How do I start learning computer programming?

Question

I started on html and now I'm hooked. :p
What's the best way to start learning how to program?
and where do I take it after that?
thanks :)

I mean overall-general computer programming. I want to know the comp. inside and out :D

Answer 1

There are several different routes one may take to learning how to program; some are better than others. The best choice would be the route the majority of Computer Science majors take. That would be getting a copy of "The C Programming Language" by Kernigan & Ritchie. It teaches many fundamental aspects of programming in the C language.

You can download a free copy of the C/C++ compiler at

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

Once you've completed the book, it's up to you to determine what else you want to learn. One suggestion would be to learn about algorithms and why they are useful when creating a program. Programming is not quite as simple as typing out a few lines of code. There are bad ways, good ways, better ways, and best ways of creating a program. It's important to learn what works best in a given situation.

A good follow-up book might be "Mastering Algorithms with PERL" which is printed by O'reilly Publishers. Get to know that name because they publish some of the best references for programmers. If you should decide to become a programmer, I can assure you that you will buy at least one of their books.

A free copy of PERL, along with Python and TCL, can be found at

http://www.activestate.com/downloads/

Another must is to join several newsgroups found under comp.lang. My recommendations for starters are

comp.lang.javascript
comp.lang.perl.misc

There are many helpful people in both of those newsgroups who are extremely knowledgable. They were new to programming at one point in time and are usually willing to offer good advice to beginners.

Most importantly of all, do not be afraid to ask questions; directed at both yourself and at others.

Answer 2

IMHO, Java might be abit advanced. I'd recommend, to start at the basics, why not BASIC? Check out http://www.libertybasic.com. Download the demo version and start playing around. Basic isn't difficult and you'll be able to get a feel for the logic of programming - which for many, is more difficult than the language being used.

Good luck!

Answer 3

For other programming languages, many people start with Visual Basic (VB). You can go ahead and do a Google search for that, and it should come up with some tutorials.

You can download VB express for making Visual Basic applications on here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/downloads/
But note that that is just a trial, and you will have to pay for it to continue with it.

One of the most popular game / application programming languages out today is C++. Do some Google searches for C++ tutorials, but many of the C++ tutorials on the web are out of date. Therefore, you may want to buy a book on C++ Programming.

Borland Dev-C++ Compiler -- http://www.bloodshed.net/dev/devcpp.html... -- you need this to program in C++.

C++ Tutorial on CPlusPlus.com -- http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/...

There are many more languages, such as Pascal and Assembly, which can be useful... but these ones are the most common. :)

Once you think you can't find anything on the internet, find a book on it -- they will usually teach more advanced stuff on the language than the internet will.

Answer 4

I think Java is a good starting language.

For comuters inside and out, look into a 'Fundamentals of Computers' course.

Answer 5

ok .. best thing is to start with Visial Basic .. thats what they give students at some schools for grade 10 .. u will be learning the basics there and the logic of programming.
IM me i would love to have a chat with yaa about that .. i know u r only 16 now .. but this could be what u do for your life .. and i know u have lots to ask .. so i will be waiting for yaa

Answer 6

there is a book called Programming for Dummies, it doesnt focus on any one language, it helped me figure out what programming is all about, and how the computer converts code and stuff like that, pick it up at your local library.