Thread: Here is my Java goal! (Is this feasible?)

First, my story:

I have had no programming experience prior to starting this journey besides a Visual Basic course that I took in 2010 that I failed. It was boring so I thought maybe CS wasn't my thing.

I'm 22 now, and a lot wiser.

I started Java about 2 weeks ago and it was really frustrating. I bought a book, (Sams Teach Yourself Java in 21 Days) and began reading. The book was rather drab but I stuck out the first 100 pages. I ended up combining the book with some tutorials online and finally started understanding Java. I then picked up another book from online called Think Java - How to Think Like a Computer Scientist and things have started connecting in my mind.

What ended up happening is now I can't go a whole minute without thinking about programming. I'm hooked! I have to coerce myself into putting the books down and Googling code.

And now my goals:

My goal is to spend the rest of this year learning Java and in December of this year, hopefully, I will be able to make an app for Android. That's my first goal.

If I succeed in this, I will make tutorials for people that bring all of the knowledge they need into one place. I've read all these blog posts about teaching yourself to code and why it's such a good thing, blah, blah, blah. I'm testing it. I want to see if you can really teach yourself to code in a year's time, and be proficient in it.

I'm not really trying to get a job programming. If anything I will do a tech startup.

By next year April, I want to have made a good game, or have a game in development. (by "game" I mean something like an indie game like Super Meat Boy, Braid, or Don't Starve. Be it on Android or PC or console or whatever)

Are these goals realistic/possible?

Welcome to the forum! Please read this topic to learn how to post code in code or highlight tags and other useful info for new members.

Are these goals realistic/possible?

If you're dedicated and don't have anything else to do (like work a real job to survive), probably.

Goal #1:

. . . in December of this year, hopefully, I will be able to make an app for Android . . .

Entirely possible. You could make your first "Hello World" Android app tomorrow, but I support you building your Java knowledge, confidence, and proficiency before starting Android programming.

Goal #2:

. . . make tutorials for people that bring all of the knowledge they need into one place . . .

Don't do this. I'm not sure what this is about. It's been done a thousand times, rarely well. Focus on building your own knowledge, help others when you can and have the time, but don't expect the be the source - or even collect in one place the source - of all info anyone will ever need. It's a bit silly.

Goal #3:

I will do a tech startup

Good luck! I mean that sincerely. Chances are you'll make several attempts before becoming successful, but persistence pays off. Don't become discouraged, believe in yourself and your ideas, and have a regular job to pay the bills.

Goal #4:

By next year April, I want to have made a good game, or have a game in development.

If this is related to number 3, it needs to be your focus, then #3 may follow. (How are they related, and what's the timing?) A successful game - however you define success - is rarely the result of one person's efforts. It takes a team of people with different talents. It's a little bit like creating a hit song. Getting a Top 40 hit might happen from one person's efforts, but it's usually a group effort.

Don't be a stranger. Keep us posted on your successes and failures. We're here to help. (But no money or expectations of sharing the profits.)