How to get into Computer Programming?

[Jetbat]

During this weekend, I've been watching Notch (creator of Minecraft)'s livestream of himself creating a game from scratch in 48 hours. I tuned in yesterday, near right when it started, and was amazed from there on out. I watched as Notch programmed line after line of code into Java seamlessly. I was tantalized by the speed, and flawless grace of what seemed to be gibberish flowing out across the screen. While I've never put much thought into being a game designer (until watching Extra Credits, of course), this kind of software design very much so excites me. The potential of programming languages is endless, and it would be a wondrous tool for me to utilize with skill.

As I mentioned, I know very little of programming and coding. I would *love* to learn Java first of all, but I certainly am willing to learn other programming languages first, if seen as more suitable as a start.

How would you recommend going about learning coding? Do you have any good tutorials, videos, or websites to show?
Please help!

 

[ThriKreen]

BASIC, Java, C/C++ (then C#), Python are probably good starts, the key isn't in the actual language itself, but knowing how a computer operates via logic and breaking down the steps needed for it to accomplish the goal in an efficient manner. After that, it's just learning the language's syntax and library for function calls. I had to code a program in Python for a position at a game studio once, but despite never having touched Python til then, I was able to pick up the structure in 5hrs and pull off said test program.

Then it's practice, practice, practice - never stop coding! If you see a utility that you like, try replicating its features, and improve on them. Doing that allows you to practice analyzing the operation and what the end result should be, which is useful for future work when you only have the end result, and have to come up with what the operation should be.

I've worked with Basic, Pascal, bit of C, PHP, Perl, Small/Pawn (SourceMod) and now Python for traditional programming languages, and MaxScript (3D Studio Max) and NWScript (Neverwinter Nights) for scripting within another program. I expect to have to pick up LUA and unrealscript soon as well. It's not hard to jump and pick up a new language for me.

 

[Zantos]

I started in C and went from there, but it all depends on what you're aiming to do with it. If you're after Java then there's no reason that you can't start there. There's plenty of internet tutorials and books you can look at to help you. Once you've got into the habit of thinking like a computer it's just about learning commands and syntax really.

 

[Jetbat]

Thanks for the great responses, gentlemen.

You both mention learning about the logic and processes of the computer itself... do you have any good suggestions for reading material on the subject?

 

[tharglet]

I suggest starting out writing small little terminal applications (i.e. things with no GUI) doing nice, simple tasks. A lot of beginner tutorials will take you through this, to teach you the basics that are pretty much common over any language you'll ever do. I've seen some people shoot straight to the whizzy tools, create a pretty form, which does nothing.

If you stick through the beginnings and really get a hang of the basic blocks, then great, you'll prolly have some aptitude as a programmer. I've seen some people who really struggle hard at understanding certain things, and it's usually a matter of time before they go "bugger this".
At some point, you'll probably have an idea in your head of some absolutely amazing program you want to make/remake. If so, I suggest getting a pen and paper and really think about what you need to do to make said program, to see if you're biting off more than you can chew.

If you're looking at doing programming as a career (your profile has no age on it) then you're best looking at going to university, or at the very least, college. A lot of the jobs in the industry call for a qualification - bedroom coders, on average, tend to code badly, and doing a programming course will teach you a lot. Lab sessions are also massively useful as if you get a good person running it, they'll know the right way to help you.

 

[Limecake]

Thanks for the great responses, gentlemen.

You both mention learning about the logic and processes of the computer itself... do you have any good suggestions for reading material on the subject?

I used this site when I wanted to teach myself python (currently about a third through the book). some lessons are pretty simple however some lessons are more meaty, it encourages you to look up keywords and functions to help you get a better grasp of the logic behind it.

http://learnpythonthehardway.org/book/

besides I'm sure there is a TON of material on youtube and tons of other sites to help you learn programming. honestly though what works for me or other people might not necessarily work for you. Do some research figure out what you're interested in doing and go from there.

the rest just comes down to patience which seems sorely lacking nowadays.