i would find something that he likes, whether it be a game or something and encourage him to build something for it. for example: any online multiplayer game, try to find ways to manipulate data being sent to the sever etc. then build a client or something ( like a trainer, most "lower end" games are easy to manipulate ). this teaches alot of things at once while peaking an interest into the 'backend' of things. some people might say that's rather advanced but, would you rather risk the complexity of the challenge with something that they like or start with something they have no interest in.
Quote SimHacker "PHP is a HORRIBLE first language" -> how? if you're learning the fundamentals: while loops, variables, if-then-else and the basic logic for functions, any language is good even, dare i say mIRC scripting.
there's plenty of routes you could go, if you son has an online clan ( i don't believe his age was specified ), i would defiantly try to teach him php for his clans website or something. i mean, nothing is more rewarding to a kid then to have something to show for what they've done.
as a programmer for 10years with a son on the way, i would try to do any/everything to build my son's confidence in himself and believe it or not, this is a very good way.
you have to find something that he's interested in. you can go over a million c++ tutorials but, if they don't have a set scope for something that they are interested, there's nothing to inspire them to continue.
- sean ( threeZ )
Slashdot Mirror
i would find something that he likes, whether it be a game or something and encourage him to build something for it. for example: any online multiplayer game, try to find ways to manipulate data being sent to the sever etc. then build a client or something ( like a trainer, most "lower end" games are easy to manipulate ). this teaches alot of things at once while peaking an interest into the 'backend' of things. some people might say that's rather advanced but, would you rather risk the complexity of the challenge with something that they like or start with something they have no interest in. Quote SimHacker "PHP is a HORRIBLE first language" -> how? if you're learning the fundamentals: while loops, variables, if-then-else and the basic logic for functions, any language is good even, dare i say mIRC scripting. there's plenty of routes you could go, if you son has an online clan ( i don't believe his age was specified ), i would defiantly try to teach him php for his clans website or something. i mean, nothing is more rewarding to a kid then to have something to show for what they've done. as a programmer for 10years with a son on the way, i would try to do any/everything to build my son's confidence in himself and believe it or not, this is a very good way. you have to find something that he's interested in. you can go over a million c++ tutorials but, if they don't have a set scope for something that they are interested, there's nothing to inspire them to continue. - sean ( threeZ )