computer programming - advice anyone?

[rayomer]

Can any computer people out there give me some advice on computer programming.

I would like to learn, you know start from the easiest and work my way up, but I don't know where to start.

Which software would be ideal for a novice like me to begin with?

 

[Desredandwhite]

that's pretty broad. do you want to do programming for the internet, or for software etc?

maybe the thing to do would be to research which area you're interested in, tehn maybe try out an online tutorial and then maybe a class or two.

 

[rayomer]

I would like to learn programming for software. Especially learning a program that is used to create games.

 

[sabre_ac]

*Groan*
I did computer science for one year....
It was the most painful experience of my life, you spend a few hours writing up a program and then you will spend at least twice as long removing the bugs.
Its a very time consumring job that takes a very specific type of person to do.
By all means learn it but dont invest in a course unless you are absolutely certain thats what you want to do.

 

[nonchalance]

Then the best thing for you to do is find a TAFE institution that runs game programming courses and take one.
Seriously, it's a hugely wide topic.

 

[Desredandwhite]

Originally posted by sabre_ac
[Byou spend a few hours writing up a program and then you will spend at least twice as long removing the bugs.[/B]

Yes Sabre, but only if you're VERY good

rayomer, if you're not the sort of person who likes (or can at least tolerate) sifting through lines and lines of code looking for the stray comma that's just ruined an entire program for hours and hours on end... then maybe programming is not for you... Most of my work is HTML/javascript.. they're very easy and unstructured things but STILL manage to frustrate me on a daily basis

 

[Stucey]

C : Dos
C : Dos/Run
Run/Dos/Run

 

[Pornstar]

I bought a book for $60 that teaches you how to program in C++ in 21 days. It begins at the absolute novice level, so there's no need for any prior experience. This would be the best thing for you to start with - small cash outlay, work at your own pace, and you will soon learn whether or not you've got what it takes to program.

BTW programming is a pain in the arse. Best to let nerds write the programs and then pirate them.

 

[KingyOrTheKing]

I've learnt to program in quite a few languages and like C. I don't know why this is. Still, most uni courses start with java so maybe thats the best way to go.
But as nonchalance says, see if there is a TAFE course...

 

[M29]

Stay away from Java. It is a **** language.

C++ is pretty handy, once you have that under your belt you can master PHP and Perl. VB is simple as hell. If you feeling 'old skool', try COBOL for a laugh.

 

[rayomer]

Thanks guys.

At the moment I am interested in learning by myself, so that rules out TAFE period.

So buying a book and learning in 21 days sounds like a good option for me.

Just another quick question, C++ has already got 2 favourable responses, so would others agree that this would be an ideal programming language to start off with?

 

[knuckles]

Prepare to be undercut by an Indian company. Don't bother,unless its for a hobby.

 

[Saint4Life]

I did microsoft visual basic C++ i think... pretty sure C++
it was ok.. we made programs, like a seach for music...
and add music to a playlist

but yea...

 

[M29]

Originally posted by rayomer
so would others agree that this would be an ideal programming language to start off with?

Of course.

 

[Fraser]

Originally posted by rayomer
Thanks guys.

At the moment I am interested in learning by myself, so that rules out TAFE period.

So buying a book and learning in 21 days sounds like a good option for me.

Just another quick question, C++ has already got 2 favourable responses, so would others agree that this would be an ideal programming language to start off with?

printf("I suggest that you start off learning the C language. I've just borrowed a book called ANSI C. I've never programmed before in my life apart from VB and HTML, and finding C a good language to start off with.");

 

[otaku]

Originally posted by M29
Stay away from Java. It is a **** language.

C++ is pretty handy, once you have that under your belt you can master PHP and Perl. VB is simple as hell. If you feeling 'old skool', try COBOL for a laugh.

thats a very strange thing to say M29, seeing that java and c++ are VERY closely related.

As for books that teach you in 21 days....they dont.

Enrol in a tafe course or the like, get someone to teach you. The book is a good place to look to begin with, but to really learn it u have to just keep programming

 

[TheMase]

There is actually a Games Programming Course at the Uni here at Bathurst!

I do not think I have the patience for programming

 

[M29]

Originally posted by otaku
thats a very strange thing to say M29, seeing that java and c++ are VERY closely related.

Yes they are. But have you ever tried compiling a few thousand lines worth of code in Java? S L O W Pain in the arse.

 

[Yianni]

Buy an old Commodore 64. Use it's internal BASIC system.

Then, see if you like it. If you do, move up!

10 PRINT CHR$(147)
20 INPUT "ARE YOU A KNOB?", A$
30 IF A$ = "YES" THEN PRINT "AT LEAST YOU'RE HONEST"
40 PRINT "LIAR!"

 

[otaku]

compiling maybe slower, but thats because of the JDK - not the language...
the language itself is actually better than c++ (for OO)

 

[M29]

Originally posted by otaku
compiling maybe slower, but thats because of the JDK - not the language...

Bah, I'm extremely impatient.