How should I learn to write programs?

Question

I want to learn how to program computers. I like to think that I am more experienced with computers than the average person, I use the command prompt every day, and I know how to access the command line on the command line, but I have no idea which programs I should start with which language to use. Will it be better to download the language or use one of the programs on my computer, for example, on the command line or vbscript?

I downloaded C # this morning and already wrote two programs. These were small console programs, but I quickly learn and get to know the language.

Answer 1

Assuming you are using Windows, Microsoft is now offering express versions of its VisualStudio products. I suggest you take a look at them and download and start with the one with which you are comfortable. In my opinion, you should probably start with C #, as it is a bit simpler than C ++, but just as powerful, and there are a lot of great tutorials and sample code on the net. In addition, the express versions of VisualStudio are partially designed for training / introduction to the application and programming in general, so they come with a large documentation "Getting Started".

After you have done some lessons, join an open source project in your area of ​​interest or just start writing small applications for your own use. Practice, practice :)

You can find VisualStudio Express downloads here , as well as many other good resources.

Answer 2

In my opinion, the best way to learn coding yourself is to do what you really want to use. I find it easy to lose your momentum when your only motivation is trying to learn something.

Find what you are interested in creating — like a game, a website, a browser extension, an IRC bot, whatever — and from there do research on how to do what you want.

Taking a class is also good if your school offers them.

Answer 3

It is really wise to take a class if you are ready to learn programming from scratch.

You will always self-learn when you are a programmer, but it is easy to develop some bad habits if you do not have the reasons presented to you.

Some people will say to learn C first, some say that you learn the scripting language first. My advice is in the habit of learning any tool that is appropriate for the situation and getting used to not getting stuck in one language or solution.

If your high school does not have a programming class, ask your mom (or anyone else) to help you research college classes that you could take.

Last ... make sure you do something else. Computer entertainment + programming can absorb your whole life. Learn how to do something else so you can live well.

Answer 4

Get one of the HeadFirst Series books. They are really interesting to read, and you will be surprised how much you study.

http://oreilly.com/store/series/headfirst.csp

Answer 5

Take a look at Processing

It is very cool, it was designed as a learning environment, but it is capable of producing graphic effects of the Hollywood level (and was). It is very easy to access, lots of tutorials and examples, as well as advanced projects that need inspiration. It also uses Java syntax (so everything you learn will be useful when you do CSS later). One of my main constant regrets is that I do not have much time to play with him as I would like.

Processing is an open source programming language and environment for people who want to program images, animations and interactions. it is used by students, artists, designers, researchers and lovers of learning, prototyping and production. It was created to teach the basics of computer programming in a visual context and serve as sketch software and a professional production tool. Processing is an alternative to proprietary software tools in the same domain.

Compared to any other offer, you will see that processing is your best chance to teach yourself good coding skills and give your imagination a chance to produce something that can turn heads - it gives an amazing amount of hits for the dollar, and you can show off your work online. Look, although there are examples - there are surprisingly cool, creative programs.

Answer 6

(assuming you run windows)

Choose language

• I went to Microsoft.NET C #.
• You can select a console (command line), web application or Windows application
• The free IDE (mostly a fancy editor) is awesome. http://www.microsoft.com/Express/
• You can also choose VB.NET, for some people it is easier to get started there.
• VERY easy to interact with databases (Access or SQL Server).
• You will not spend hours installing and configuring web servers or compiler command commands.

Choose a book

• Try something like Sams Teach Yourself ASP.NET 3.5 in 24 hours or Learning C # to speed things up.
• If you cannot afford a book, check your local library.
• Spend a couple of weeks working through a book, and then you can start thinking about your own project.

Answer 7

An alternative approach to the comments “try visual .net” here, there is a cross-platform scheme system and an associated book, specially designed for people like you, with some success. In addition, Dr. Scheme is open source.

The potential of this approach is that it is a nice, clean, small design with some powerful tools to get you started, as well as a significantly improved text approach, which is your typical “teach yourself X in a Y-day” technical book.

The disadvantage is that you start with a language (circuit), which, although very beautifully designed, is not the main one, and has a different approach, which is the c-family and related languages ​​that today dominate industrial programming. Therefore, while you will learn with a much more pleasant language (pedagogically speaking), you will not have so many sources of information.

If you follow this track, you will most likely become a better programmer faster, but you will be a bit isolated. When you learn a more general language or two, you will not make many of the same beginner mistakes as most.

I think it depends a lot on your long-term and short-term goals.

Answer 8

Why lucky hard created a platform for teaching children ruby:

Hackety hack

I think this is the best kid-friendly programming tutorial I've ever come across.

Answer 9

start with c, then go to C ++

if you master these 2, you can set yourself up for any concept / programming language, be it java, be it C #

note by master I don’t want you to know by heart every syntax, method, etc., available in these languages, but I mean a wizard for programming programming concepts such as OOPS, inheritance, templates, messaging, memory management, etc.

in principle, if your fundamentals are strong, they will turn a long way into an excellent programmer and a good programmer.

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also keep a subscription to rss of good sites, such as stack overflows :-) keep asking programming questions, read a lot of blogs, books.

Answer 10

Many universities and educational institutions tend to start relegating their students to scripting languages ​​such as JavaScript. In this language, you can practice the methods used in object-oriented programming. Once you begin to understand the theory, you can take a look at translating this theory into Java and then start with C / C ++.

As a basic understanding of the basics of good solid programming, you can use and use other languages, and you will see a curve less steep as you move.

I would say first of all, although I can not recommend a career in programming highly enough.

This is just my opinion.

:-)

Andrew

Answer 11

A few years ago, I would also say C ++, but now I think that C #, especially considering the wide range of free training materials on the net.

Visual Studio 2008 Express editions

This will give you a good idea of ​​the orientation of the object, development in the user interface and Intellisense will help.

Enjoy it!

Answer 12

I found that readers written by others really helped me learn how to write my own code.

Answer 13

Check out this related SO question . It has a ton of links for novice programmers. Some will no doubt provide you with comprehensive information about languages ​​and what you can do with them.

I like C / C ++ / C #, but this is for me. You cannot be mistaken in recognizing them, but there is a world of other things.

Good luck

Answer 14

Whatever language you choose - C is best to start with a serious beginner programmer, or you can start with VB, Java, no matter what you can access - starting with the Hello World program, understand everything that happens when this simple program is running. Then try and add a user invitation for the name to it and make it the "Username" Hello program, etc., and then study the selected language to make it a multifunctional program.

Once you have mastered the basic syntax, go on to the programming examples from a good book for beginners. Do things like print numbers in different patterns, odd / even, pyramids, etc., then move on to the lines and this should make you start well.

The most important thing is not to forget or be afraid to experiment and constantly ask yourself why something is working and the other is not.

Answer 15

I found that the best way to learn programming is to write programs. The most interesting writing programs are often games because they are motivating, interesting, and the end result is that you don’t get tired right away. This is a game.

I'm not talking about learning to program by building the next 3D rendering engine for an FPS shooter. I'm talking about creating simple applications such as math games, quiz applications, horoscope calculators, etc.

Answer 16

You really need to check out Microsoft's "Small Basic" ... It's a great learning environment. I wish I had something so cool when I started.

Microsoft small basic

I also highly recommend that you find a mentor.

Answer 17

this is a free course from microsoft Link good stuff starts at level 2 where you can choose a VB.net video or C # video (I recommend C #), it will be 16 videos that will help you get started, and in the end you will create a complete application

Answer 18

Despite the fact that, of course, it is tempting to start learning one of the popular languages, I would advise him as a first experience. Of course, they are the easiest to find help, but they are also languages ​​with the most peculiar ways, limitations and bends due to how things developed using industry, etc. These are many confusing things, and it is difficult to have a critical eye without the prospect of experience.

In contrast, more exotic languages ​​are often more understandable and understandable, especially if you do not have ready-made programming ideas. Communities are small, but that also means they are more fun and welcoming.

Therefore, I believe that it is better to first learn the basics from a very high level of language and interactive environment. You can go through How to develop programs , this is a great book that goes from simple mathematics to advanced. Also take a look at Smalltalk, Squeak, or Pharo . Processing is probably a good idea to experiment with them.

Then, when you want to switch to more popular languages, there are Ruby, Python, Javascript, and web languages ​​such as HTML and CSS. C will be nice when you wonder how the hardware really works. Reserve Java and C #, if you need work, they are not so funny :)

Answer 19

I think you need google "Hello World". After seeing how to do them in different languages, select the option that suits you best and write a slightly more advanced version of Hello World. Then you can follow the 20 minute tutorial in this language. There are many tutorials like online.

Answer 20

I am a vbscript programmer among other languages, but it is a dead end. If you want to write simple but powerful programs, then quickly choose a functional language, such as Python in your case, even better than Ruby. You can write useful information in only a few lines of code and will not be limited. Do not forget about the multifunctional factor, so do not stop yoyself on .net solutions, but skip java for now.

Currently, knowing only one language as a programmer is not enough, you have to choose the right language for the right work, so I would say, until you are a few years older and still interested in programming, you will use at least five languages. Fortunately, as soon as you know that everything else comes, naturally.

You should take a look at the routing stone programming site http://rosettacode.org/wiki/Category:Programming_Tasks . He has many tasks with solutions in many languages, he learns a lot about style and complexity.

Answer 21

GOOGLE - YOUR FRIEND !!! start at http://www.python.org/