|
But I do not know where to start.
I've asked a friend, and he gave me a couple of e-books.
One involved python, another with C++. However he told me that I should study, know Java or Javascript (I forgot) if I want to start programming. So he told me to get either BlueJ or Textpad while learning Javascript. He also gave me the basic tutorial on www.java.sun.com but is it true that I need to know a little bit of HTML before I actually start JAVA? A search on google recommends or already assume that I know HTML....
Anyways, there MUST be some programmers out there. I have a two questions:
1. How should I start off? Java? Then go on to other stuff.
2. What are the recommended books? (I am learning this by myself btw)
 
|
MrHoon
10183 Posts
As someone like me, I've never been fond of "dummies guide etc etc" (reading manuals is for noobs blah blah), I like to use videos more than books for tutorial guides. And then when I get a basic Idea I head to books
|
I would recommend you C++ and HTML for beggining if you`re ambitious.  If not then PHP + HTML is good too. Java is actually MUCH slower than C++ so it will propably never knock C++ out... so C++ is still more useful.
I started learning C++ from various e-books (just use google), And don`t get dissappointed if you can`t get something reading it for the first time.
Good luck!
|
He probably meant Java and not Javascript. And I agree, Java is a nice language to start with, since it's object-oriented and there's a lot of things you can do.
And you don't have to know html to start with Java, Java is not only for web apps and I don't think you'll start making apps for the web.
So yeah, Java is a good start, its pretty similar to C++ but it's easier to get going if you don't know any C. Python is also a nice programming language for beginners, though that doesn't mean they're not powerful.
Sorry but I can't recommend you any specific book =(
|
Learning programming is usually quite boring unless there's something to motivate you. Like you're making games or useful applications. Well that's my opinion anyway, some people are fine spending hours learning syntax and algorithms.
I have only used html, python and delphi so I can't really give any advice on java. I really like python though.
|
So C++ is better to start off with? I'm confused D:
|
It`s a bit harder but more useful imo.
EDIT: And 99.9% of operating systems and games is made in C++ 
|
I would not recommend to start with C++. Well, Python is easier. But IMO, the norm would be to start with Java or C.
HTML and Javascript are different things and are for the internets. Basic HTML is easy but you shouldn't bother with it until you meet it in your programming journey.
|
I started with C++ as my first language, and while today I am happy I did, it was a quite tough time to get started.
Start off with Java or C/C++ and you will get good at thinking like a programmer. After that you can change language quite easily.
Also, like someone said, don't try to learn programming by only reading books and following the tutorials. Try and make a small game, and put everything you read into that, and take any questions you have and read up on that specifically.
My first game was a small nibbels (snake) type game, it took me 6 moths to complete and tought me a lot about classes and C++.
|
Python is by far the best language for learning how to program from scratch, but C/C++ is still by far the most used language. Java is also good starting language, but it really does so much for you that you'll miss out on a lot of stuff (its design philosophy is kinda weird)
|
So it's basically personal preference on where I want to start.
So if I want to start it easy, I should start on either Java, Python, or C.
If I feel like I'm up for the challenge, start with C++!?
|
Not again.. I read "progaming" instead of "programming".
|
On November 18 2008 19:15 clazziquai wrote:
So it's basically personal preference on where I want to start.
So if I want to start it easy, I should start on either Java, Python, or C.
If I feel like I'm up for the challenge, start with C++!?
It's not a matter of easy or difficult, I sincerely believe that one should start with Java. Java introduces the concept of OOP in a very clear manner and removes all the headaches that even bother the brightest people. Java is a much better starting point.
I would strongly suggest a course (from your institution, or take a night class) than going through a book. Books are extremely boring, and you need superman determination to finish one back-to-back. But I recommend books over e-books, as e-books introduce much more distraction.
When you learn Java, learn it well. After you have the basics down -- mainly polymorphism, try to understand how things really work (i.e. at the memory level). After that, you can start learning C++ if you wish. Pointers and memory management will make much more sense then.
I personally started with C++ due to my high school curriculum, and I think was an extremely bad choice now that I've become more experienced.
|
Java is a bit easier than C++.
It has a bit more constraints (to prevent you from messing up)
It does some things automatically (handling memory mostly)
All in all it is a bit more rigid, you can't optimize what you do to the core but if you are a beginner you won't want to.
Also getting memory errors and heritage mess can be very very very annoying in C++.
|
Hm, okay, I will start with Java.
Ultimately, I want to learn C++.
What are the common class names that teach "Java"? or the basics of programming?
|
I also wouldn't recommend C++ as your learning language, there are too many confusing things to learn as a beginner. I've learned programming with Pascal - it's easier to understand because the coding style is more convenient. I recommend you to get to learn how procedural- and object oriented programming works first before moving up to "heavier" languages. Btw... what do you want to program? Maybe it's not even necessary to learn C++... in my opinion Java and especially C# outrank C++ in terms of productivity and accessibility by far.
|
computer language is sooo0o0o0o0 boring. hope you have a good hobby to put it to good use and on your resume (hacking).
|
On November 18 2008 19:51 Moaf_ wrote:
Btw... what do you want to program? Maybe it's not even necessary to learn C++... in my opinion Java and especially C# outrank C++ in terms of productivity and accessibility by far.
Actually, yea, I agree with this. With Java (server) and C# (client) becoming ever popular, C++ might not be necessary for you to learn (unless you want to develop games or IPhone apps).
However, imo, C++ to Programming is like Latin/Greek to Languages (of the Western world). It is very useful, and it will expand your horizons.
As for classes, afaik, there aren't any "java" classes (maybe in community college). Most classes, especially introductory classes, will introduce the fundamentals of computer science via a computer language, and that is largely based on the lecturer's discretion, though Java is much more often chosen than C++ for reasons mentioned above. Ask the registrar's office for details.
|
On November 18 2008 19:47 clazziquai wrote:
Hm, okay, I will start with Java.
Ultimately, I want to learn C++.
What are the common class names that teach "Java"? or the basics of programming?
If you are in a University, try CS1XX. I have no idea with regards to night classes. Probably something like "Introduction to Programming".
|
When I was starting out I found the biggest help to just be messing around with other peoples codes. Tutorials like: do this => then do this => I always found to suck because I always found they didn't really explain how to adapt it to different situations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
EPT
