You can learn to program in Linux? becoming familiar with the operating system interface, learning how to use the command line correctly, and mastering at least one programming language commonly used with the Linux? platform. Many entry-level Linux? programmer jobs require certification in the vendor-neutral Linux?+ exam objectives. Because a large amount of material is freely available for you to learn and practice at your own pace, becoming a Linux? programmer can often be done on your own. If you have a prior background in computer programming or system administration, this option is usually the most effective. If you feel you need more help, many two-year colleges and technical schools offer programs that will prepare you for a career as a Linux? programmer.
Understanding open-source software and its associated requirements is one of the first steps toward becoming a Linux? programmer. Linux? programmers create source code and make it available for other programmers to examine and edit as they see fit. Examining some of these code samples will provide you with a good understanding of the structure and syntax of a good Linux? software application. You can usually find plenty of free tutorials and even full-length textbooks to get you started on the basics of navigating the Linux? command line in addition to source code samples.
Programming in the Linux? operating system also necessitates familiarity with using a terminal rather than a graphical user interface to navigate and modify the system. This method gives a Linux? programmer more control over system adaptations as well as the creation of new programs from scratch. Rather than using a compiling program called an integrated development environment, some Linux? programmers code in a terminal mode editor (IDE). You’ll have more flexibility learning the languages required to become a Linux? programmer if you can program in both an IDE and the Linux? terminal mode.
To become a Linux? programmer, you’ll need to know at least one programming language. Beginning programming courses in languages like C, Java?, C++, and Perl are available at many adult vocational schools and two-year colleges. If you have no prior computer programming experience, these courses can provide a solid foundation. The same school programs may also offer courses to prepare you for the Linux?+ certification, which is useful for a variety of entry-level Linux? programmer jobs. Completing a two-year computer science degree with a focus on Linux? programming will also qualify you for a variety of jobs.