[ltww]

I want to learn to make some progs. I'm pretty capable, any tips where to start?

[VNg7353752]

Learn BASIC and DOS commands to make batch files and stuff.
Then jump into C and possibly into an object-oriented programming like C++ and Java.

[Riahi]

So VNg where should we start? Do you have any good websites??? I eventually want to learn ASP, but I think it is best if I start from the beginning with DOS/C... Any good sites for tutorials?

[XWRed1]

Just so you know, ASP is of a more limited focus than C/C++ is. ASP is just for doing web stuff, C/C++ is for making full blown programs.

[Riahi]

Yeah know the difference in the language capabilities (I'm not that much of a total newb to programming), but any good sites with tutorials?

[Nuthouse]

Are there any books that are good for learning programming. You know, like @ a bookstore or something?

[Riahi]

Another question, (I found a semi-okay tutorial to C++), maybe I should start with C, Opinions?....

Anyways or my question, do you people know of any good compilers? Preferably cheap... (As in Free...) Ok, I'l splurge a little bit... But really, does anyone know of a compiler?

[Visidex]

Which ever language you decide to get serious with, get a book about it! It will come in handy and pay for itself in time and effort saved.

Compilers...Lately I've been stuck in Windows and have been using Microsoft Visual C++ (not free, but popular).

[VNg7353752]

If you're new to programming, I recommend that you learn BASIC. It has fundamental concepts that will be help in other programming language. You want to start out slow and practice as you go. You can't learn a language in one night. In fact I took BASIC when I was in the 9th grade and jumped into C++ in 10th and 11th grade. PRACTICE is probably your best buddy in programming.

If you want to start quick, which I do not recommend, you should give this website a look, http://www.chrismarino.com/ . Start from C and proceed into C++ and then Visual (coolest part)!

Good luck!

Also, reading a programming book is pointless if you don't practice. You won't memorize everything and you will REGRET in the future!

[VNg7353752]

DEV++ from bloodshed is a good windows compiler.

[drunkmonkey]

If you want to do web programming and later go into object oriented programming I found learning javascript really helped me get a good foundation for going into vb6 and now I'm goin for c/c++. goto www.webmonkey.com for any web programming, and http://web.mit.edu/choge/Public/C++/index.htm has a guide to programming in C++ from SAMS(Teach yourself C++ in 21 days). I found I could do a day in about an hour.

edit: also stating in basic is an excellent thing to do. I liked Asic, a free compiler, but its watered down from true basic.

[Riahi]

k, Thanx for the tips, *goes and runs to nearest Books a Million*

[Twyst]

Originally posted by Riahi
Another question, (I found a semi-okay tutorial to C++), maybe I should start with C, Opinions?....

Anyways or my question, do you people know of any good compilers? Preferably cheap... (As in Free...) Ok, I'l splurge a little bit... But really, does anyone know of a compiler?

I'm using Borland 5.5 it's free, but command line based. I got it from www.download.com no complaints here so far...as long as you're comfortable with DOS/Command prompt.

[macklin01]

I liked these books for C++:

I started learning C++ in June 2001. I am self-taught, using the following two references:

Davis, Stephen Randy, C++ for Dummies, 4th Edition, IDG Books Worldwide, Inc., Foster City, IA, 2000. ISBN: 0-7645-0746-X

Overland, Brian, C++ In Plain English, 3rd Edition, M&T Books, New York, NY, 2001. ISBN: 0-7645-3545-5

The first reference is decent for an initial, no-nonsense intro to the basics of C++. I especially recommend the second book as a general reference. It details I/O operations and the standard library functions with an example for each function.

The Overland text has proven to be a good reference for me for a long time. -- Paul

[Riahi]

Want to know something funny? I was in Books a Million and saw book on Visual Basic for $50, that was reduced from $75! I thought, "Heck at that price, it might as well have Visual Studio bundled..." I went and looked at and this is rather funny... It says "The only thing a beginner needs to learn Visual Basic..." And yet it does NOT contain a copy of Visual Studio!!!

[macklin01]

Originally posted by Riahi
Want to know something funny? I was in Books a Million and saw book on Visual Basic for $50, that was reduced from $75! I thought, "Heck at that price, it might as well have Visual Studio bundled..." I went and looked at and this is rather funny... It says "The only thing a beginner needs to learn Visual Basic..." And yet it does NOT contain a copy of Visual Studio!!!

Riahi, Welcome to the forums.

That's probably the funniest thing I've read today! -- Paul

[Riahi]

Glad I could Humor you! Now to find a cheap copy of Visual Studio since I am not legally allowed to have a job (so I have to work for parents who pay less than minimum wage, LOL)... Too bad school is out; I could have mooched with the computer teacher and got the software off her... Boy, I'm Stupid!

[Riahi]

P.S. this should really make you laugh!

How did I know about this book on VisualBasic, (the one without Visual Studio), because I was dumb enough to buy it!!!!

[macklin01]

Originally posted by Riahi
Glad I could Humor you! Now to find a cheap copy of Visual Studio since I am not legally allowed to have a job (so I have to work for parents who pay less than minimum wage, LOL)... Too bad school is out; I could have mooched with the computer teacher and got the software off her... Boy, I'm Stupid!

Try a "for dummies" book? They often come with some version ... -- Paul

[macklin01]

Originally posted by Riahi
P.S. this should really make you laugh!

How did I know about this book on VisualBasic, (the one without Visual Studio), because I was dumb enough to buy it!!!!

Nah, I won't do much more than giggle on that one. We all have stacks of books that we don't use ... -- Paul