How do you learn a programming language?

[Dan]

As per the title, how do you learn a programming language?

I have used a combination of, tutorials, editing existing scripts for my needs as well as books (usually from amazon).

I actually find editing existing scripts to be the most useful, although it is still hard to master a language such as C++

What methods have other coders used?

[Void]

I generally read a book or take a class to start with and then *try* to create a small program. Once I'm in the middle of the program tutorials and tips on the internet lead the way for me. I've used existing scripts as examples and learned a lot from them.

[Kaabi]

I've never learned a full programming language, but from what I have learned, it's all been online tutorials and speaking with people who know more about the language then I do. I could have probably learned C++ all the way now if I had sticked with it.

[MrDiaz]

books is the best way, also tutorials, while you see you can also try and do the same on the computer to try to match the exercise.

[Kaabi]

Oh wait, now that I think about it, I did once use a book to learn a programming language (part of one). I was learning Liberty BASIC using Liberty BASIC for Dummies (they have everything, don't they?) I regret doing it though, Liberty BASIC is the most useless language EVER.

[kromagnon]

Taking a class for it is definitely the best, because you have an expert there to help you in real life(instead of asking for help over a forum).But this isn't an option for many people. The next best choice I think would be to buy the book that the class teaches from. My C++ book that I got in CS1400 is an invaluable resource.

[WingedPanther]

There are some books online for free. Using those can be especially helpful.

[Kaabi]

Well if you go to college there are a lot of programming classes, so that's probably the best way to learn it. I'm pretty sure you can also take classes in high school too.

[hoser2001]

I got this really great internship the summer before my junior year of college. Worked for a software company doing .NET and lots of work with ms sql2000. I had almost no programming background when I started and now I feel completely confident in my ability to do anything as long as its possible with code. NO college course could have taught me all the skills I learned working there. So I say hands-on experience in real a life situation is the best way to learn something new.

[Sionofdarkness]

I haven't really started to learn a full language yet, I'm just trying to learn about programming as a whole before I dive into learning the complete syntax of an individual language.