Programming Books

Hello /prog/. I'm here to ask a question. I want to learn how to program. I know all the basics like variables, loops, conditionals, and functions, but I still feel like I don't know shit. I started learning in an objected oriented language a year and a half ago, but I'm currently trying to learn functional programming with javascript. Can you recommend me a couple of books to read in order to become more familiar with programming? I know you are probably going to say SICP but is there anything a bit easier I can start with?

SICP isn't really that hard. I mean, it starts off fairly gently at least. If you, as you claim, know all the basics then I can't see it being that too bad. Have you actually tried reading it? You needn't buy it just to just take a look, there's this thing called Library Genesis.

>>2

Have you actually tried reading it? Anyone who has will agree that it really isn't that great.

>>1
Depends on what you want to learn, programming is not a single big thing. SICP is a beginner CS book, it's natural that it has to be harder than ``C++ for dummies''. It's still an excellent read for programmers.
Which languages are you familiar with? Are you willing to learn a new language to read a book? How willing are you to get deep into programming? Are you willing to also learn some basic CS, or ``just programming''?

>>2
Honestly, no. I never read SICP past a couple pages. The fact that you had to use lisp kept putting me off. From what I've been reading lisp is a good language but I want to make sure I have a good understanding before I venture off into other languages. At times that's what I think gets me the most. I don't know much, and not knowing the API of the language really frustrates you more.

So to answer >>4 ,
Which languages are you familiar with?
I'm familiar with Actionscript 3 and Javascript. I'm really interested in web development.

Are you willing to learn a new language to read a book?
It all depends. I would really be put off if it were an objected oriented one.

How willing are you to get deep into programming?
very

Are you also willing to learn some basic CS?
Yeah, knowing the basics is good. I'd definitely be willing to learn the basics. I don't want to get into any hardcore Math stuff though.

>>5
and not knowing the API of the language really frustrates you more.
SICP uses Scheme, whose standard (R5RS) is 50 pages. And it doesn't even use it all, only define, lambda, set! and basic functions, and all of them get defined in the book. It's not really a Scheme book. Don't worry about it, try to read it.

I'm familiar with Actionscript 3 and Javascript. I'm really interested in web development.
You should read ``JavaScript: The Good Parts'' and ``JavaScript: The Definitive Guide''. I don't have good resources for webdev.

It all depends. I would really be put off if it were an objected oriented one.
I already like you.

Yeah, knowing the basics is good. I'd definitely be willing to learn the basics. I don't want to get into any hardcore Math stuff though.
Then, you should go with SICP. If you want something simpler, but not as complete, and more beginner-oriented, try HtDP.


The best way to learn programming, though, is by experimenting, and learning new languages.
By new languages I don't mean Java, C, C++, Python, etc, but languages that differ from what you're used to.
You can't learn functional programming with just JS, though it can be a good language when used well. Try Scheme, Haskell, ML. Read SICP, Learn You a Haskell, Real World Haskell. Don't become an Haskell fanatic.
Not all the object-oriented languages are bad, learn Io to understand how prototype-based OOP languages work (JS is one of those). Smalltalk is also a must.
Probably, you should also learn Assembly and Forth (or better, implement Forth) when you'll ``grow up''. Read the Intel manuals and Thinking Forth.

Learning programming is not a matter of days, too. Don't expect to be an EXPERT PROGRAMMER in one week or two. There will always be something you don't know.

>>6

Thanks a lot for the advice, I really appreciate it! I'm going to take a look at HtDP.

U BUTTMAD

>>7
Still, the htdp curriculum has had an interesting measurable effect concerning female students. Several instructors reported that female students like the HtDP curriculum exceptionally well. In a controlled experiment, an htdp-trained instructor taught a conventional AP curriculum and the Scheme curriculum to the same three classes of students. Together the three classes consisted of over 70 students. While all students preferred our approach to programming, the preference among females was a stunning factor of four.

>>9
Which part of ``simpler'' and ``beginner-oriented'' didn't you get?

>>1
You become familiar with programming by programming, not by reading books. Not that you shouldn't read cs books if you're interested; just not for that reason.
Learning other languages is not gonna make you a better programmer at this point either. If you like javascript and web programming then stick with that and do some web programming in javascript.

Computer Science is a BULLSHIT degree. Learn a manly trade, like ENGINEERING.