, where you have the chance to address them and ask questions about any challenges you may be having. If you’re lucky, they may even onboard you into their internship programs with potential, subsequent full-time employment. You can even possibly land a job from a referral. 

College Degree Vs. Bootcamp 

When trying to decide whether to begin your programming career by getting training from an accredited tertiary institution or attending a Bootcamp, there are no hard and fast rules, as it varies with different people. 

It depends on the learner and her learning ability. However, if you are about to graduate from high school and have a passion for coding, get enrolled in a Computer Science course. If you are interested in coding at a later period of your life, a boot camp might be the better option. Remember that exploring online courses first before enrolling for either of the options gives you a feel of what learning how to code entails, and you can decide whether to go through with it. 

Final Thoughts 

As you’ve learned in this video, you should start with the basics, build your first project, gain hands-on experience, and seek help if you get stuck. You may opt for self-education, or a more structured learning path via college, certifications, or Bootcamps. All in all, software programming offers you great career prospects. 

Linux is one of the most diverse Operating Systems in the world, and it gives you an unprecedented level of control and customization.  Thanks to its open source nature, there are thousands of Linux distributions.

“Distro hopping” has become a thing in Linux communities. To make it easier for you to find a Linux distro that’s suitable for you, we have compiled a list of some of the best Linux distributions out there.

This list has something for everyone.

If you are a pro and looking for highly advanced distros which you can customize, there are distros for you in this article. If you are a Windows user but want a Linux flavor that is easy and fun to use, you will find plenty of options here.

We took into account user feedback, level of customization, stability, package management, UI and other technical aspects while selecting Linux distros for this article.

GoboLinux

GoboLinux makes it to the list of top 10 most awesome distros because of its file system.

GoboLinux organizes programs on your computer in a logical fashion.  Each program in GoBoLinux is assigned a directory tree. This Linux distro doesn’t need a package database because the file system is the database.

GoboLinux uses the file system for indexing. Whenever a file is needed, instead of scanning hundreds of program entries, GoboLinux uses a series of directories containing symbolic links pointing to the actual files. This also gives increased visibility into relationships between packages and files.

GoboLinux also achieves optimization through this core mechanism. All references to files that don’t exist anymore become automatically inactive. This makes is possible to ensure 100% synchronization between indexing and the actual system.

CRUX

CRUX is one of the most popular Linux distros, and is famous for its simplicity and light-weight architecture.

The distribution is based on the tar.gz-based package system, BSD-style init scripts, and a few trimmed packages.

This distro also uses the ports system, which makes it easier for users to install and upgrade applications.

CRUX is ideal if you package a lot of software. Package management in this Linux distro is done through several tools that are very easy to script.

In CRUX, you can make customized packages exactly the way you want, with complete control of your systems.

CRUX uses sysvinit as a default init system. However, it’s slightly difficult to remove dependencies in CRUX after uninstalling a package.

Beginner users will find the distro slightly difficult to set up, mainly because of its bare-bones structure. Even though there aren’t very many ports available in CRUX, you can write your own ports very easily.

It’s also worth noting that the CRUX community is extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and supportive.

Linux Mint

Linux Mint is one of the most popular Linux distros, especially for beginners.

This distribution of Linux is based on Debian and comes with many free and open-source software applications.

Linux Mint is known for being very user-friendly and stable. Linux Mint users rarely complain about crashes or unexpected errors.  The most frequent comment you’d read in reviews is: “It just works!”

The distribution offers required functionality without bloating the UI and system with non-essential or complex features which the common user doesn’t need. Even non-tech individuals who are just getting started with Linux can easily install and setup Linux Mint.

Linux Mint is famous for its smooth and quick detection of external devices without needing manual driver installation.

It is suitable for beginner Linux users who are migrating from Windows.

Mint has all the traditional Windows-like features and design, including a start menu and keyboard shortcuts.

Mint has several desktop environments, but the most popular is Cinnamon. Cinnamon has several desktop effects, transition effects, main menus, launchers, adjustable system trays, and various extensions. You can also perform a lot of customization using the Setting Editor.

Manjaro

Manjaro is an open-source Linux distribution based on Arch Linux.

Majaro stands out in situations where you need a stable OS that has few hardware compatibility issues.

It is a rolling release distro, so you need to be careful when updating your system. Don’t just install any update. Read the distro’s forum in detail to ensure that the update is stable and will work.

Manjaro is fairly easy to set up and install and it’s recommended for people coming from Windows background because of its stark resemblance to the Windows UI.

It is lightweight and uses the popular pacman package manager. This distro also automatically scans your system for any drivers to be installed.

Manjaro is also famous for its kernel management. It remains up to date with the latest kernel, including release candidates. You can also switch in between different kernels very easily.

Manjaro’s community is vast and talented, and you will find a plethora of applications made by Manjaro developers which aren’t available in other repos.

Zorin

Zorin is often recommended if want the look and feel of Windows or Mac but at the same time enjoy the power of Linux.

Some notable features of this Linux distro include clean, simple yet beautiful interface, customization, and ease of user for beginners. It also supports touch interface. The design maximizes space for apps and commonly-accessed content, along with a plethora of gestures to make everything feel seamless.

Zorin offers a variety of UIs and modes to customize the interface and design of your desktop. For example, in Zorin 15 — the most famous version of the distro, you can use dynamic wallpapers on your screen that change based on the time of the day.

Zorin, which is based on Ubuntu, is also extremely useful if you want optimized usage of your system resources, especially in gaming.

Zorin users have experienced a considerable increase in their laptop battery life as compared to other distros and operating systems.

Zorin OS also has a powerful games finder which you can use to find thousands of games free to download.

Fedora

A well-known Linux distro, Fedora makes it to the list of the most awesome Linux distros because of its focus on free software and stability.

Fedora is known for its security, and you can install updates with confidence. Updates are released roughly every six months. This regular update cycle makes Fedora an up to date distro with continuous new features and security revamps.

Fedora is based on RedHat/CentOS, and it uses DNF-based package management, which makes the distro fast and easy to learn.

This Linux distro comes with the Vanilla GNOME UI, which is beautiful and gives you more control over the look and feel of your desktop.

Fedora has one of the largest and strongest communities, as it’s owned by Red Hat, the largest paid contributor to the GNOME desktop.

Fedora provides a lot of open source software. You can also install RPM Fusion repositories to install third-party software.

Some users complain about the slowness of Fedora in high-performance environments. But this is mainly due to strict security standards programmed into the kernel.

elementary OS

elementary OS is a notable Linux distro that is based on Ubuntu LTS. It uses the Pantheon desktop environment, which stands out because of its simplicity and features.

The environment has a lot of structure to it which makes performing common tasks much faster. Users can lock the dock at the bottom of the screen to access shell extensions. Pantheon aligns horizontally, which increases productivity for many. You can also run GTK themes, including elementary-x theme, ePapirus icons and Capitaine-Cursors

This Linux distro is awesome for beginners. If you are coming from Windows, starting with elementary OS would be a feasible option. You won’t have to access the terminal because the UI of the system gives you a lot of control, and the AppCenter takes care of all the updates.

Gentoo Linux

Gentoo Linux is based on the Portage package management system, in which the source code is compiled locally based on user preferences.

Gentoo gives a lot of control over libraries and features for packages. It’s also very easy to add a patch or to edit a package.

The distro offers USE flags which can be used to disable the features which you don’t need.

Gentoo offers a lot of customization for servers.

If you are a Linux enthusiast and want to know how the OS actually works, Gentoo is for you.

Using Gentoo, your command line knowledge will increase exponentially. If customizing an OS and software specifically for your laptop sounds fun to you, you will have a great time using this distro. Gentoo also offers bleeding edge versions of applications.

However, this distro is not for everyone, especially beginners. Gentoo’s compile time is slow. In the case of dependency problems and conflicts with USE flags or package masks, you will have to dig deeper and resolve the issues yourself. 

Kubuntu

Kubuntu is an amalgam of Ubuntu, KDE and Plasma desktop. The initial versions of Kubuntu were unstable and had several bugs. But the distro has come a long way and its most recent version is much more stable and easy to use.

Plasma trackpad control increases productivity in day-to-day tasks. Kubuntu was built with Qt toolkit. The distro is fast, mobile-ready, and offers easy and seamless integration with PC desktop, phone, or tablet.

Package management is also easy in Kubuntu. You can use the Discover GUI package manager from KDE for the Plasma Desktop. You can find new programs, see package details, see user reviews, check APT sources and see firmware updates for different packages.

Kubuntu is also recommended for gaming enthusiasts. For example, Kubuntu 20.04 LTS provides a solid KDE experience, and you can switch between different graphics cards.

This distro also has a strong community because it’s based on Ubuntu.

Void Linux

Void Linux is based on the X Binary Package System (XBPS) package manager and runit init system. Void makes it to the list of top 10 most awesome Linux distros because of its speed, LibreSSL (instead of OpenSSL), OpenBSD’s mandoc instead of man-db, fast package management and clean interface.

The init system is logical and very easy to use. Because of its roots in the BSD community, the distro runs like a charm without forcing users to learn the difficult functions of the backend. It’s a rolling release distro, with up to date packages and proven stability.

Void Linux also has a strong community and support.