If you are bound and determined to be a programmer/trader, learn from the trap I found myself in - I spent more time coding than learning to trade. Days upon days the market gave me opportunities and I spent that time coding. Programming is a VERY time consuming task, even if you get good at it.
This is false. I've trained people to be a competent junior level programmer in sub 6 months. It takes some natural talent and a ton of dedication (think 3-4 hours a day of reading + exercises), but doable with the right mindset and mentor. This isn't kung fu. You don't meditate on top of a mountain until the gods of programming confer upon you ancient tomes of software engineering knowledge. Modern programming languages (think modern Python, Ruby, Go, etc) are designed with the lowest common denominator in mind. It has never been easier to learn to code at a junior level in the history of the industry.
I absolutely agree. And if all you need to do is junior-level stuff, you're good-to-go! But like other endeavors ... a few months of training, even with great talent and focus and tools, probably isn't going to prepare you to conquer more complex challenges
3-4 hours a day is not much at all. Alternative scenario is that I'm just slow or focusing on trading as well which itself steals focus.
Of course. You can start with Python, easy and powerful for trading and data analysis (unless you are doing HFT).
Oh no, they are worth it. I paid my tour guide $30,000 to take me to the top of the mountain to meditate on. I'm just saying if you aren't aiming to reach enlightenment you shouldn't be discouraged.