New to programming

Okay so some of you may know me some of you may not but heres my deal:

I wanna learn some programming (coding?) I wanna learn some website,Java, and Forums (php and vb)

First,is programming coding? i need a vocab lesson on this stuff.:embar:

Second,What are some basic things i need/need to know to start coding,im going to be taking a computer programming classnext year but i wanna get a headstart. Im not a tutorial person so i need soem very basic info. Im not spending 4 hours learning how to make a pixel.:laugh:


Thanks


Lukef555

 

I wrote this tutorial for another site, it's a very basic intro to PHP. I have other PHP tutorials in the same section as this tutorial if your interested:
http://cryptx.org/showthread.php?t=10477

 

First, don't get in over your head. You need to understand the fundamentals of coding before you even start using a language. While some people choose to rush straight into the fire, it's usually smarter to warm yourself up first.

Read up on the following:

Arrays
Variables
Strings
Input/Output
Functions
Loops
Files

Just search like "fundamentals of arrays", or something like that, and get a grasp of what purpose they serve, how they work, etc.

Don't 'learn to make' anything. That's a big mistake with new people who desire to make something, then when they realize how hard it is, they give up, and never learn anything. Instead, you should be spending your time understanding the language, and how it works.

Let's say you choose to learn PHP. After you understand the fundamentals of coding, you wouldn't jump into making a full browser game. You'd instead spend a few weeks learning the different built in functions of PHP, learning security risks, learning how to use the language. Then, when you are capable, you'll spend some time reading other peoples' code, and evaluating it. Judging what you would have done differently, what they did wrong, etc.

Once you're done with that step, you're ready to begin coding. When I sat down to learn PHP, I spent 3 months of solid research before I even made a small form validator.

Looking back, I feel like I should have picked up on it faster, but I took my time, and actually put an effort into learning it. Now I can code pretty well. Almost without using a reference sheet ^.^.

The lingo for coding will come when you start asking for help, and read what people reply with. Learning from others how to talk about coding, and what means what, is the best way to go about that. Pirate talk isn't learned from a book, but from being a pirate.

What you need to know to start is the fundamentals. If you don't know how variables work, or if you think a string is something your cat plays with, you should probably spend some time on Google researching these things.

Don't expect to put 4 hours into learning to make a pixel, expect to spend 4 weeks learning to make a pixel.


EDIT: (Coding is the act of writing code. Programming is the act of writing a program)

 

That is amazing and helps a ton!
can i ask what codes do then? haha.

 

http://lepslair.com/tutorials/fundamentals/

Have a read ^.^

 

Looks good reading now.
Nother questioin: is there anything i need program wise to start..programming? if you get what im asking.

That and iv decided id mostly wanna learn either java or php,which is more useful in your opinion?

 

Depends on what you plan on doing. Java is a very extensive language, but so is PHP.

PHP tends to be easier than Java, in my experience, but Java is very similar to the C languages, and would open the door to a multitude of other languages for you.

PHP if you want to make websites. Java if you want to make games, animated stuff, etc.

 

Well ive decided to go into php.
Any programs i would need to start that?

 

I'd suggest installing a webserver and php for local testing...

 

installing php..i shoulda thought of that.

Ill google webserver. lol.
Edit: Do i have to buy php?

 

Um. Install apache... Thats the webserver... And you don't have to buy php... http://www.php.net/downloads.php

 

Thanks SuF.

 

Do i download the complete source code?

 

*sighs* just download this: http://www.wampserver.com/en/

 

Really what I did before I realized this wasn't something I enjoyed to do or was even good at was to consult someone you know personally to help you; it is the best help you get. Most public librarys carry huge books on programming to, believe it or not.

 

Programming is coding, both are two words for one meaning, writing debugging and editing the source code.

You might wanna take one language at a time.
When you learn one language, then you get the general idea of programming like include file.ext,make functions in file.ext, run main or default then have case:switch or if() handle the parameters and user input etc etc.

Start with php it's the easy one on the list, it works on all platforms (linux windows etc) take some html and javascript tuts you need only 48 hours of learning them then you are good to go and code something :nuts:

With vb do you mean visual basic or vbscript (visual basic scripting edition)
Visual basic builds applications for windows, vbscript is lame and not very helpfull if you wanna build a forum =.='
Go ajax.

Then java
It's a good language if you wanna go pro-coding, with pro i mean corporate kinda thingy (java certified+exp=jobs=$$).

If you need any help just hit me a pm ;]

I prefer http://www.appservnetwork.com
Few clicks setup and you are good to go.

 

I don't see much of a comparable difference between AppServ and WAMP, both do the same thing.

Not to be offensive, but you really sound like you have no idea what you're talking about. Is English your first language? If not, I suppose you may be excused but otherwise I suggest you learn more before giving advice.

 

Actually english is my third language but i am learning and keeping my dictionary beside me
But i know more programming more than the languages (did that make sense=@ )
Believe me i made full blog software from scratch:idea: and i did many cool stuff i am onto this for years ,feel free to test me ;]

 

Well it's hard to convey concepts in another language sometimes, so I can't really doubt your ability.

 

I would suggest buying a book with different exercises in it. That's what we do at school.

Also it's gonna take a lot longer than 4 hours to learn...