Posted by Fox on 2000-05-25
> I need to know the basics. I don't know one bit!! So please could someone > Teach me.. I['ll be sure to return the favor!! Please help me out!! /***********************************/ Well, that depends on what language you want to learn. Since my main languages are C/C++, that's the only thing I can offer advice on! My view on learning a computer language is simple: "Learn it on your own, first. Then, if you find you need help with something you simply can't understand, ask for another person's help. If you come to advanced, complicated stuff, you should also have someone to ask for clarification, too." Teachers are great for focusing your learning, and getting you to use your knowledge, and maybe giving you an understanding boost......but as for learning the basics, I believe that only you can teach that to yourself. Having said this, I recommend ANY book written by Herbert Schildt. Go to http://www.osborne.com, and search his name. I know he's written several books on the basics of C++. One of these books is called "C++: The Complete Reference". I've never read it, but it's for beginners, and I trust Schildt enough to recommend a book I've never read to a total stranger! I'm confident that he explains everything well enough for a beginner. I didn't find out about him when I was first starting, so I didn't read this. I learned for another book. But Schildt is GOOD, and I'm confident that he does a good job bringing up newbies :-)). The book I learned from is, just for a backup on where I come from before I found out about Schildt: "Visual C++ in 12 easy lessons" --By Greg Perry & Ian Spencer. This book got me started, but I think Schildt is better. Plus, This book is probably out of print by now, it's so old(1995). Once you learn the basics from this(these?) books, expand from there. Everyone on this list is willing to help you understand something; don't be afraid to ask! I, personally, don't profess myself to be an expert, but I'm teaching myself, and that's the best way to learn the basics. When you get into the more complicated stuff, a teacher/helper is great for clarifying them for you to get that extra boost. One more thing, you need a C++ compiler. Honestly, they aren't cheap, but someplace there're free compilers for beginners. Can someone else on the list tell him where to get a trial compiler? If you want to continue programming, then you should buy a full compiler. I wish you the best! /********************************/ Trust me! You're dealing with a professional amateur programmer!
Previous post | Next post | Timeline | Home