Computer Science Basics for Beginners

🚀 Career Paths in IT

The IT industry offers a wide variety of career paths — each with different responsibilities, required skills, and growth opportunities. Whether you're passionate about coding, testing, operations, or data — there’s a place for you in tech!

💻 1. Software Developer / Engineer

• What they do: Write, test, and maintain code for applications
• Languages: Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, etc.
• Tools: Git, VS Code, Postman, GitHub
• Recommended learning: Start with Python + web development (e.g., build udaanpath-style apps)

🔍 2. QA Engineer (Tester)

• What they do: Ensure apps work as expected; find bugs before users do
• Types: Manual testing, automation testing (e.g., Selenium, JUnit)
• Skills: Test case writing, basic programming for automation
• Tip: Beginners can start with manual testing and learn Python + Selenium for automation

⚙️ 3. DevOps Engineer

• What they do: Automate software delivery, manage infrastructure, handle CI/CD
• Tools: Docker, Jenkins, GitHub Actions, AWS, Linux
• Skills: Scripting, cloud services, performance monitoring
• Tip: Learn basics of Linux, Git, cloud (GCP/AWS), and containerization

📊 4. Data Analyst / Data Scientist

• What they do: Analyze data to generate insights or build ML models
• Tools: Excel, SQL, Python (pandas, NumPy), Tableau
• Skills: Statistics, visualization, communication
• Tip: Start with Excel → SQL → Python → ML

🌐 5. Frontend Developer

• What they do: Design and build the visual part of websites and apps
• Tools: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Tailwind CSS
• Skills: UI/UX understanding, responsive design
• Tip: Try replicating pages from udaanpath.com as practice!

🔐 6. Cybersecurity Analyst

• What they do: Protect systems from threats and vulnerabilities
• Skills: Networking, ethical hacking, OSI model, security tools
• Tools: Wireshark, Burp Suite, Nmap
• Learning path: Start with basic networking → Linux → Security essentials

📌 Bonus Roles

• UI/UX Designer: Focus on user interface and experience (tools: Figma, Adobe XD)
• System Administrator: Manage and monitor IT systems
• Product Manager: Bridge between business and tech teams
• Technical Writer: Create documentation and guides

🧭 How to Choose the Right Path

• Try small projects in each area — frontend, backend, automation, data
• Watch YouTube day-in-the-life videos for different roles
• Join open-source or internship programs (even unpaid ones initially)
• Ask yourself: What kind of problems do I enjoy solving?

✅ Coming Next

In the next chapter, we’ll explore Tools Every Beginner Should Know — including Git, VS Code, Docker, Postman, and more.