Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Ask Slashdot: How To Get Started With Programming? [2017 Edition]

Posted by msmash on from the this-should-be-interesting dept.

Reader joshtops writes: I know this is a question that must have been asked -- and answered -- on Slashdot several times, but I am hoping to listen from the community again (fresh perspective, if you will). I'm in my 20s, and have a day job that doesn't require any programming skills. But I want to learn it nonetheless. I have done some research but people have varied opinions. Essentially my question is: What is perhaps the best way to learn programming for my use case? I am looking for best possible resources -- perhaps tutorials on the internet, the right books and the order in which I should read/watch them. Some people have advised me to start with C language, but I was wondering if I could kickstart things with other languages such as perhaps Apple's Swift as well?

6 of 312 comments (clear)

  1. Coffee by Oswald+McWeany · · Score: 5, Funny

    How to get started in programing. Well, I get started each morning by starting the kettle. Whilst the kettle boils, I wash out the French Press and my mug. I drink my coffee whilst reading Slashdot to see if there is anything I should be kept up-to-date on. By the time I finish it is time for another cup of coffee, so the process begins again, by that time, I have to reply to some troll who thinks climate change is a myth and that man never went to the moon.

    I usually have three or four cups of coffee- and then it is time for lunch.

    After lunch, I find myself able to start programming.

    --
    "That's the way to do it" - Punch
    1. Re:Coffee by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Same for me, except that I reply to trolls, that believe that Climate change is caused by humanity, instead of by cosmic causes; and that Trump didn't win the election. ;)

    2. Re:Coffee by Oswald+McWeany · · Score: 4, Funny

      Same for me, except that I reply to trolls, that believe that Climate change is caused by humanity, instead of by cosmic causes; and that Trump didn't win the election. ;)

      You've done it now... I'm brewing another cup of coffee... Just you wait.

      --
      "That's the way to do it" - Punch
  2. Three big steps by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    1. Pick a business problem that you understand thoroughly
    2. Pick a common technology stack, i.e. LAMP
    3. Learn how to use the tools

    For learning the stack and tools I would suggest pluralsight.com

  3. OK, here's what you need to know by squiggleslash · · Score: 3, Funny

    Last year, I'd have told you avoid languages like Ruby, Python, etc, and work on the latest greatest: node.js, Swift, and, of course, Java. However, it's a year later, so don't learn any of that rubbish, you need to learn iLng, Visiwo, G, and, of course, Java.

    As long as you have a good grounding in those languages, many of which are so new they literally don't exist yet, you should be fine for the next three to four months.

    --
    You are not alone. This is not normal. None of this is normal.
  4. 1st learn propper soldering technique by Crashmarik · · Score: 4, Funny

    Then get a good copy of the 7400 line data sheets.