GameAmp: Programming Languages

Forum >> Miscellaneous >> Off-Topic >> Programming Languages

User

Message

HackingHippie89

Posts: 1
Joined: 03/06/2006
Credibility: 0 pts

Programming Languages

Hello, for awhile now i've been interested in learning programming languages and how to program lines of (i think thats what they're called). The problem is right now i know very little and am not exactly sure where to start. I feel this may be something im interested in going to college for but id like at least some background knowledge and hopefully a bit more in depth knowledge of the subject beforehand. If any of you have any sites to check out, books to look into buying, or any tips on where/how to start that'd be much appreciated. Also, what different language types are there and how is each one used. As usual thank you to all who help.

01/31/08 11:30

Allanon6666

Posts: 19
Joined: 01/06/2006
Credibility: 0 pts

RE: Programming Languages

well, a good one to start off with would be c++. IMO, it's one of the easier programing languages to learn... but you do have to pay for it... so if you want ones for free, learn small talk or Java. Java is widely used, and i have a friend who knows small talk and says its really easy. I don't know either myself, but you should be able to find tutorials all over the internet. A good one for java is w3 Schools. You can also learn other internet based languages there too, such as html and xhtml.

***THIS POST HAS BEEN EDITED***

IGN: Allanon of Avalon - My time is -6hrs GMT

01/31/08 11:55

patrickvp

Posts: 9
Joined: 01/31/2006
Credibility: 0 pts

RE: Programming Languages

C++ is good because its very commonly used. Its best to have a good editing environment for it, like Visual Studio or Borland. You can still find MS Visual Studio 6.0, which is very old, but still commonly used for C++ applications. I'd be careful about getting the .NET studio from Microsoft, as that seems more geared to using C# (though you can still write pure C++ apps in it, I believe)

I'd stay away from Perl. It has a lot of special syntax that can make it hard to read the code sometimes, and is likely to just confuse people who are starting out.

Lately I've fallen in love with Python, though. I've been working with C++ and Perl for a few years now, and I find Python generally easier to use, and it does most everything I need it to do (though sometimes you need to download special modules to do something specific, like GUI building or using OpenGL).

For anyone interested in Python, I'd recommend starting here. This is a complete book (also available physically at bookstores) that helped me get familiar with Python. I don't know if its any good without pre-existing programming experience, though.

I've been writing a node-based job management tool for our production company, and its all in Python, with the optional WX interface library. I use a program called "Boa Constructor" which helps build interfaces for you, then I just tack on my own code as needed. If you use C++, the Visual Studio package also has a similar deal where you can just "draw" your interface, and it will provide you with all the code you need.

PS: One of the good things about learning a language (whichever you choose), is that the knowledge of one language can greatly speed up learning another. Once you know about data types and functions in C++, you already know what they are, so you only have to learn how to declare them in another language (and sometimes they even declare the same).

PPS: Here is a site I just found for complete beginners to Python, and programming beginners in general.

***THIS POST HAS BEEN EDITED***

01/31/08 12:50

HeruEnAnpu

Posts: 0
Joined: 08/13/2006
Credibility: 0 pts

RE: Programming Languages

Hi!

C++ is realy easy to learn but its allso powerfull so if u whant to start with cpp go to http://www.bloodshed.net/devcpp.html
and download dev-c++, its editor with standard g++ compiler.
(this is free nica program for beginneres its easyer if you learn programing here and then go to .net or bornald c++ builder)

http://www.cprogramming.com/tutorial/lesson1.html
here will u find some turitorial for begining, but if u whant to know more go to ur towns library and get some books.

best c++ doc i'we seen with realy good tutorial and loads of examples...
http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/

Btw if u want to do the examples u find on this page just make new console application project and u can start writing code.

note:
#include < cstdlib > there is no space between < and cstdlib or iostream (dev c++ will automaticly include both libraries)

So when u make new console application it will look something like this:

#include < cstdlib >
#include < iostream >

using namespace std;

int main(int argc, char *argv[])
{

system("PAUSE");
return EXIT_SUCCESS;
}

And now u write code.
So lets write your first program. If u want to write text to your monitor just type following code between { and system("PAUSE");.

cout << "My first program";
//so the word cout writes line in " " to your monitor

Before u can se if the program is working u need to compile it. So go to Execute menu and click on compile and run and console will show up with line My first program.

Now lets do more advances stuff.
U whant the compuer to calculate some basic math and then write the value to you monitor.

So u make new data type integer (in intiger u can write numbers). So when u make data type computer reserves a location in your computers memory in witch u can write whole numbers.

Making integer data type:

int a; // you reserved a location in your computers memory named a

so if u whant to write number to location u named a just type:

a = 5;

One more trick if u want wtite numbers to memory location while programm is running you will use commad cin

example:
cin << a;
the cin command will read a number u write in memory space called a.

example:

#include < cstdlib >
#include < iostream >

using namespace std;

int main(int argc, char *argv[])
{
int a; // reserving memory space in your ram called a

cout<< "Enter number: ";
cin >> a; // "sending" number to memory space

cout << "You entered: " << a << endl; // writing number u entered
// and jumping to new line
system("PAUSE");
return EXIT_SUCCESS;
}

oh yes i allmost forgot behind // is coment for programer so u know what things in program do (the compiler ignores coments)

Now let us make program that reads 2 numers and calculates them:

#include < cstdlib >
#include < iostream >

using namespace std;

int main(int argc, char *argv[])
{
int a; // reserving memory space in your ram called a
int b;
int sum;

cout<< "Enter first number: ";
cin >> a; // "sending" number to memory space
cout<< "Enter second number: ";
cin >> b; // "sending" number to memory space

sum = a+b; // calculating first + cesond number

cout << "first number + second numer = " << sum << endl;

system("PAUSE");
return EXIT_SUCCESS;
}

so here are some examples so if u whant to know more just ask on forums look in google or your local library.

ps:
sorry about typos...

***THIS POST HAS BEEN EDITED***

01/31/08 13:18

lani

GameAmp Staff
Posts: 647
Joined: 09/08/2005
Credibility: 28 pts

RE: Programming Languages

C++ is probably the best place to start.
It's powerful, versatile and well documented / tutorialized in both the public domain as in the retail section. And from what I gather it's easier to go from C++ to C# or Java than from either of those two to another. You could also try Perl or Python but those probably allow for too much lunacy :-)

01/31/08 16:16

Nyoxis

Posts:
Joined: 12/31/1969
Credibility: pts

RE: Programming Languages

Thanks for the info lads, I'll give the C++ a try.
I'm also planning on taking a computing or maybe maths/computing course in uni, but still don't know what specific route I'll take.
Maybe I should go study Ethical Hacking at Abertay? ;)

01/31/08 17:22

Nyoxis

Posts:
Joined: 12/31/1969
Credibility: pts

RE: Programming Languages

Har, har! After a little learning of C++ I've managed to create my first decent skr1pT:

CODE

#include

using namespace std;

using std::endl;

int main()

{

float a; // declaring variables

float b;

float c;

float d;

cout<<\"Please enter the matrix values for a, b, c and d:n\";

cin>> a >> b >> c >> d; //make freaking sure to have input signs, dumbass

cin.ignore();

cout<<\"The determinant for this matrix is:\" << (a * d) - (b * c) <<\"n \"; //duh

cin.ignore();

cout<<\"For the inverse matrix:n\";

cout<<\"The end value for a is: \"

<< ((1/((a*d)-(b*c)))* d) <<

\"n\";

cout<<\"The end value for b is: \"

<<(1/((a*d)-(b*c)))* (-1*b) <<

\"n\";

cout<<\"The end value for c is: \"

<< (1/((a*d)-(b*c)))* (-1*c) <<

\"n\";

cout<<\"The end value for d is: \"

<< (1/((a*d)-(b*c)))* a <<

\"n\";

cin.get();

}

It finds you the determinant and inverse, of a 2x2 matrix. =)

I might try a 3x3 matrix soon, but I think I need to get to grips with strings and better variable management/data storage before I handle really long processes.

Thanks again guys!

***THIS POST HAS BEEN EDITED***

02/05/08 17:45

bo fairfieild

Posts: 15
Joined: 11/23/2005
Credibility: 0 pts

RE: Programming Languages

In my opinion, Visual Basic is a great place to begin.
It definitely isn't a great language to use indefinitely, but I recently learned it as my first language, and it was quite easy. In one semester, I went from making command buttons to creating a full-scale scrabble replica. After you get experienced in VB (which I definitely am not), you could learn Java, C# or C++ quite easily.

I just find the very english-like commands and keywords in VB quite use-friendly.

02/05/08 18:34

mr47

Posts: 7
Joined: 01/17/2007
Credibility: 0 pts

RE: Programming Languages

my school offers programming classes and i have taken c, c++, and taking AP computer science next year. c++ was very easy to use and we used dev c++ as our compiler. someone posted the link already, but i would suggest dev c++. it was good enough for school use and it is free :]

02/05/08 20:10

bo fairfieild

Posts: 15
Joined: 11/23/2005
Credibility: 0 pts

RE: Programming Languages

QUOTE

I'm taking the AP next year too! woohoo
I'm gonna be the only sophomore though o.O

02/05/08 20:40

RevBudGreen

Posts: 27
Joined: 08/12/2007
Credibility: 0 pts

RE: Programming Languages

I know this might sound silly but those "xxxxx for dummies" books are actualy quite useful for a beginner. I am pretty sure they make some for certain programming languages. They aren't going to make you an expert but they will sure give you a good start.

Current Ranking as of 11/17/2008
9 Michigan 8-4-0

02/05/08 20:54

mr47

Posts: 7
Joined: 01/17/2007
Credibility: 0 pts

RE: Programming Languages

QUOTE

I'm taking the AP next year too! woohoo
I'm gonna be the only sophomore though o.O

damn. im going to be a senior, rofl. but thats good for you. gives you a lot more time to get oriented with the languages. you will be amazing when you get to be a senior, lol.

02/05/08 20:55

Allanon6666

Posts: 19
Joined: 01/06/2006
Credibility: 0 pts

RE: Programming Languages

k, this is creepy. I'm taking AP comp science next year too, lol

IGN: Allanon of Avalon - My time is -6hrs GMT

02/06/08 20:34

Don't Forget! - Rate users posts to reward or demerit their posts with Credibility!