Noob to Ninja Programmer. Possible?
I know nothing about programming. I wouldn't know the difference between Ruby on Rails and Python if it hit me in the face (remember - go easy! ;) )
I'm wondering if it's possible/feasible, for me to teach myself enough programming to start making some software/website prototypes? This is from a starting point of knowing _nothing_ other than a little HTML and having some laymans appreciation of MySQL databases.
Thing is, I feel like a frustrated programmer. My actual training is a PhD in genetics (so I'm not thick, innit!). This is intensely annoying, because I keep having "internet start-up" ideas. I know my ideas aren't too bad - as most of the time when I start researching them, I realise someone else has recently started the same thing! However, most of them are the sort of thing, where if I could programme (should I be saying "hack"?), I could make it in my spare time and then test its potential. As I can't programme, all I end up doing is getting frustrated - kinda like a burning feeling inside.
I have, kinda by accident, worked as a project manager on the re-design and re-launch of a "business intelligence" tool - essentially a reasonably complicated database with business information in it. I do enjoy all kinds of web-geekery, and I think I have a good appreciation, if not understanding, of the technical aspects of web-apps, web-design, databases and, to a much lesser degree, actual programming.
I'm trying to persuade the programmer, with whom I worked on the above project, to join me in a start-up, but I'm not sure he's that keen. If he doesn't want to do it, I don't know any other programmers and I'm left with these ideas burning a whole in my head.
I just wish I could do it myself. Oh If only I'd been born 10 years later I might have taken an interest in computers as a kid!
So... in your honest opinion, is it possible enough for me to learn in my spare time, enough programming, to make a prototype start-up website? I don't mean some crappy HTML page, but something database-backed with some sophistication. Should I just forget it and try to persuade my programmer friend, or just ditch the ideas altogether? If you think I will just waste a year and then not be able to produce anything do say. I do realise that good programmers have it in their DNA and have been hacking since they were knee-high to a jumpy thing.
If it is feasible, where do I start? I've seen plenty "beginners guides to <<insert language>>" etc., but they are all for people who already code. Not complete noobs off the street!
If it's not possible (which I doubt it is), where does a man with ideaz and no skillz turn? If I had a bunch of cash I would pay someone to create my visions!