Programming for beginners, where do I start?

Question

Hi, I've been always interested in coding and programming thinking about pursuing as a career so i reckon I'd start learning early. But I'm completely LOST!! I've been using codecademy and w3schools for the past couple of months, even though I've completed the courses without too much hassle I still feel unsure how to use programming languages on my own.

So, I was wondering if someone could help me answer the following questions.
1). What text editor do you recommend?(I'm on PC)
2). Some popular programming languages in order of complexity and difficulty - easiest to hardest
3). How I build things like games, apps, websites etc.
4). Good websites for learning online for free -- or books?
5). Other things I may need to know about

I want to thank you for taking the time to read and answer my question I appreciate the help.

Answer 1

To start out I would recommend BASIC or Python, both very easy languages, then I'd move on to a version of C (C, C#, C++) or Java, then to Assembly or similar if you're really good and/or crazy. Notepad++ is a great IDE (that's free, and is loaded with different languages you can use, from Batch to Assembly), and Windows comes with a version of QBasic, a BASIC compiler. If you wish to use BASIC first, just go to Command Prompt (Start>Run>CMD) and type edit. For C++ only, Dev C++ is a great IDE, though it only supports C++ whereas Notepad++ supports many languages. That covers 1,2, and some of 5.

Number 3, that you'll learn along the way, but for web design HTML is great, for games probably the C family, but to start out, try an ASCII game in Python or BASIC.

Number 4, Google is your best friend, YouTube is loaded with resources, Sams Publishing makes great books, and For Dummies works too.

Most Importantly: This WILL take lots of time and commitment, not a simple task, but since you've been trying for months, I presume you know this, still doesn't hurt to mention.

Good luck, and let me know if you need anything more.

Answer 2

I've read all the answers above, but I don't think many of them are all that complete.



1) Don't learn BASIC. No one uses it, and there's nothing there that you can't learn in a more practical language.



2) For game development - especially on the web - all you need is HTML5, CSS, jQuery and JavaScript. the good news is those are all easy to learn for free on the Internet.



Here's a three step guide to becoming a competent beginning web developer in eight weeks.



Step 1) Go to www.codeacademy.com and complete the web fundamentals track. This will teach you the basics of HTML and CSS, which you will need to learn first. You can complete this in a week if you get after it. Then spend a week just making simple web pages with what you've learned.



Step 2) Go to http://javascriptissexy.com/how-to-learn-javascript-properly/ and follow their six week guide to learning javascript properly. All you'll need to buy is one book, but if you can't afford it their are other ways to obtain it. (Buy it if you can, someone worked hard on that thing.)



Step 3)... I guess there are really only two steps.



After that, just practice! Don't stop building and don't stop coding. Making games is a great way to challenge yourself.



It might take only eight weeks to be a solid beginner, but programming takes years to master. Good luck!

Answer 3

Hi,

If you looking for the basics, or just looking for some practical experience then I would suggest starting with Javascript. It's quite an easy language to learn. It'll give you the fundamentals and you'll find that other languages will be easier to pick up.

If you want to go into web-design or web applications then you're going to need HTML and CSS, you can then embed your Javascript in there. You'll probably need to learn a server-side scripting language too like PHP.

If you're looking to make apps (like Android apps ect), then you're gonna need to learn Java. Though saying that you can make some pretty good web apps and standalone apps with Flash Actionscript 3.



Good Luck

Answer 4

Take your pick of JAVA or C. I picked C, but back then there wasn't much choice. You want an IDE (Integrated Development Environment), so it will have a language-specific editor built in. If you want to build apps, then after you understand the basics, you may want a RAD environment, like Embarcadero C++, or Visual C++. These can be expensive, but there are student versions to learn on. Websites are developed with WYSIWYG software like Dreamweaver, which is now available in the 'cloud.' An attractive alternative is DRUPAL, but you have to know some PHP, Javascript, etc. In the catagory of freebies, DEV C++ is a solid system. So is GNU C++, under the GPL. Look on SOURCEFORGE.

Answer 5

for text, I recommend WordPad since it has better features that either NotePad or WordPad - however, for code creation, you probably want to learn an IDE like Eclipse, CodeBlocks or Microsoft Studio



language choice depends on what type of programs you want to write - most languages are pretty complete, have extensive function library support, and take some effort to learn == right now I suggest you look at C++ or Java since they will take you pretty far, and run on lots of operating systems



you probably will need a computer science degree to really be proficient at game, application, web service or embedded application development



you also need to know about databases and interaction languages like SQL - you'll get these during a computer science curriculum



there are so many good books and websites, I'll leave those to others - however, Deitel seems to write decent books on many topics - pick one

Answer 6

I like what the other guys said. But I would add that you should think of a small project for yourself and program it. It's one thing to learn a language, you'll find it's another to actually code something useful for yourself (and more fun).



Simple things, like:

- a personal phone list (add more functions as you go on: Print function, Add an Entry, Delete an Entry, Sort by First or Last Name, More than 1 list or file, Delete a file, etc.)

- Movies you've Seen (Titles, Ratings, Genre (Horror, Sci-Fi, etc.), Sort functions, etc.)

- Or any type of hobby you're into.



You're not trying to sell the darn thing, you're just trying to sharpen your skills. When you think you're good, try adding code to make sure the input you get is correct. For example, if you asked for a number, what if they type a letter? Does your program blow up or does it check for that and keep going? If that's not enough, try adding a layer of security to your program. Make it ask for a PIN to get started.



If you finish that in BASIC, try writing it in C, or another language.



As they say, "Just do it!"

Answer 7

Hey man, don't worry I was completely lost too :P I would recommend you learn from YouTube videos and Books instead of Online Courses... Then, if you ever get stuck or forget something you can always go over it again...



Here's a channel I would recommend you check out... The guy's done loads of Tutorials...

http://www.youtube.com/user/thenewboston?feature=watch (Channel)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Mf0h3HphEA&list=PL4E68ACF14ABB47AC (Python Videos)