programing and coding

sunil2010

Junior Member
Mar 9, 2013
2
0
0
i am a new guy to programing, please suggest me how to start?


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Moved to the Programing and coding forum.
-JackMDS

Previously locked in error, my bad.

Markbnj
Programming mod
 
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Ken g6

Programming Moderator, Elite Member
Moderator
Dec 11, 1999
16,560
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I see JackMDS did step 1 for you.

Step 2: Be more specific. What kind of programs do you want to make? Web applications? Games? Desktop applications? Phone/tablet apps?

What OS would you be coding for, if you're not making web apps?
 

rozkan

Member
Mar 1, 2013
44
0
0
Pick a language. I suggest Python, enroll in a free online class and also buy a solid book.
 

Chaotic42

Lifer
Jun 15, 2001
34,348
1,523
126
The very first thing that you need to understand is that like any skill, it takes practice to become proficient. Books are great, but there's no substitute for actually doing it. Don't be afraid to get in and program. Your first several programs will suck. I suggest treating it like play time. Start putting things together and seeing what happens. Your programs don't have to be good or even work properly, as long as you're learning.

If you're ready to take the journey, you need to think about what it is that you want to do. C is a good place to start, but it's pretty low level and unforgiving. If you want nice visual results, you're probably going to want to look elsewhere. C++ is a very popular language and is an extension of C. C++ is an object-oriented language, where C is not (though you can come pretty close with something called structs). Object Orientation means that you can deal with things called objects, which are logical groupings of properties and abilities.

As an example, you could create a "dog" object which has a name, a color, a breed, and has the ability to scratch itself. Then in your program you could create several of these dogs with distinct properties.

Python is a high level language and I think its syntax and general flow are a little easier. It's slower than C or C++, but it may be less overwhelming for a first language. C and C++ can be scary, but they're worth learning at some point.

This message is long and rambling, but the point is that you need to decide what you want to do, what your time frame is, and you need to understand that it takes a lot of work to become a good programmer.

If you *do* choose C or C++, I suggest their respective books by Deitel and Deitel. Do the exercises and put in the time. If you try and take shortcuts, you may end up with cracks and holes in the foundation of your knowledge.
 

rozkan

Member
Mar 1, 2013
44
0
0
I suggest you not to learn C++ especially not C as first language, other than drivers/firmware C is pretty much unnecessary. C++ is still widely used for many purposes, but its learning curve is steep compared to many newer languages. Another issue with C++ is the fact that you have to code longer lines. What you can write in C++ in 12 hours, you can probably write in about 2 hours in Python. Another thing to consider is thickness of the book. A typical introductory Python book is about 300 pages. It is around 1200 pages for C++. Finally what Chaotic42 says is true, C++ is faster, C is even faster. However, this is not 1983. You won't notice any difference in speed whether you start with Python or C++.

PS: I love C++, it gives you a very good understanding of programming. However, it is not the only thing to consider and it is not a good choice for a beginning language unless you are really smart, patient and good at mathematical thinking.
 

Chaotic42

Lifer
Jun 15, 2001
34,348
1,523
126
Do they have a good analogue for QBASIC these days? Something where you can easily draw shapes and play music and stuff? I think that would ease people into programming more so than even Python. Could be a good project for a CS grad student. :p
 

rozkan

Member
Mar 1, 2013
44
0
0
Do they have a good analogue for QBASIC these days? Something where you can easily draw shapes and play music and stuff? I think that would ease people into programming more so than even Python. Could be a good project for a CS grad student. :p

Any simpler than Python, it would be PHP.:)
 

Markbnj

Elite Member <br>Moderator Emeritus
Moderator
Sep 16, 2005
15,682
14
81
www.markbetz.net
Any simpler than Ruby, it would be jscript?

I think that's a misconception, personally. Javascript is probably one of the more difficult languages to get things right in. It's full of pitfalls, and won't do anything at all to help when you get something wrong.
 

Gronnie

Member
Jan 21, 2013
91
0
16
I think Python or Java would be a good place to start. The Associate's program I am graduating from in May starts with Java.
 

sunil2010

Junior Member
Mar 9, 2013
2
0
0
The very first thing that you need to understand is that like any skill, it takes practice to become proficient. Books are great, but there's no substitute for actually doing it. Don't be afraid to get in and program. Your first several programs will suck. I suggest treating it like play time. Start putting things together and seeing what happens. Your programs don't have to be good or even work properly, as long as you're learning.

If you're ready to take the journey, you need to think about what it is that you want to do. C is a good place to start, but it's pretty low level and unforgiving. If you want nice visual results, you're probably going to want to look elsewhere. C++ is a very popular language and is an extension of C. C++ is an object-oriented language, where C is not (though you can come pretty close with something called structs). Object Orientation means that you can deal with things called objects, which are logical groupings of properties and abilities.

As an example, you could create a "dog" object which has a name, a color, a breed, and has the ability to scratch itself. Then in your program you could create several of these dogs with distinct properties.

Python is a high level language and I think its syntax and general flow are a little easier. It's slower than C or C++, but it may be less overwhelming for a first language. C and C++ can be scary, but they're worth learning at some point.

This message is long and rambling, but the point is that you need to decide what you want to do, what your time frame is, and you need to understand that it takes a lot of work to become a good programmer.

If you *do* choose C or C++, I suggest their respective books by Deitel and Deitel. Do the exercises and put in the time. If you try and take shortcuts, you may end up with cracks and holes in the foundation of your knowledge.
__________________
sorry for late reply and thanks for detailed information. how to get free books of deitel and deitel?
 
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Ken g6

Programming Moderator, Elite Member
Moderator
Dec 11, 1999
16,560
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I don't think Deitel and Deitel make free books. But there are free books around. Everyone but me who does Ruby programming seems to like Why's (Poignant) Guide to Ruby, for instance.
 

sunilmkt

Member
Nov 21, 2012
38
0
61
Good discussion about Python and java, But I am slietly confused about the future of Python. I lives in India. rarely I have seen tow or three Python programming. if I will go with Python. can I find good job?.
 

smackababy

Lifer
Oct 30, 2008
27,024
79
86
I think I see the biggest push in web based Java development currently. Tons of schools are pushing out Java developers and tons of companies are pushing to web based apps. The problem is the market is saturated with subpar Java coders. Distinguish yourself as one of the good ones, and you won't have problem finding jobs.
 

exdeath

Lifer
Jan 29, 2004
13,679
10
81
Assembly language . Knowing the fundamentals of a computer will allow you to understand and appreciate all other languages.
 

EagleKeeper

Discussion Club Moderator<br>Elite Member
Staff member
Oct 30, 2000
42,589
5
0
Assembly language . Knowing the fundamentals of a computer will allow you to understand and appreciate all other languages.

along with appreciating quality documentation and comments