A 37-year-old wanting to learn computer science

Where's the part where you became qualified to teach Math, Science and Computers to primary students after dropping out of school because of "competitive exams" (exams aren't a competition)?

There is no age limit.

In the end it’s all about bytes and the meaning you assign them.

Edit: and algorithms

If you wanted to work on rebuilding engines or modding cars, would you go get your phd in physics?

The answer actually is, maybe, depending on what you want to do.

You’d certainly want to understand and have a strong intuition for physics, but knowing how to solve a differential equation isn’t going to necessarily make you a better mechanic. Understanding the concepts of what you’re solving might, but the raw technical calculus skill will most likely not

I’m not saying this to discourage you, simply throwing it out there for you to keep in mind as you embark on your journey. A lot of the coding that happens day to day is SV is more akin to a mechanic working in the ship than a physicist in the laboratory (or in front of the chalkboard) and I guess it’s just my way of saying to stay vigilant that what you’re studying will enable you to achieve your goals.

Only you know them and you very well may need extra physics for the type of work you want to do - definitely not saying that’s not possible

A lot of people in the valley make people feel like if they don’t have a cs degree they aren’t real coders and shouldn’t be allowed within 50 miles of contributing code. Just so you know this is bullshit :)

I’ve come across all types of devs - from high school drop outs to egghead Phds and I’ve seen awesome and terrible work from both camps

> I really want to learn how to… (misc domain stuff)

From your objectives, I don’t think you want to learn computer science, you want to learn how to be a full stack software developer.

Learning certain aspects of computer science may certainly help you, but it’s by no means a prerequisite - and won’t help you to actually build things.

Learn the things you aim towards by doing and reading domain specific knowledge.

Stop writing about how you're going to do this, and just do it. Everything you need is available online.

Writing blog posts like this is a form of procrastination, and distracts from your stated goal.

A bit too much romanticizing the field of software for me... I'm not sure this will really help you rediscover yourself.

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