/prog/ Language Guide - V1.15
Copyright (C) 2009 /prog/
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BEFORE PROGRAMMING:
1. Python:
The main focus here is not how to learn how to program, but to learn how to write them. Do not worry if your program works or does anything useful, instead look at one of the greatest features of Python - code formatting. Write a couple simple programs, and pay attention to code indentation. Use only minimal programming syntax (if, for, def, and simple addition). Once you understand how a program's indentation should look, you can continue.
2. Lisp:
You will not be writing any programs while learning Lisp. Instead, you will learn the language to gain the important ability of parenthesis counting. Read through numerous programs until you are able to count (and visualize) the parenthesis structure, including how many you need to finish closing them all. A good source of code to do this with is The Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programming, by Gerald Sussman.
YOUR FIRST PROGRAMMING:
3. C++:
You are now ready to write code. By starting with a language such as C++, you will be able to learn programming much faster. C++ is an object oriented language, meaning just like the real world, everything is an object. This makes it much easier to learn because it's already so similar to real life. C++ is also a great example of an object oriented language, as it supports classes.
4. Perl:
Another introduction language to programming, Perl offers a wide amount of syntax, so just like a real language, code can be written in many different ways and still mean the same thing. Also, the language is very forgivable; almost anything you type will be valid Perl code.
GOING FOR GOLD -- PROGRAMMING IN THE CORPORATE WORLD:
5. Javascript:
This is the first half of Sun Microsystem's two tiered programming language front. Sun created two languages which are the standard of programming, accounting for roughly 90% of all business programming. Javascript uses simple and powerful syntax to perform any task. The best feature is that it doesn't need to be compiled to machine code, instead running through an internet brower, so you can harness the power of a computer through a program like Internet Explorer 7!
6. Java:
The most important language to learn. This language is Turing complete (meaning it can do anything) because it only uses objects (just like the real world). When you get hired, you will have to write in this language. If your company tells you otherwise, they are probably testing you. If they really are not writing in Java, write all your work in Java, show them it, and they will likely reward you for showing them an enterprise solution that promotes code reuse and scalability. (This is how Bill Gates started his computer career, and he is now the richest man in the world.)