Newbie in programming......I need help

[Tech-Maniac]

Hi

I want to be a software programmer but i have absolutely no knowledge about it. Can you tell me a step by step guide on which progrogramming langauges should i learn by hierarchy to be a good software programmer. I am interested in Web Development too. Can you provide me by which hierarchy should i learn programming languages for both?

[Colin-uk Veteran]

if you know nothing about programming, i would start of by learning HTML & CSS. It will get you used to writing syntax (you can search google for HTML & CSS tutorials). then once you've got a handle on that, try out some PHP and then maybe move on to C or C++ once you feel confident.

[Tech-Maniac]

  On 25/07/2010 at 08:37, Colin-uk said:

if you know nothing about programming, i would start of by learning HTML & CSS. It will get you used to writing syntax (you can search google for HTML & CSS tutorials). then once you've got a handle on that, try out some PHP and then maybe move on to C or C++ once you feel confident.

Hi I thinkj HTML,CSS,PCHP are for web designing. I also want to be a good software programmer. I have some knowledge of C & C++. But i dont think one can make good desktop applications using c cnd c++. What are the programming languages that is a must learn for a software programmer.

[barbary]

  On 25/07/2010 at 08:37, Colin-uk said:

if you know nothing about programming, i would start of by learning HTML & CSS. It will get you used to writing syntax (you can search google for HTML & CSS tutorials). then once you've got a handle on that, try out some PHP and then maybe move on to C or C++ once you feel confident.

Ok no offense but that is awful advice yes these are useful skills but it's no way to learn programming.

I used to teach programming and would start you on a procedural language like Basic and then move you to an Object Oriented Programming language like Java or C++.

These days you can start with Object Oriented Programming. My advice that I give to people download Visual Studio Express from Microsoft and start learning C#. You can download Java for free as well but downloading Visual Studio gives you a very easy to install whole environment with editor that actualy helps you code. C# is a nice language that has alot of cross over with C++ and Java so if you then want to move to one of those languages it's easier to do.

The web is your friend you will find lots of tutorials on how to program and lots of forums to help answer questions. It's much more important for you to learn the basics of programming like objects, inheritance, iteration, etc than become super efficent with any one language.

http://www.microsoft.com/express/Downloads/

[Colin-uk Veteran]

  On 25/07/2010 at 08:59, barbary said:

Ok no offense but that is awful advice yes these are useful skills but it's no way to learn programming.

I used to teach programming and would start you on a procedural language like Basic and then move you to an Object Oriented Programming language like Java or C++.

These days you can start with Object Oriented Programming. My advice that I give to people download Visual Studio Express from Microsoft and start learning C#. You can download Java for free as well but downloading Visual Studio gives you a very easy to install whole environment with editor that actualy helps you code. C# is a nice language that has alot of cross over with C++ and Java so if you then want to move to one of those languages it's easier to do.

The web is your friend you will find lots of tutorials on how to program and lots of forums to help answer questions. It's much more important for you to learn the basics of programming like objects, inheritance, iteration, etc than become super efficent with any one language.

http://www.microsoft.com/express/Downloads/

I was simply basing my advice on my own experience and the fact the OP said he had no programming experience.

:)

[Tekkerson]

I agree 100% with Colin-UK that is the most effective way to learn programming.

[sic133]

I agree with Colin, HTML and CSS give you a very (very) basic idea of how code can be layed out (properties, comments, etc) so that when you, say, use Visual Basic, you won't be as confused.

[nw2001]

  On 25/07/2010 at 10:16, sic133 said:

I agree with Colin, HTML and CSS give you a very (very) basic idea of how code can be layed out (properties, comments, etc) so that when you, say, use Visual Basic, you won't be as confused.

Visual Basic, confusing? Are we thinking of the same language? I learned how to move my way around VB when I was twelve with no prior experience and it was about as confusing as riding a bike.

I'm going to agree with the C# suggestion.

[Mike]

  On 25/07/2010 at 08:44, Tech-Maniac said:

But i dont think one can make good desktop applications using c cnd c++.

localhostr uploadr :whistle:

[Rival Chief]

  On 25/07/2010 at 10:25, nw2001 said:

Visual Basic, confusing? Are we thinking of the same language? I learned how to move my way around VB when I was twelve with no prior experience and it was about as confusing as riding a bike.

I'm going to agree with the C# suggestion.

I will have to agree with C# too.....

As 'barbary' suggested download Visual Studio 2010 Express from http://www.microsoft.com/express/Downloads/

and to get started microsoft had plenty + more 'how do i' vidoes

may be start with Introduction to the C# Programming Language its about 30 mins long and gives a good idea what c# is

once you have done that visit Visual C# Developer Center and just carry on from there

good luck :)

[Argote]

Get a learning to program with C# book so you can get some theory on top of the practice. Learning by practice only can lead to some bad habits because of ignorance.

Learn some programming logic and syntax first, then move on to things like object orientation.

[mail]

C -> Java -> Haskell

Pick the language (or a derivation) that suits your needs best.

[Andre S. Veteran]

Getting Started FAQ

If you want to start making desktop application, that pretty much screams C#, so start with that.

One can indeed make very good desktop applications using C and C++. For example, Microsoft Office and Visual Studio are largely coded in C++. As you learn about C# and C/C++ you'll be able to tell by yourself which is more appropriate for which kind of application.

[hdood]

  On 25/07/2010 at 08:44, Tech-Maniac said:

I have some knowledge of C & C++. But i dont think one can make good desktop applications using c cnd c++.

Most desktop applications are written in C or C++, including Windows itself.

  On 25/07/2010 at 08:44, Tech-Maniac said:

What are the programming languages that is a must learn for a software programmer.

It depends on what you want to do. The basic theory is the same behind them all and can be transferred, although you should have at least one lower level language like C since it is beneficial to understand concepts that are abstracted away in many languages.

If you want to write a Windows application, go with either C, C++ or one of the .NET languages like C# or VB.NET. C/C++ programs are more lightweight and don't require the very large .NET Framework (although if you pick an older version, most will have it), whereas C# has development tools and APIs that make it much faster to develop in.

[Tech-Maniac]

Thanks everyone for your solution. It really helped me a lot.

[Soulsiphon]

  On 25/07/2010 at 08:31, Tech-Maniac said:

Hi

I want to be a software programmer but i have absolutely no knowledge about it. Can you tell me a step by step guide on which progrogramming langauges should i learn by hierarchy to be a good software programmer. I am interested in Web Development too. Can you provide me by which hierarchy should i learn programming languages for both?

Learn Java. The SDK/JDK is free and you can find free IDE tools develop with also (I like Eclipse, IntelliJ now ;) ). Once you get the hang of object-oriented programming, check into the GUI side of Java so you can take on some more complex concepts (Swing/AWT maybe). Then really the sky is the limit. After Java, C++ will make alot of sense, but C# will seem like an old familiar friend ;) As far as web dev, Java and C# can both take you down that path as well and either could lead to a really fun and lucrative career in web development. Once you can write the back-end code, the HTML/AJAX/jquery fluff/etc etc will make a lot more sense and you'll have a much better understanding of what tools to use for any given task.

[gian]

Ι would start with C, you would probably end up making console applications a lot at first but what you want now is to learn C.

After that you can move to C# or C++ and do some GUI programming.

[Rudy]

  On 25/07/2010 at 08:44, Tech-Maniac said:

But i dont think one can make good desktop applications using c cnd c++.

You're kidding right? :pinch:

[Firethorne]

  On 25/07/2010 at 08:44, Tech-Maniac said:

But i dont think one can make good desktop applications using c cnd c++.

You might want to do a little reasearch into that. Here is a fun list of some popular pieces of software and what language the programmers used:

http://www.lextrait.com/vincent/implementations.html

The C++ list includes Microsoft Office, Sun Open Office, Corel Wordperfect Office, Visual Studio, Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera, Outlook, Photoshop, Winamp, and scores of others. If you prefer Java, VB, C#, or whatever, then by all means, do what you like. But, there is a huge number of flagship desktop applications written in C++.