Programming

[pete1207]

I haven't done any programming since the Basic language of the Commodore 64. I am looking to get into programming, but I'm interested in messing around first and learning some stuff on my own for the time being. Can anyone tell me where a good place to start is, and can I use my home computer with Windows XP to experiment with programming languages? I would like to try Basic or C or what anyone can suggest.

[daveyp225]

I don't know if it is best, but borland turbo c++ (suite) is a cheap compiler that comes with a nice thick book to help you out. It is old, but if you're interested in learning the actual language, its a great tool.

I would stick with leraning c/c++ before any other language. Most other languages will come much easier after diving into c++... That was just my experience.

Dave

[Nuclear Krusader]

I recommend you to use Bloodshed DevC++. It's very easy to program with it. I read your other post about doing C programming in WinXP, and that is another reason I recommend this FREE compiler and editor to you.

http://www.bloodshed.net/devcpp.html

[Jaggannath]

I'm not a guru on programming, but I found it easiest to learn Java first and then move onto C after a few months' experience... that way you can get used to most of C++'s features without worrying about the pointers until you get comfortable

[TheJackal]

If you already know Basic, then you might want to look at either Visual Basic or QBasic. Visual Basic.net will cost you around a $100 new for the IDE. QBasic is free.

[claudelacey]

You could download a program callled SharpDevelop which is a FREE open source IDE and allows you to program in VB.NET or C# .NET.

I'd recommend learning C# since it shares similarities with C/C++ and Java - just a case of learning little bits of new syntax and you can switch between several languages then :)

[doctorgonzo]

I started with Visual Basic, then moved onto Java, C++, and C#. VB lets you develop applications quickly, but it is not a full-fledged object-oriented language (though VB.NET is supposed to be). There are tutorials for all of these language, so just pick one.

[Zick Boy]

I started in college with C++ (console apps) then VB and so on...
Now that I look back I realize that its a pretty good way to start. One of the reasons is that C++ is just code, no IDEs or graphics. That way you learn to code and build algorithms and such, then move to VB and play with the IDE and the pretty graphics. For me, it was easier.

[TSBAHRS]

I would go with Java especially if you want to do this for a living. There is more demand for Java than any other language right now, which translates to better pay and more job opportunities. You'll need to stay on the cutting edge so your job doesn't get outsourced to India or China. You can download the compiler FREE from Sun, as well as the Java Tutorial which is also a free download from their site.
http://java.sun.com

A good place for another free tutorial is from UCONN - You can find the
Introduction to Computer Science using Java at the following link http://chortle.ccsu.ctstateu.edu/cs151/cs151java.html
Another good resource is Javaranch which has more links for info on Java than you will ever be able to check. Good luck in whatever you decide.

[Metaphorically]

If your point of reference is Basic, then a scripting language like vbscript or javascript would be one of the less painful ones to start with (note that these are different from Visual Basic and Java). PHP follows a syntax that's more like basic, if that's important to you. With PHP, though, you're writing code that runs on a web server, not the browser.

[fudtone]

I also used to use Basic.

The only reason I don't start trying to learn advanced programming is my job.

Around here we have 100's of "analyst" programming in COBOL pounding out lines of code like robots. None of who will claim to love there jobs (for any reason other than the cash)

What percentage of real world paid programmers loves what they do? I always get the feeling this is a very low number.

[Zick Boy]

You work for the federal government, right? ;)