Ima gonna give programming a go...

**ching_ching** · 23rd January 2005, 06:58

Hi gang,

One of my New Years Resolutions is to try and give this programming bizzo a go (since I've got a computer and all

)

So my question to those in the know is, "In your opinion, what beginner's language would you use to get started?"

This will be a very informal affair. Whenever I get a chance I'll lock meeself in me room and potter away and when I get frustrated and need a break I'll go for a ride. Have found a language called Python and have had a small tittu. Looks cool. BTW have already been to the local stationery shop to order my pocket pen holder.

ching ching

**Skunk** · 23rd January 2005, 07:08

Programming for what? Applications? Web? Mobiles?

End use makes a difference to the best language to use...

**jrandom** · 23rd January 2005, 07:50

Doesn't matter what you're programming for, all computers are the same underneath the plastic covers. Mobile phones, PCs, bank mainframes, car GPSs...

What will really help you out if you fancy learning to program computers is getting a good understanding of what's actually going on in the processor, memory, and all that.

You should get yourself a book on assembly-language programming for the x86 and MS-DOS, and start there. It'll still work just fine under the latest versions of Windows; you'll need to find yourself an assembler (MASM or TASM, perhaps) but I'm sure I can help with that

Once you have a good grasp of how a processor actually works, how programs run and how they interface to an operating system, you will find yourself being much, much more enlightened in your use of high-level languages like Python (and much more capable of writing proper software in C, which is what all Real Software (tm) is written in, and which has been described as having "the power and flexibility of assembly language, combined with the ease of use of assembly language...")

**Skunk** · 23rd January 2005, 07:58

You're right JR, I was thinking more PHP, C+, Java...

**avgas** · 23rd January 2005, 08:59

assembly? sorry but i actually found learning to program using whole words easier (mind due, i was having to program and ATMEL ATMEGA128 in it) - is this other assembler easier?
The easiest language to learn has to be pascal though - but i dont know if you can get it for PC's.
Yeh C (not C++) is a good way to start, or even some web scripting

**SPORK** · 23rd January 2005, 09:53

Well, I first had an experience with BASIC. And believe me, it is.
I think that Visual Basic is a good step up from there, and you can make some decent little programs. However, like jrandom said, if you want to make RealPrograms C/++ is where you want to go.

**ching_ching** · 23rd January 2005, 14:46

Thanks for the replies so far gang.

JRandom would it be correct to assume that learning a bit of assember would be good for familiarity purposes only (the details of a microprocessor, interfacing with an OS, etc) as fully-fledged programming in such a language would be mind numbing to say the least?

I've already looked at some versions of Basic and Pascal as well as looking at some sites dealing with Delphi, VisualBasic, etc. In the short time that I've been looking into things, I'm in the midst of delving into a free online tutorial of Python... basically because it's free and although it's a scripting language, it's giving me a kickoff. But I like what u said JRandom, look into Assembler and consider studying the inner workings of the Micro. Hard times ahead believe me. I ain't no clever barstad.

But I'll give it a crack Nigel.

**TwoSeven** · 23rd January 2005, 17:29

Personally assembler would be a wasted effort - there isnt anything you cant do in an 'easier' language. And for learning, probably the likes of java and C# would be better, apart from being more relevant they are both free and heavily used in industry.

**NordieBoy** · 23rd January 2005, 18:36

TCL/TK - Language of the gods.

**Blakamin** · 23rd January 2005, 18:41

Originally Posted by TwoSeven

Personally assembler would be a wasted effort - there isnt anything you cant do in an 'easier' language. And for learning, probably the likes of java and C# would be better, apart from being more relevant they are both free and heavily used in industry.

if you want to make money, I agree!!!!
are you doing this for fun or a career move, CC???

**ching_ching** · 23rd January 2005, 18:51

Originally Posted by Blakamin

if you want to make money, I agree!!!!
are you doing this for fun or a career move, CC???

Initially for fun Amin. But who knows later on down the line. My foresight is pretty much sheight as you can gather. But wouldn't mind getting my computer to do "more stuff!"

Mental note... (find out what TCL/TK is all about).

**NordieBoy** · 23rd January 2005, 18:58

Originally Posted by ching_ching

Mental note... (find out what TCL/TK is all about).

http://www.tcl.tk

Scripting language (TCL) + gui stuff (TK).

Free drag and drop IDE's available (500Kb download - Suck on that VB!)

My Image Gallery program that does all my webbed photos is done in TCL.

Perl would probably be the one to learn though as more people are likely to know what you are talking about when you mention it.

**Blakamin** · 23rd January 2005, 19:18

If yer doin it for "fun" I'd tend to go for one of the visual studio packages (Visual C++, Visual Basic) just to get into the "frame of mind"

**jrandom** · 23rd January 2005, 19:35

Originally Posted by TwoSeven

Personally assembler would be a wasted effort - there isnt anything you cant do in an 'easier' language. And for learning, probably the likes of java and C# would be better, apart from being more relevant they are both free and heavily used in industry.

Blah.

You're just parroting what the HR people say when they have to tick 'feature' checkboxes off a pile of CVs.

I wouldn't hire a software engineer that didn't have a good understanding of processor architecture and all the low-level stuff that's so easy to ignore when you learn in a language like Java or Python. Been there. They write bad code.