programming 101

[aj_86cc]

i want to start programming...and i'm probly going to buy a "" for dummies book. whats a good one to start on. (I was thinking about Windows Game Programming For Dummies. it talks about windows programming too) So what book in that series is good to get?

[Justin26k]

You probably wanna learn basic programming first as them books probably think you know some already I would recommend Delphi as it is pretty easy and you will like your results better then Visual Basic and Delphi Personal is a free download

[DrZaius]

I agree, you don't want to jump into games (OpenGL and such) right away because you'll get really confused. Start with the basics, learn C++ or Java and work from there. If you want to do just Windows programs, check out VB or Delphi like Justin recommended, but they're not the best for learning programming.

[Justin26k]

You will probably want to try a few different languages to see what your comfortable with some people find some languages hard while others find them easy

[HackinCowboy]

Even if you find a language hard, you really shouldn't try and jump into a more involved language like Delphi. I would agree with DrZaius and start with C++ or Java. These languages will teach you not only the language itself, but the logic and ideas that are needed for more involved languages. There's a lot more to programming than just learning syntax.

[Justin26k]

Also Remember aj_86cc there is nothing thats right NOTHING you can do in C++ that can't be done in Delphi. I would atleast give Delphi a try its a very very nice language and a easy learning curve unlike C++ But when it comes down to it the opinion is yours so make your own decision and use what you like not what we say

[TMAN]

well I wouldn't say "NOTHING". You can't declare on the stack (this becomes a speed issue), You can't make a very fast vector of records, you can't declare a variable exactly when you need them, and there isn't a very good preprocessor. Delphi does however make it painfully clear how to do certain things such as loops and logic and being able to use classes as objects becomes kinda useful.

[Justin26k]

Im not arguing but you can do all that you might just have to use Assembly Instructions

Whats everyone got agaist Delphi anyone

[TMAN]

Yes, but assembly is an extra hassle that isn't portable. I had to learn delphi for a port. Coming from C++ those issues became a reason for angst. I'm not saying I hate it... there are some aspects which are good ideas but I wouldn't say I love the language.

[Justin26k]

I ain't saying love Delphi i'm just saying it isn't a bad language neither is C++ there both great I just didnt want you all to dismiss Delphi for the newbie as the learning curve for C++ is very hard and while Delphi aint the easiest it is easier than C++ I know everyone has there langauage And I dont believe you should force yourself to learn a one language when you feel better with a different one well just my 2cents

[Paul Victorey]

I don't have anything against Delphi, I've never used it.

On the topic of books, the 2 "For Dummies" programming books that I've seen (C and C++) I didn't like as much as the "Teach Yourself _____ in __ Days" series. I only was browsing them, however, I didn't read them fully, so my opinion is only semi-informed.

A lot of it depends on what you want to program. C++ is sort of the standard for porgramming, it's the basis of Java, although creating windows programming can be harder than with other choices like VB. If you wanted to be a professional game programmer, you'd absolutely need to know C++. If you are looking at programming as a hobby, there are many languages to choose from. Also, you can make careers out of other languages, as a lot of places will create internal software and they use a wide variety of programs.

[Justin26k]

I would agree with paul that if you do game programming learn C++ or atleast some Delphi can also be used for games though and I have seen great results but in the end its all up to you

[HackinCowboy]

Well Said Paul..
I for one don't do any games programming. I know C++ to the point where I could manuever around and make some simple apps, but for the most part I stick to languages like VB, SQL, Java, JavaScript....Etc.. I mostly do Windows Application and Web/Database programming. So the need for me to know something like C++ or Delphi isn't there.

[TMAN]

The Sams Teach yourself series are what got me started. They will teach you the basics very well. If you want to do windows programming (in C++) the wrox series is also very nice. If you want to do games in c++, you can't beat the net for free, comprehensive tutorials.

[aym]

Here is the online version of SAMS teach yourself C++ in 21 days:
http://www.flashdance.cx/books/Teach...ion/htm/fm.htm