Re: Programming question-Please help

From: MindShift Design LLC <jasonm@mindshiftdesign.com>

Date: Fri, 04 Jun 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Hi Sam

I'll try and help out a little.

In article <NOU6CBA5RBW3EwlE@homeway.demon.co.uk>,
  Sam Palmer <Sam@Bitton.homeway.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>
> I need to ask your advice, This thread does not really belong here but
> then I have always come to you lot first for help.
>
> I want to learn programming, My local college provides a course the
> description states.
>
> Programming in C++C&G 7261 - Beginners
>
> Learn how to programme in a language which has commercial uses. You
> should be confidnet in using computers although previous knowledge of
> programming is not essential.
>
> 10wks for �87
>
> What I need to know is...Is there a tutoring web-site which would help
> me to learn programming just like a HTML web-site helped me learn web-
> construction? This would save me 87 pound.

There are lots of websites dedicated to programming languages and quite
a few of them that will have some beginning tutorials. But C++ isn't as
forgiving a language as some, and has very strict rules about how to
write code and the execution of that code. Because of this is a great
multiplatform language. Rather than use websites, which will take a lot
of time to learn from (try juggling web pages, notes, and your code
documents at the same time on an extended basis), you may want to
either invest in a book published by SAMS (Teach Yourself C++ in 21
days for instance) or QUE (a little more technical but still great
books usually). Check your library first to find titles. If you're
close to a big library then they may have something in. Seeing as
you're in the UK, visiting lots of websites may end up costing more
than sitting the course with per-minute phone charges.

As for sitting a course, sometimes this works better for some rather
than others. I've been programming since I was 8 years old and tend to
find that I can pick up a book or some documents and get into a
language pretty quickly and cheaply myself. But that's taken a long
time to get there to do that.

> When it says language with commercial uses, what does that mean?

This means a language that is used in the commercial or 'working'
world. A lot of C++ programmers use it for their hobby, but in the
mainstream commercial software industries it's one of the most powerful
languages. Most of the big companies that produce computer games code
in C++. because they can write the code once and port it over to
several platforms - PC, Playstation, N64 etc, because the code is
portable. They may have to tweak it a little to optimize it, but that's
what's usually done. The theory is "write once, use many times".

C++ is very close to Java in structure and execution, but Java is a
little easier to learn, so you may want to pick up a book or two on
that first to ease you into programming.

A word to all would-be PBM programmers. Contrary to popular belief,
programming is easy. Programming effectively is hard and takes a lot of
practice. Programming complex PBM programs takes a lot of time,
ernergy, resources and ability. So if you're want to write
the 'ultimate' PBM game then start small and develop your skills. Then
work towards making more complex applications.

> Is there a newsgroup to do with programming?

There are plenty. Go to www.deja.com and do a search on C++
programming. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

--
Jason Paul McCartan - jasonm@mindshiftdesign.com
CEO
MindShift Design LLC Website - http://www.mindshiftdesign.com
	"Altering Perceptions, Creating Worlds"

Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Share what you know. Learn what you don't.

References

Programming question-Please help
Sam Palmer <Sam@Bitton.homeway.demon.co.uk>
Fri, 04 Jun 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Referenced By

Programming question-Please help
Sam Palmer <Sam@Bitton.homeway.demon.co.uk>
Fri, 04 Jun 1999 00:00:00 +0000