The Geniuses' Thread

Right, I'm a bit late to the party here, and I'm not entirely sure what's been said already, but I shall offer my advice regardless.

If you're really interested in learning a programming language, I would not recommend Python as a first language. It's easy enough to pick up, but that goes against when considered as your first language. Whatever you learn first will become your native language in a way. Think of it like how when you start learning foreign spoken languages. You'll always think of what you want to say in English and then translate it in your head before saying it. It's not quite as permanent with programming, but any habits you pick up from your first programming language will stick with you.

With that in mind, I'd like to say that Python is syntactically different to most other common languages. Essentially, the basics of how you write code don't change much from language to language, but in Python it's quite a different style. If you learn Python, it'll be difficult enough to pick up a new language. Starting with C or Java will put you on a better footing for furthering your programming skills, in my opinion. So many languages follow the basic style of C: C++, Java, PHP and Javascript to name a few.

C is a pretty old language, but is still very widespread. It's really more suited to low-level programming, like controlling hardware directly. Newer languages like Java are geared more towards creating the kinds of applications I expect you guys want to make.

Learning a programming language takes time. Any of those books that tell you you can learn in 21 days are no good. I tried several times when I was younger to learn a programming language, but always gave up because I never had a particular goal. Then I started designing websites and began using open-source applications coded in PHP. When these went awry, I had to investigate by examining the code. Throwing myself in the deep end, trying to figure out what was happening, really worked. When I came to college, I was taught C and Java. To be quite honest, learning in an environment like that is the best way. A few hours a week going at a very slow pace is better than overloading yourself with the equivalent of a year's college work in a matter of days.

I'm pretty adept at programming now, and learning a new programming language is very easy. I started placement just over 2 months ago, and I've learnt Python, C# and SQL since then (though SQL is entirely different, I probably shouldn't have mentioned it!).

I'll leave you with a pro tip, learnt from years of programming. It's not about the programming language, it's about the logic. A programming language is a means to an end - an application. If you can't think logically or find it difficult to consider the steps to the solution of a problem, that will be the hardest part of learning how to program.

tl;dr Know why you want to program. Have a goal, a program you want in the end. Don't start with Python, go for Java.

C++ is the game industry's standard last I heard*. I remember the original reason I wanted to learn it was to make games, taking a step up from Game Maker. I wasn't good at it right away so I pretty much gave up.

*You probably knew that and maybe I'm not contributing at all.

Anyhow gonna learn me some Python for Project Euler. Then back to C++, just 'cause it's C++. Yeah!

You could try messing about with Valve's Source Engine to build games for the sake of learning. I have absolutely no idea how far into the 'deep-end' that would be but last I heard there's a good bit of C++ involved.

syncosised wrote: »

Right, I'm a bit late to the party here, and I'm not entirely sure what's been said already, but I shall offer my advice regardless.

If you're really interested in learning a programming language, I would not recommend Python as a first language. It's easy enough to pick up, but that goes against when considered as your first language. Whatever you learn first will become your native language in a way. Think of it like how when you start learning foreign spoken languages. You'll always think of what you want to say in English and then translate it in your head before saying it. It's not quite as permanent with programming, but any habits you pick up from your first programming language will stick with you.

With that in mind, I'd like to say that Python is syntactically different to most other common languages. Essentially, the basics of how you write code don't change much from language to language, but in Python it's quite a different style. If you learn Python, it'll be difficult enough to pick up a new language. Starting with C or Java will put you on a better footing for furthering your programming skills, in my opinion. So many languages follow the basic style of C: C++, Java, PHP and Javascript to name a few.

C is a pretty old language, but is still very widespread. It's really more suited to low-level programming, like controlling hardware directly. Newer languages like Java are geared more towards creating the kinds of applications I expect you guys want to make.

Learning a programming language takes time. Any of those books that tell you you can learn in 21 days are no good. I tried several times when I was younger to learn a programming language, but always gave up because I never had a particular goal. Then I started designing websites and began using open-source applications coded in PHP. When these went awry, I had to investigate by examining the code. Throwing myself in the deep end, trying to figure out what was happening, really worked. When I came to college, I was taught C and Java. To be quite honest, learning in an environment like that is the best way. A few hours a week going at a very slow pace is better than overloading yourself with the equivalent of a year's college work in a matter of days.

I'm pretty adept at programming now, and learning a new programming language is very easy. I started placement just over 2 months ago, and I've learnt Python, C# and SQL since then (though SQL is entirely different, I probably shouldn't have mentioned it!).

I'll leave you with a pro tip, learnt from years of programming. It's not about the programming language, it's about the logic. A programming language is a means to an end - an application. If you can't think logically or find it difficult to consider the steps to the solution of a problem, that will be the hardest part of learning how to program.

tl;dr Know why you want to program. Have a goal, a program you want in the end. Don't start with Python, go for Java.

I have no idea what I want to program... I just want to program.

I'm not the biggest fan of Java either, but it's the best language to learn the most common styles and the idea of object oriented programming. Plus, like it or not, it's only becoming more common and is the easiest way to program for mobile devices.

Jay P wrote: »

I have no idea what I want to program... I just want to program.

Try to think of something you'd like to achieve with it though. Even like just making a basic text editor or something.

I don't know why I'm arguing for Java, I don't really like it! It's pretty universal on mobile devices though and that is handy. I've developed mobile Java applications and it's nice to have it work on a bunch of devices without having to make any changes.

Also, any language that doesn't make me use pointers is a language I like. I want to be abstracted from the hardware. If I want to control the hardware, I'll break out the Assembly!

Anyway, this arguing doesn't really help the guys who want to learn to program. I'll stick with Java because I think it's more appropriate for what newcomers want.

Insect Overlord wrote: »

That made my day.

I got an Arduino Deumilanove (smaller than the Mega) about two weeks ago as well. It's pretty well supported library-wise, I've already had good fun with it!

Has anybody mentioned that it's genii? :P

pljudge321 wrote: »

It was only 8 euro more to get the Mega over the Duemilanove from the crowd I bought from. Not bad for four times the amount of pins and four times the flash memory. I definitely underestimated how much it would cost to buy parts to make even a simple robot, hence why my little brother is now two radio contraol cars the poorer. Where did you buy yours?

The Mega was double the price where I got it. I got a starter kit from Oomlout. They were pretty helpful, I'd recommend them if you need any other Arduino stuff. The starter kit had lots of cool stuff to use for basic examples like motors, servos, LEDs, buttons, a breadboard and so on!

Cool, I must take a look at that. No big plans at the moment, but I'm thinking of an alarm clock slash clap-on clap-off light using LEDs. Simple.