[Bassetlug mailing] Programming -- was: Re: Fwd: BassetLUG Contact Form Submittal

[Richard Smedley]

On 13/07/11 20:05, Danny Roberts wrote:
> On 13 July 2011 19:43, philip jones<phil at thejones-family.co.uk>  wrote:
>> I would like to learn a bit of programming but need to start at the
>> beginning.
>> martin has suggested I start with c# and shape develop

 > C# is still a good choice but there are other options if you don't
 > like the sound of that.

You can learn to program by starting with almost any language
but some make it easier than others [0]. Personally I recommend
JavaScript [1] for the quickest start (a couple of lines of code,
and the programs run in any browser), or Scheme [2] (or Common
Lisp [3]) for harder work but more rewards.

However if you're after coding something useful for either
the Web or the GNU/Linux platform, then one of the great
intros to Python [4] or Ruby [5] will get you set up for both. :)

[0] I don't wish to start a language war - C# isn't bad,
     although it is tied to one vendor, known for love of
     patents and proprietary software :-/

[1] Eloquent JavaScript: A Modern Introduction to Programming
     Marijn Haverbeke
     No Starch Press
     978-1-59327-282-1

[2] http://www.htdp.org/
     is best, but if you're feeling brave, consider SICP :)

[3] http://landoflisp.com/

[4] http://learnpythonthehardway.org/

[5] http://mislav.uniqpath.com/poignant-guide/book/

  - Richard

--
http://teachyourkidstocode.org/