I really have never programmed before in my life. I've done none of it, but I want to start. What should I use to learn? SICP? I understand SICP will probably be overly difficult but I'll just spend a lot of time with it. Or will it be impossible for me to understand?
Name:
Anonymous2008-02-11 0:49
This is what to do:
1. Read SICP. No, it's absolutely great, and definitely not too hard if you haven't already fucked up your brain with some ``easy'' programming books (it's a fucking introductory book).
2. Learn Python. It's a decent language actually useful in the real world. Don't bother with Ruby. It's not different enough and much messier (I've used both for years, and eventually ditched Ruby for Python). I wouldn't recommend Common Lisp. It's technically superior to both Python and Ruby, but suffers from a severe lack of libraries and a huge cultural problem.
3. Learn C. Yes, everyone needs to know it. NO EXCEPTIONS.
4. Learn whatever you want or need. Haskell is a nice thing to know.