Beginning computer programming?
Posted Sunday, July 5, 2009 by admin
can someone give me some pointers on computer programming? (i.e.-important concepts to learn, computer language to start off with, etc.) Suggestion of books and specific compilers for the language would be helpful too.
Thanks
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Posted in Programming Design
I personally started with JavaScript and then moved into C++. I recommend that you start off with JavaScript and then Visual Basic and then Java then C++ unless you feel you are mentally ready. JavaScript can give you ability to make programs without all the technicalities. It also allows you to get the good habits of programming with quick results. Here’s why I gave you the list I did:
Java is simplified C++. Basic is simplified Java and Javascript is related to C++ and Java. Do not make the mistake of assuming Javascript and Java are the same thing. They have similar functions (for instance the Math methods), but Javascript does not have data-types, and neither does your work need to be done all within a class or even a function for that matter.
C++ is a great beginner language and it’s easy to learn! Go get a book (I used Sam’s Learn C++ In 21 Days - Awesome Book) and a compiler I recommend Microsoft Visual C++, many programmers use it and it’s nice to be able to get help from other people. The books will take you through and you’ll get the hang of it fast. The first language you learn is the hardest, so once you get the hang of one, it’s easy to learn others! Good luck!
Hello,
I would not agree with the posters above. Being a software developer I would say that learning C++ at nowadays may be not a wise decision at all if not a waste of time. The only reason you would want to learn C++ is if you really wanted to be a system coder, like writing drivers, assemblies (even C is more appropriate here), and other low-level stuff.
Having said that, I think I need to mention that I was studying C++ when I was in a college and worked for a while as a C++ programmer. Until I learnt a language I’m going to advise you
The C# language is the language of my choice as well as Microsoft’s. C# is very similar to C++ (and derived from C++), but you don’t have to study C++ in order to learn C# (the same applies to C and C++).
You can write almost any program in C#, it can be a windows application (including games), web application (e.g. web site), assembly, windows or web service, etc.
Visual Basic .NET (VB.NET) is another language to consider. VB.NET is very similar in opeartion to C# and is VERY different to any previous installment of Visual Basic - do NOT try studying any of previous versions of VB (up to 6.0) - complete waste of time, unless you’re going to live until 300 years
If you’re going to program mostly web sites, using Linux servers, then I’d recommend PHP - another very popular programming language, but completely different from C# or VB.NET.
There’re also a few new dynamic languages coming (Ruby and Python) with .NET 3.0 (it’s .NET 2.0 at the moment most widespread), but my choice is still:
C#
and my prediction it will be strong for quite a while in the enterprise applications
Sam’s is fine as well, but may be a bit superficial. Wrox series sometimes good, sometimes a bit messy as they usually have co-authors, but I started learning C# with the Wrox book (I read the Sam’s later as well).
As for the books, go to Amazon and read feedbacks. It depends if you have any previous programming experience at all, but any beginners books with enough stars would be fine
Good luck,
Misha
Here’s a set of C++ videos tutorials to get you started right from the beginning with installing a free compiler:
Installation: