Programmers

[Sniper]

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

[Warren]

php is rather easy to learn. All you need is to set up apache web server with php on your home computer and MySQL database. PHP is a server side web scripting language and it is easy to find real applications where you can use your skills.

php.net has all the info you will need to know but a good book will always help.

[Sniper]

Thanks Warren

[Wolf]

If you go to here you will find MySQL and PHP under Servers and Databases and under Development you will find Python - another great programming language. Look around the site you may find others. All are Linux apps ported to Windoze - released under the GPL (which effectively means you can download them and use them for free)

Pascal is a great language to learn as it teaches you good structure and programming habits which are useful skills - especially if you ever decide to learn C.

Avoid any variant of BASIC unless you are already an experienced Pascal or C programmer as the (BASIC) language promotes sloppy programming habits.

[Sniper]

Yea, basically Im looking at any tutorials or help on learning C++ and how coding operates. (Im really thick on coding)

[Krayy]

Depends on what you're aspiring to do. If you can give us a bit more info on what you're aiming for skill-wise, we can give a bit more specific advice. Answer the following q's:

1. Web form processing and CGI's, or real programs that do something specific?
i.e. Do you want to run a Forum site like this one, or do you want to aim for a career in programming or write programs for fun that do something specific (like most standalone programs)

2: Whats the target platform?
Windows, Linux, UNIX etc

3. Do you want to make a living out of it?
Programming does not merely consist of writing stand alone programs. For example in my job, which is to administer and maintain a number f Unix and Windows servers, I have to do a lot of coding in Perl, Bourne/Korn shell, Windows batch and VBScript, PHP, Java, C and other pogram specific scripting languages. Most of the languages have similar traits, so choosing one or two to focus on for me is easy then I have a raft of manuals next to me to get the syntax right for the rest.


PS: PHP is good at CGI scripting, such as filling in web forms and processing that info, but not practical for much else.

[Wolf]

Yea, basically Im looking at any tutorials or help on learning C++ and how coding operates. (Im really thick on coding)

There is a ported-to-windoze C/C++ compiler under "Development" on the above link - all you should need is some good tutorials, a text editor (Notepad if need be) and the compiler - why pay for Borland or whatever?

You can learn the languages easy enough - just pray your mind works like a programmer because that can't be taught (though Edward De Bono has made a fortune selling books to "teach" it)

[sAsLEX]

try C as your first language, its pretty syntax heavy but alot of the stuff you learn in C switches across to the other languages you are likely to use.

Python is another handy to use language in that it doesn't need a seperate compiler and is cross platform but runs slower due to this.

C is a great place to start as it is used everywhere, navman stuff is written in C and most microcontrollers etc are in C

[Sniper]

Also, I have a lovely harbour bridge to sell you.

I saw that site. Basically I would like to write stand alone programs or alteratively I would like to do what Jrandom does. I understand and know how every bit of a computer goes together and I have built a couple with my late Dad so I am fairly confident in that respect..

[Wolf]

try C as your first language, its pretty syntax heavy but alot of the stuff you learn in C switches across to the other languages you are likely to use.

Python is another handy to use language in that it doesn't need a seperate compiler and is cross platform but runs slower due to this.

C is a great place to start as it is used everywhere, navman stuff is written in C and most microcontrollers etc are in C

The local Polytech used to teach Pascal first to get the students used to a structured language with a simple syntax before going on to the compleities of C. I went straight on to C as I had learned Pascal at college. Not used much, Pascal, but a bloody nice language and it taught me structure (people freak out when they see my BASIC code as it is neatly laid out, structured, easy to follow and usually well sprinkled with remarks. Also tends to be full of GOSUB commands as I still think in terms of Pascal's PROCEDURES.)

[sAsLEX]

The local Polytech used to teach Pascal first to get the students used to a structured language with a simple syntax before going on to the compleities of C. I went straight on to C as I had learned Pascal at college. Not used much, Pascal, but a bloody nice language and it taught me structure (people freak out when they see my BASIC code as it is neatly laid out, structured, easy to follow and usually well sprinkled with remarks. Also tends to be full of GOSUB commands as I still think in terms of Pascal's PROCEDURES.)

hell at uni we first learnt Matlab, then Java, then C, then python and maybe one more that I cant remember, but C just keeps popping up!

Now we are learning/using VHDL, oh god I miss proper programming languages

[Sniper]

So whats a basic langauge to start learning. I hear C++ is the most common

[Wolf]

oh god I miss proper programming languages

'kin tell me about it. I'm stuck on Hell Desk. Last "programming" I did was to write a DOS batch file to run a registry patch on every machine that logged into our network and write a bit in the Novell Login Script to invoke said batch file. [sarcasm]WOOOHOOO![/sarcasm]

Actually, most of the coding I do at the moment is probably manually writing the URL and /URL tags for my posts here on KB...

[Wolf]

So whats a basic langauge to start learning. I hear C++ is the most common

It's also very complex and full-featured. As I said above, Pascal has its benefits with the same need for structure (NEVER learn a non-structured language first off, it makes it harder later) but a simpler syntax.

There may be other languages with similar attributes to Pascal (easy to learn and structured) that I have never experienced.

[enigma51]

If you want a c/c++ compiler with a ide go here www.bloodshed.net I know bad name for a website

Its called dev c++ and free and its pretty good