How can i start with programming

I'm 18 and I've been where you are lol learning to program without taking any classes.

First you need to decide what kind of programming you want to do. If you want to build websites, learn HTML (if you see XHTML, that's more or less the same thing). It's extremely simple compared to "real" programming languages. After HTML, I'd recommend learning javascript to do the cool effects you take for granted on most websites you see. Possibly learn Flash? I've never learned it and don't know much about it as I don't do any web development, so someone else can tell you more about it.

If you want to build desktop applications (Microsoft Word, iTunes, PC Games, your web browser, a calculator, etc.) you need to learn a "general-purpose" programming language. The most common languages recommended right now are C++, Java, and recently Python.

C++ is the most commonly used language and is extremely powerful and efficient, but often gets that power from requiring you to manage a lot of details yourself.

Java is also a very common and flexible language, and is used to create both desktop applications and web applets. Many people don't like Java because they say it is inefficient, but in my opinion it is a great first language to learn and is efficient enough to be used in many large applications (for example, the IDE Eclipse and the MMORPG Runescape).

Python I don't know much about as I've never learned it. I've read, however, that it's a great first language to learn because it's easy to learn and has the power and flexibility of Java.

Of these 3, my recommendation would be Java. You can either buy a book on it (I recommend Headfirst Java) online or at any major bookstore, or do what I did and read this online textbook by HWS professor David J. Eck for free :P
Javanotes 5.1.2 -- Title Page

Don't just go off of my opinions though as I haven't been around nearly as long as some other people on the forum :)

Edited by matrob, 09 July 2010 - 11:43 AM.