programming tips for a newb?

[Nickoli]

hi, I'm new to programming, but I'd like have a good grasp on a language or two before I head off to university. the computer science course at my school was basically a waste of my time; I know some basic Pascal and that's it. can anyone suggest some books on programming or anything? what's a good language to start off on?

[ZeratulsAvenger]

Do you want to learn them just you have them under your belt or do you have plans to make applications for yourself with them as well? If it is the latter then it may help to know what your plans are with the apps as some languages do better at certain tasks then other.

Java and Python have been said to be good starter languages. You could also dive into C/C++. If you plan to have a career in programing, or taking it up as a large hoby, then you will probably end up looking into all of the above at one point or another. PHP and Perl can also be handy. PHP seems to be taking over many of the JavaScript based applications online from what I read just recently, but Java is a good steping stone to C++.

I would say Java or Python and then C++ to start you off.

[kram 2.0]

Originally Posted by Nickoli can anyone suggest some books on programming or anything? what's a good language to start off on?

For books, I'd suggest the Peachpit Press QuickStart Guides - they are written very nicely for the most part. I learned JavaScript off of it, and it's the best written programming book on my shelf.

I too recommend Java - it's become more and more versatile as more people use it.

Hope that helps.

kram

[shaticus]

If you are going to college to get a computer science degree I would recommened taking their intro courses.

If you really want to start programming now though I would recommend c. Its a pretty easy to understand language. Only downside is its only structured programming - no OOP. Most university intro courses teach the c language and then have you move up to c++. Everything you learn in c translates directly to c++.

C ripped apart is a pretty good tutorial: http://warebizprogramming.com/tutorials/cguide/toc.htm

If you need any help or pointers feel free to ask.

Shaticus

[Nickoli]

ok, thanks for the advice guys.

[Jaggannath]

Just to add to Krams opinion, I'd say learn Java first. Not only is it quite easy, and a good intro to C++ (or any other object-oriented language), but it's free and widely-used.
Can I ask what you're intending to do in uni though?? If you're planning on doing a computer science degree it's a good move, but if you're doing another form of engineering then maybe there are more important languages to learn. One good example of this is MATLAB for engineering, a very versatile tool.