[kwatsonafter]

Here's some advice: if you're really interested in learning, "Computer Science" than I'd actually steer away from online communities and the like-- you're going to run into a lot of people that you might assume know things that give you ideas that you'll eventually have to self-correct. There are relatively few academically competent, "computer people" in the world after the dissolution of science and technology programs in the post-war economic period. Watch Alan Kay talks. Read Computer Lib by Ted Nelson.

There's a theory that through the 80's and 90's that, "many of the elves left Middle Earth" (ie. the first competent generation of PC-literate computer people have left the industry) Bill Atkinson went and became a photographer after developing HyperCard. There are other examples. Learn, "Humanism" first. Computer literacy will follow if it is your destiny.

[greazy]

> There are relatively few academically competent, "computer people" in the world after the dissolution of science and technology programs in the post-war economic period.

...what in the hell are you talking about.

[Peach_blue]

Thank you for your thoughts, I will keep that in mind. What do you mean with humanism (I did Google it) and how would computer literacy follow that?

I'm in my mid thirties and I worked with people most of my life. I'm looking to pour my ambition into something different now. I know the word 'hobbyists' is in the title, maybe that was a mistake. I intend to use the knowledge for a career down the line. I just don't want to be somebody who learns to code in 6 months and then is thrown into the arena. I want to really understand stuff and then see where the path leads me, because I have the luxury of taking my time.

[john_the_writer]

Honestly. I can't think of a better way to learn.

Here's something they might not tell you. That feeling that you've been thrown into an arena, that never leaves you.

Let's say you spend 2 years learning how to write c++ for a hugely popular mobile platform. You're an expert. Then PalmPilots go out of fashion so you learn Java and spend 3 years becoming an expert in writing Blackberry apps. Kaboom! So you switch back to C++ for PocketPC.. then crap back to Java for Android.. OMG Kotlin. Oh.. ReactNative.

OH.. How about you spend 3 years learning Rails then 2 years learning Elixir and 3 more years learning python.. Back to Rails, but now it's completely different. Node? WTH is Node?

How about 3 years on React, then switch to Vue. Nope! Ember!

Becoming an expert is really about being able to keep moving.

Take the 6 months, and get in.

On the positive side. You'll never really understand stuff, it moves too fast, and you'll love it.

[Peach_blue]

Ok, I have an Alan Kay talk running right now, and I think I know where you are coming from with the humanism thing.

I do in fact intend to use the CS knowledge for what I consider a good cause. Not just to get a job.