Programmers

[Wolf]

I've been programming since I was 8, got a Masters in Software Engineering and been doing it professionally since 19 (ish).

But at least I'm not a geek!

Correct - you are an Ubergeek to whom we lesser geeks must bow...

[John]

Hey it's not my fault most people don't know that you have to do three things.

1) Strip out the debug info, that switch is there for a reason.
2) Switch the JVM to server mode. Watch as everything runs about 5x faster.
3) Use strings properly, stringbuffers are there fora reason.

dont even say java. dont even think of it - dont even imply its good I will hurt you and your ... "code"?

[Wolf]

But is it also possible to get a girlfriend?

That is a gross generalisation! Green bling duly awarded.

[dhunt]

But is it also possible to get a girlfriend?

[John]

bahayhhahahahahahahahaha

[Pathos]

Java IS THE BEST LANGUAGE TO LEARN FROM SCRATCH. Garbage Collection and a huge API mean its easy to program and to achieve your goals. It has a strong focus on good Object orientation with out many of the difficulties. Java also has one of best textbooks Headfirst Java or something. And all the software is free.

Next would be Delphi, its pascal with Object oriented features.
Excellent Developement enviroment. Its incredibly easy to make windows programs with. Just point and click then add specialised code. The environment is much easier to use than VB.

STAY AWAY FROM VB its shite. Get delphi instead.

C, C++ : The benefits of these languages are unusable without years of experience. I have spend years learning these and still find it redundant unless building games or commercial level applications. There reason for this is that external code is usually cumbersome for increased efficiency (DirectX , windows API).

If you want to do web stuff you need php+sql.

[Sniper]

I am getting help from a good mate of mine who does alot of programming and is sorted by quite a few companies in CHCH. I wont tell you what I plan on learning because Im not going to jinx it

[enigma51]

I am getting help from a good mate of mine who does alot of programming and is sorted by quite a few companies in CHCH. I wont tell you what I plan on learning because Im not going to jinx it

If you need any help just let me know i might be able to help or google it

[Sniper]

Thanks Enigma. I'll try google things first so I dont bother you with annoying things, but I'll PM you with anything harder

[Sniper]

For those who are curious, Im learning C and then moving onto VB.net. Seems pretty strait forward. Thanks for all the help guys. Wolf, you especially mate!!

[gamgee]

VB is a sack of shit, it encourages bad coding such incorrect ending of statements, and you should check out www.howstuffworks.com for really good tutorials on just about any language

[slob]

Java IS THE BEST LANGUAGE TO LEARN FROM SCRATCH...
..Next would be Delphi, its pascal with Object oriented features.

I learned Java at uni and thought it was the dog's until I started working and got into Delphi (i.e. Object Pascal). Delphi is a wonderful programming environment because it is very structured and extremely easy to read (a good programmer can make it almost read like regular english).

For learning I'd recommend Delphi, but you'd have to find a way of getting the Delphi IDE (Integrated Development Environment). Plus, Borland (creators of Delphi) have been in a bit of a slump since MS headhunted their best and brightest to work on their .Net project... Work-wise, Delphi's not the best language to pick up.

Java's got heaps of freebie IDEs out there, but it isn't as structured as Delphi, and hence you can end up becoming a sloppy coding due to it. Have the automatic garbage collection can be a real liability if you have to move over to a language that requires you to manage your memory usage. On the other hand, the syntax is quite similar to C and .Net, so the transition will be a bit easier.

C/C++ exposes you to even more danger of becoming really sloppy with your code, so beware!

I'd steer clear of web-programming until you get the fundamentals first, otherwise you might pick up bad habits again!

[Sniper]

I have a copy on Delphi on disk. Guys, I dont think you understand. Im not using VB. Im using the newer, VB.Net that microsoft now use.

[Bren_chch]

I am wanting to learn the basics of computer programming. I know my way around a computer quite well and I know a little bit about writing html. But could someone point me in the right direction on what language to use or some tutorials of programming please. Even if someone would be nice enough to maybe teach me a little

PHP/mysql is the way to go, i have loads of shit to confuse you... I can put it on CD for you, for Saturday.

[Sniper]

Thanks, so have you managed to get a new front tyre?