56 replies to this topic

[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?

Edited by Roger, 11 August 2010 - 03:48 PM.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[kromagnon]

I don't know if that is such a good idea. You'll probably end up confusing yourself. (For me) It makes more sense to learn one language, and then draw parallels from it to other languages

[icepack]

I learned the basics of OOP's in high school. I learn most languages from taking classes at school. But I've downloaded and bought some book's about Perl that have been helping me pick that up.

Repitition helps. And never just read through instructions. Make sample programs, even if the only change from the last program is something small like adding a loop or if statement.