I know it's probably a lot harder to become a respected programming developer without that credited college degree... but I know it's possible

I've compiled a list of books I think I should study and take very seriously to be a strong minded developer

The C Programming Language - Kerrigan and Ritchie - most of the other books are a fleshing out of the issues raised here
a good scripting book in the language of your choice (Ruby, Python, PHP) or Java book
Computer Systems - A Programmers Perspective - this book just keeps giving and giving
Discrete Mathematics With Applications - Epps (?)
Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment
A machine learning / AI book maybe Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning OR a dedicated networking book such as TCP/IP illustrated vol #1
Design Patterns or J2EE Design Patterns
Algorithm Design - Kleinberg
Understanding the Linux Kernel - optional

Furthermore learning advanced Trigonometry and Calculus are on the agenda

If you have any advice including suggested study material, websites with guides, personal opinions, etc they are very welcome

1. What level are you at right now?
2. Why do you want to learn trig/calculus? They sound like a waste of time if you're not going to college

There is another book i'd recommend about writing good refactored code, but I don't recall the title off hand

Let's just say i'm a 1st year independent programmer. I'm limited to pretty basic code and understanding right now

Trig/Calc aren't absolutely necessary but they'd just be nice things to know. I already know some trig but advanced trig and pre calc should at least be gone over in my mind

What are you goals? "respected programming developer" is a little vague. You just want to get a decent job without college? You want to be a famous author? You want to start your own blog? Make an app that many people use?

As a beginner, I would suggest first learning a language you like, then making projects with it. Delay things like discrete math and AI until later. Looks like you're doing C first? You can use your C knowledge to write your own iPhone app (or make a website with a web language) which will give you more experience writing larger projects. If you're trying to enter the career field, you'll need to show some of your programs and explain how you designed them, what problems you faced, etc.

Once you're more comfortable coding/designing, then you can focus on more detailed info like AI, the linux kernal, etc.

If you're just interested in it as a hobby, then by all means dive straight into what interests you.

I'd have to say my main aspiration is to enter the career field some how. Whether it be joining a team/company or working on my own client base that's to be determined.

As a beginner I'm focusing on C and Python. What you said is exactly what I plan to do, in regards to creating my own portfolio and overcoming obstacles.

Once i'm more seasoned I'll certainly set sights on the finer details like the aforementioned ones you listed.

For now I'm content with learning on my own, building gradually up, and paying the bills with a run of the mill job.

Some day I hope to get paid for my work though.

go to school
self-made developers are the ones who don't have to ask these questions
just from the fact that you are asking this here instead of googling, which would eventually lead you somewhere like programmers.stackexchange where this question has been discussed countless times by people who have gone either way regarding education, and know their stuff, tells me you don't have the mindset to do it alone
I went to university for 4 years, there's no shame in that (actually 5.5 but I have two BSc. to show for it :P)

Agreed.

If you are just finishing high school and you still don't have a clue how to develop a program...then you should just go to college because at this point you are already behind. Successful self-made developers learn how to code long before they ever finish high school.

I don't have the finances to fund/option to sacrifice a 40 hour work week to invest into going to a university at a rate that would even be worth spending that kind of money on the same thing I can learn by myself

This post was edited by Invizard on May 12 2012 12:50am

FYI that wasn't a job at what you were advising either. It's probably good advice just not for me.

I do have to say that accusing me of being dependent based on polling this forum is a little ridiculous though. Obviously I've researched other aspects of the field in other places.

Honestly I was just curious to hear other peoples opinions, not get mothered.

Sorry to you from us all, for being honest.