Beg. to prog

gbtesh · 08-10-2006, 01:57 PM

Hey,
i really want to start to learn prog, can anyone suggest any basic guides.
i know basics of computers but i just need sometihng to help me get into prog. thanks

hillbillybob · 08-10-2006, 02:23 PM

Oh, that's a tough one. This is personal, but you might want to start programming in C/C++. Somebody will ask why, and here are my reasons...

1.) Old Skool
2.) Sequential
3.) Teaches the fundamentals, pointers, arrays, garbage collection, portability, effeciency, along with some advanced concepts (oop, etc)
4.) Lots and Lots of code snippets, API's, manuals, IDE's, Compiliers, and support
5.) no need for extra software (ie JVM)

I know that C/C++ is more widely supported by operating systems, and yes, it is more difficult. But once you get that hammered, I would suggest Java. Java is easier, but you don't learn the fundimentals as easily.

As for guides,

Books -- I started with the * for dummies. My first book was C for Dummies. Just like they say, for people who don't know anything about the subject matter.

Sites -- DevX.com, or google it for C/C++ tutorials, they are out there.

jaeusm · 08-10-2006, 03:15 PM

Not to be too nit-picky, but...

Quote:

3.) Teaches the fundamentals, pointers, arrays, garbage collection, portability, effeciency, along with some advanced concepts (oop, etc)

C and C++ do not use garbage collection. The programmer is responsible for managing memory. Java and C#, however, use garbage collection.

Also, C and C++ are far less portable than languages like Java and Python.

Quote:

Java is easier, but you don't learn the fundimentals as easily.

I guess that depends on what you consider the fundamentals. As far as learning the fundamentals of programming, Java facilitates that quite nicely.

The Future · 08-10-2006, 03:30 PM

I personally suggest Java. As was said, it is a far stretch easier than C++, and it has the benefit of teaching you the techniques of Object-Oriented programming right off the bat, so you don't have to unlearn anything later. Learning Java is not impossible, as there are millions of resources online, and hundreds of books in your library.

hillbillybob · 08-11-2006, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jaeusm
Not to be too nit-picky, but...

C and C++ do not use garbage collection. The programmer is responsible for managing memory. Java and C#, however, use garbage collection.

Also, C and C++ are far less portable than languages like Java and Python.

I guess that depends on what you consider the fundamentals. As far as learning the fundamentals of programming, Java facilitates that quite nicely.

Apologies, you misunderstood me, I meant that it does teach garbage collection.

As for fundamentals...I can see where you say that. My opinion still stands as my opinion.

fjf314 · 08-11-2006, 10:07 PM

I would also recommend Java. It's a great way to get into object-oriented programming. It's portable and will work on pretty much any operating system. There are also a lot of online tutorials, even at Sun's Java page.

Snake-Eyes · 08-11-2006, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by hillbillybob
5.) no need for extra software (ie JVM)

What about a compiler?

hillbillybob · 08-16-2006, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Snake-Eyes
What about a compiler?

Sorry, I meant extra software on top of the compiler/linker. My intentions were the base software needed to program.

xynthetik · 08-17-2006, 02:48 AM

yeah im also very very interested in programming also ! i know my bases when it comes to hardware but software is like a fog to me. Would you guys mind clearing up what you guys talk bout? like ie

Fundamentals

Portability

and yeah anything thats 5+ letters please !thanks so much.

hillbillybob · 08-17-2006, 09:48 AM

Poratability - being able to take code from one software or OS platform to another through generally accepted practices.

Fundamentals - Syntax and semantics (spelling and grammer of the language), Memory management, loop and logic structures.

OO - stands for Object Oriented, often mentioned as OOP, Object Oriented Programing. A very popular paradigm for programming as it allows code to be reused easier. First Popularized by C++.

Compiler - software that changes source code (what you the programmer writes) into machine language that can be readily processed by the CPU

That's some to get your started. Google it, best thing I can tell ya. We can't list everythig that there is. really want a cheap (not free) online resource....safari.oreilly.com.

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