Wanting to transition from Systems Admin to Developer

I am looking to get into to Software Development and am looking for any guidance on where a good place to start might be.

Here is my background:

I Have taken Java, C, C++, VB classes in college about 6 years ago. Since then I have not done anything with programming and have been 100% systems admin (Microsoft Admin). Recently in the last few months I have somewhat learned C# but nothing in depth, very entry level learning at this point.

I also have some HTML, JavaScript, and CSS experience but again mostly entry level and recreational, nothing professionally done.

My plan was to first lean C#, read a couple books and go through examples and build some sample applications in just C# form.

Then I was thinking maybe getting deeper knowledge of HTML, CSS, and Javascript, again reading books and building sample sites.

Then I was thinking of getting in depth knowledge of ASP.NET as it combines the C# language I would know with HTML, CSS, and web technologies I would know.

Once I am entry level in these areas I am not sure what the best plan to continue is (or if my plan above is the best approach for that matter) to get deeper into custom application development on the business side, basically making a career out of application development for businesses instead of just going on building ASP.NET web sites. I would like to get more along the lines of custom app development using say SQL server on the back end and .NET technology on the front end. Hope this makes sense as I am new to most of what I am talking about.

I greatly appreciate any feedback, information, or opinions on this topic as I am just looking how to sort this all out and the best approach on switching from and admin to a developer.

Thank you,

Well Mark, I think you can plan of finding work doing ASP.NET development in C# without much difficulty provided you have the skills necessary. You can plan on being given technical interviews and tests so it is best to have a solid understanding of the .NET framework as well as the things you mentioned to included ASP.NET, HTML 5, CSS level 3, and JavaScript. You will likely also need JQuery, something like JQuery UI or Kendo UI, WCF, T-SQL, and of course MVC.

Aside from books, you might take a look at something like Pluralsight.com - you can get a free trial to the service there for 200 minutes (its video instruction and generally well done). The low end of the service is $29 a month or so. You might look at a membership with ACM as well - with the membership (which is not expensive) you can gain access to their publications as well as Safari online, Books 24x7, and some certification track training. There are also some video courses there as well.

1 Reply

Know the answer? Post it — somebody with the same question will find it here.

Scott Lysle13y ago
Accepted answer
Well Mark, I think you can plan of finding work doing ASP.NET development in C# without much difficulty provided you have the skills necessary. You can plan on being given technical interviews and tests so it is best to have a solid understanding of the .NET framework as well as the things you mentioned to included ASP.NET, HTML 5, CSS level 3, and JavaScript. You will likely also need JQuery, something like JQuery UI or Kendo UI, WCF, T-SQL, and of course MVC.

Aside from books, you might take a look at something like Pluralsight.com - you can get a free trial to the service there for 200 minutes (its video instruction and generally well done). The low end of the service is $29 a month or so. You might look at a membership with ACM as well - with the membership (which is not expensive) you can gain access to their publications as well as Safari online, Books 24x7, and some certification track training. There are also some video courses there as well.