In his column "Guru Meditation," Matteo Baccan reflects on the possibility of becoming a programmer at 40 years old.

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Becoming a programmer after 40 is challenging but not impossible. Age can impact expectations and biases in the programming sector. There is a distinction between being a programmer and a software architect. Practical experience and continuous learning are crucial for a successful career in programming.

Can You Become a Programmer After 40?

I agree with the author… to a point… PLEASE do not(!) use open source projects as your learning platform (i.e. don’t contribute to them, reading their source is fine!!) and don’t try to ‘get noticed’ by getting a PR in on an open source project. That’s not what they are for. They don’t need a huge number of newbies trying to find spelling mistakes to ‘fix’.
Want to have something to show? Start your own github right away as you starting learning and ‘show your progress’. As a Development Lead I’ll value that openness more than some random commit on a library project. If you must, code up and post a portfolio website for me to see?

Nice post, especially given the proliferation in the number of courses being offered today.
Completing courses alone won’t make you an expert because real expertise requires applying knowledge to solve practical problems, which courses may not fully simulate. Courses often provide foundational knowledge but lack the complexity and unpredictability of real-world scenarios.
Expertise is built through hands-on experience, learning from mistakes, and adapting to varied situations. Furthermore, mastering a subject involves continuous learning and staying updated with the latest advancements, beyond what any single course can offer.