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Zacky
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 Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 1:14 am Post subject: Learning my first programming language - Which is best? |
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Which language is best for a beginner I mean.
The problem is, I don't have a goal/something that I hope to achieve :\
What I want to do is learn a language, and in the process, think of something to create that I would find useful or interesting to have.
I was thinking about learning Java, but that's because I had a small goal. To write a RuneScape macro script. Then from there, I can share it with everyone, get them to report the errors they find, which will give me the chance to fix the script and learn even more.
But I really don't know, is Java a good language to start with? I was thinking of learning C, but what can I do with that? I don't really have enough background knowledge on this material...
So basically, what I'm wondering is, what should I know before I begin learning a programming language (if there is anything I should know). and which programming language should I start off with (is Java okay?).
That's about it. Thanks a bunch guys :]
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Evil_Intentions
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| Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 1:21 am Post subject: |
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I started with VB, then taught myself what I could of C++, then finally was able to take an actual computer science class in Java. Maybe it's because I took a class, but I much rather Java. It's relatively easy to learn the basics, implementing new libraries is easy, and compiled apps are, normally, platform independent.
I think I still have a backup folder from my Java class with all my projects. If you decide to get into it, I'd be glad to send them to you as reference...I think I also have a few project eulers.
Good Luck 
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Zacky
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| Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 1:26 am Post subject: |
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| Evil_Intentions wrote: | | implementing new libraries is easy, and compiled apps are, normally, platform independent. |
do not understand :[
This is how far back I am. Like, the very VERY beginning of programming...
But I guess Java's a good place to start then. But uh, would it be okay if you did send me your projects? That would be a great deal of help for me :P
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Krähne
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Evil_Intentions
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| Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 2:35 am Post subject: |
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| Zacky wrote: | | Evil_Intentions wrote: | | implementing new libraries is easy, and compiled apps are, normally, platform independent. |
do not understand :[
This is how far back I am. Like, the very VERY beginning of programming...
But I guess Java's a good place to start then. But uh, would it be okay if you did send me your projects? That would be a great deal of help for me  |
Libraries allow you to add additional functionality to applications. A compiled application is basically the java equivalent to an .exe. platform independent means it can run on linux, windows, osx, solaris, etc.
I'll look around for that backup folder
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Zacky
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| Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 8:51 am Post subject: |
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| Evil_Intentions wrote: | | Zacky wrote: | | Evil_Intentions wrote: | | implementing new libraries is easy, and compiled apps are, normally, platform independent. |
do not understand :[
This is how far back I am. Like, the very VERY beginning of programming...
But I guess Java's a good place to start then. But uh, would it be okay if you did send me your projects? That would be a great deal of help for me |
Libraries allow you to add additional functionality to applications. A compiled application is basically the java equivalent to an .exe. platform independent means it can run on linux, windows, osx, solaris, etc.
I'll look around for that backup folder |
ahh
Awesome, thanks so much
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HomerSexual
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| Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 9:46 am Post subject: |
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If you plan on going to school for Computer Science, learn Java first. If you plan on writing 1337 hacks (probably never will get to that point but just in case) then pick up C++
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shitposter
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| Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 10:34 am Post subject: |
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| HomerSexual wrote: | | If you plan on going to school for Computer Science, learn Java first. If you plan on writing 1337 hacks (probably never will get to that point but just in case) then pick up C++ |
"1337 hacks" is just slightly advanced programming, don't say he'll never be able to, that's not very nice.
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HomerSexual
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| Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 10:51 am Post subject: |
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How many people come in here with the idea that they will make a super awesome hack by learning c++, then do neither? I'm not a downer, i'm a realist...which just happens to be the same thing in this case.
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Zacky
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| Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 7:48 pm Post subject: |
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| HomerSexual wrote: | | If you plan on going to school for Computer Science, learn Java first. If you plan on writing 1337 hacks (probably never will get to that point but just in case) then pick up C++ |
If I learn Java, will I understand programming enough to quickly learn C++?
Or are the two completely different? Because I don't see how people know so many different languages, unless they are all related in some way.
Of course they could be really smart, but... that's just not me...
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atom0s
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| Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 9:27 pm Post subject: |
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There is no "best" language. (We should really add a rule about asking this question...) Each language is designed to be powerful in a specific field, some in a more wide range of fields over others. The language you choose is entirely up to you and depends on your comfort level with the language.
If you wish to seek a language for a specific task, then state the task rather then just asking "whats the best language" in general as it is a bias question that will not yield you very useful results.
| Quote: |
The problem is, I don't have a goal/something that I hope to achieve :\
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Given you have no reason or desire apparently to learn programming, why bother attempting to learn it in the first place? You need to have motivation to want to excel in a topic. Forcing yourself to do something you have little to no desire to do is going to lead up to you taking shortcuts to get things done, avoid the main problems, and just find the easiest solution. In programming, that tends to lead to just copy pasting others code without understanding it. (There are plenty of people in this section that do that already.)
Find something you want to do first. Don't rush into it either. You need to learn the language before you can really use the language. It's also not an overnight process. It's something that will take you time to do and you need to be willing to put in the time and effort to make an actual attempt.
| Quote: | | I was thinking about learning Java, but that's because I had a small goal. To write a RuneScape macro script. |
Depending on what protections RuneScape has, but Java should be plenty to accomplish the task. Basically any language (programming or scripting) that can access the system API can do this. The level of depth needed depends on the target though.
Since you asked whats the difference between C/C++ and Java:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Java_and_C%2B%2B
The language you pick is entirely up to you though. If you plan to ask questions here, your best choices based on users experience in this section are going to be:
C/C++
C# / VB.NET
Java
Delphi
Outside of that, not much is posted about here. Not to say people don't know other languages aside from those, but those are the main ones discussed here.
Basically just take your time. Know that learning the language isn't going to get straight into your objective. You wont be coding a bot overnight when you just start out. If you plan to really grasp the language, it could be months before you even start thinking of your bot.
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Zacky
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| Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 11:28 pm Post subject: |
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Yeah, I guess I need to have a specific goal to work at. So I'll learn how to create a macro for RuneScape, and like you said, it's going to take a lot of time, and I most likely won't be able to start the scripting right away by relying on tutorials that teach specifically how to create RuneScape macros.
I'm thinking about starting off by following tutorials and lessons on Youtube and making simple commands/programs. I hope this works out...
Unless you're aware of a really good guide already? But yeah, I'm hoping to ask you guys for help when I come across something that confuses me.
Thanks a bunch you guys :]
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atom0s
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| Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 1:56 pm Post subject: |
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I'd suggest you look into books over YouTube videos. Most of the vids on YouTube are 12 year olds thinking they are programmers cause they followed a tutorial on how to use FindWindow to make a cheat.
If you want to actually learn things, you're better off using books. A lot of which you can probably find online in ebook form for free depending on where you look.
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Zacky
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| Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 2:51 pm Post subject: |
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Oh okay. Do you know of any books that you can recommend for me?
If not, it's okay, I'll just skim through a few and choose one that seems most suitable for me.
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atom0s
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| Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 4:41 pm Post subject: |
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| Zacky wrote: | Oh okay. Do you know of any books that you can recommend for me?
If not, it's okay, I'll just skim through a few and choose one that seems most suitable for me. |
Which language are you looking into learning?
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