[Generic]

How have you gained applied knowledge in new programming languages after you already learned a few? How long did it take to learn to program in the most recent language you learned to program in? In general what are your main sources for technical knowledge?

Thank you, I am very interested in the replies to this as I want to increase my skills in the best way possible.

[void]

I first learn in college for two years programming Delphi. Its a good langauge but lacks power. I found just messing about with the language helped alot. I kept wanting to create better programs so I had to learn how to do it. I when around the internet looking for how to do something. Then applied it to a problem. I learnt that progamming isn't about just writing code. There is a development process with programs from start in design to end in testing. I'm reading Code Complete 2 by Steve McConnell. This is an excellent book about the development of programs and good practices in being a programming. I would suggest reading it. It's expense, maybe get it from a library or somewhere like Amazon.com (I think theres previous used versions cheap there). He also does some other books on software development.

In general programming isn't something you can just learn just like that, you have to practice, and its suprising what you can forget without practice.

Now I'm learning C# at uni, problem is I know many of the principles of programming but can't express it in a new language. But I'm also learning new features of C# which weren't in Delphi.

What languages do you know, and whats you experience, it would be good to know.

[Generic]

I have had experience in qbasic, C, C++, Pascal, VHDL, Spim simulator assembly language, Scheme, and Java. Right now I only know Java and Scheme.

I'm not asking about how long it takes to learn principles of programming. I mean, let's say I want to write a simple 2-d multiplayer arcade game in Java. How long would it take to learn to do that given that I already know Java syntax? Is this a one month, one week, or one day deal (not including the time required to actually write the game, only including the time required to learn what classes and functions to use)? What's the best way to go at it? (Not that I mean a game specifically, I'm just using that as an example)

[void]

I see. Sorry if the post was a bit different to what you expected, I think I grab the wrong end of the stick :rolleyes:. I wouldn't think it wouldn't take too long. Week maybe, but it depends what the classes are like. Like I said in my other post (kind of) I would mess with classes to understand them. Write silly programs to see how the methods worked. I find using methods in may own way is better than reading about them in a book or on the Internet, because your practicing with them.

[techy]

i think that you mean how long it takes to understand what will you need to finish it, design process. i have something similar like this. it is not very hard to design project but i couldnt motivate myself so couldnt do much. it is just about motivation, learning is just easy( maybe for me). look some beginer tutorials, some easy codes, sample programs.but it takes time to code just like your favourite languages.