Thinkin about starting Programming

[Markoman01027]

Hello everybody,

Thinkin about starting up on Computer Programming. I am a newbie to Computer Programming, so I would like some information on the best Computer Programming language to learn for my ability.

Do I need to be good at Math to be a good Programmer?

Don't really want to learn C. Would rather learn JAVA, or even C++. What do you guys suggest?

Any good learning techniques? I have tried to learn programming in the past, but always gave up because I never found a good learning techniqe.

Got any Tutorial Sites to your recommended Programming language?

Thanks for the help guys!

[DrZaius]

Hi Markoman01027,

I highly recommend starting with C++/Java, they're both popular and teach you good programming habits. You don't need to be good at math, but it does help to understand some advanced ideas (recursion). Head on over to a bookstore or Amazon and pick up one of the Learn C++ (or Java) in 21 Days books and start reading. If you have any questions ask here.

Here's a basic Java tutorial.
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/

And a C++ one.
http://www.cprogramming.com/

Also, look through this Programming forum for other threads and links to free compilers. Hope that helps.

[Markoman01027]

Thanks DrZaius,
I have Learn C++ in 21 days(SAMMS) good book..just always quit when I start reading :P

[LoveJones]

I suggest that you practice every little bit of new information you learn in C++, as you go along.

I really feel that learning C before C++ is the way to go. I am a Computer Science and Engineering student, and not to toot my own horn, but I am a bright guy (who has some dull moments =p ) and I found C++ intimidating even after first learning C.

There are a lot of C++ concepts for which I think it's extremely beneficial to have the knowledge of C. Then you can just focus on the new C++ concepts, instead of having to learn it all at the same time.

C is much more intuitive, it is basically designed for "doing," things, where as C++ is designed for "objects," and acting upon the objects.

Furthermore, C++ is simply a superset of C, meaning that anything you can do in C, you can do in C++. That means that if you learn C first, you are technically learning C++ also. You are just focusing on the basic techniques instead of more advanced topics like classes, inheritance, polymorphism, operator overloading, etc.

Anyway, I think it's important to challenge yourself. Do programs that you don't at first feel comfortable doing. Otherwise you will be doing "Hello World!," for all eternity.

And once again, if you will not heed my warning about learning C before C++, then everytime you learn a new C++ concept (major ones) try it out before moving along. Make a simple program that utilizes your newfound knowledge.

Good luck!

[RoyKelly]

Originally posted by DrZaius And a C++ one. http://www.cprogramming.com/

Dr Z,

The C++ one does not open. I get a 404 error. Is this a current link or an old one?

I searched in Google and found it at http://www.cprogramming.com/

[Lynx4Ben]

Personally, I think java is the best starters programming language.(Plus its great for all skill) For a good place to start you can try a book by a prof I know. Check amazon:
David Riley The Object of Java Blue Jay Edition
ISBN 0-321-121-73-2

This is a book used in some begginer programming classes at many colleges. I like this book because of the strong Object Oriented approach. You start out by learning the concepts of programming OO Programming. Which will benefit you for any language you then want to learn.