I am a 14 year old, who wants to learn computer programming on my own. What is the best program that teaches you and lets you do it?
What is the best computer programming program for a starter?
(EDIT)
Visual Basic 6 .NET does not exist. There is a VB .NET 2005. Microsoft no longer supports VB6. It's not obselete, as is C, though C is not a Microsoft language.
(/EDIT)
The post telling you to start with C and move to C++ made me laugh. C++ is the new standard, and is just C "++" some. LoL. Know what I mean?
Any programming community (e.g. GameDev.net) will tell you to switch to C++ if you are using C, unless you are taking a school course that requires you to use C.
Why start with something like BASIC? I started with C++. A good IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is Bloodshed Dev-C++.
And web design is not "programming." That's a common misunderstanding. HTML is not a programming language.
But check out Dev-C++ (in the source links) and go from there. You can program using Notepad and a C++ compiler if you wanted to. But an IDE makes things so much easier. And when you're comfortable with C++ (believe me, it takes quite some time ... hope you have patience!! =D) and comfortable with Dev-C++ as an environment, you can download the Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2005 Express Editions for free (also in the source links).
You MUST have a whole lot of patience in order to get into programming and actually stick with it. And don't go in with a "big-head" attitude that you're going to write the next piece of the Doom or Quake franchises.
I made that mistake, but I learned from it. And now, about 8 years later, I can do more than I ever thought of with C++. Plus, I also taught myself C# and Java.
But never move on to the next step until you're comfortable with (and understand) what you're currently working on. I have list a website in the sources for a good beginner's tutorial (though I don't think it's quite up to the standards, but that's okay). And GameDev.net has a GREAT community.
I hope this helps! =)
Reply:I suggest you to learn C, why???
because many languages are liked C.
From C point, you can go to Java, C# and go to PHP simply, their syntax are so same as in C. Then from C you can go to code in LINUX and UNIX simply too.
Reply:i think u must start with C programming language
After that C++
Thanks
Reply:don't dismiss C as being obsolete or not worth learning. there is a reason a lot of schools require you to learn it before C++ (and usually after java). if you need to write fast and efficient code you would want to do it in C. if you are doing coding that requires something that needs to be fast, small, and quick, such as code in graphics/game programming, no pro will use C++. also, C is "harder" in the sense it requires you to understand exactly what is going on under the hood more so then in C++ (unless you write pure C code and compile it with a C++ compiler, in which case why bother with C++).
with that said, i probably wouldn't want to learn C first. C++ maybe but probably not. i'd go with Java since it is platform independent, very, very well documented, and sort of "forces" you into good programming practices if you are a beginner.
Reply:I agree, Basic, particularly visual basic, is the way to go fora starting programmer.
Also, I believe learning even simpler object code, like Flash Action Script, can teach about the fundamental ideas AND provide a framework for text and graphics that are self contained.
Once someone has learned to turn out decent flash output, Visual Basic should be an easy next step.
Myself, I learned GFA basic (The leastest with the mostest) and after that, almost everything seemed accessible.
Reply:Arjun K may I call you son.
Son here is link for Microsoft Visual Basic 6 link. I would advise you to learn VB6 dot net.
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vbrun/d...
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/express...
http://blogs.msdn.com/vbteam/
http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowFor...
Reply:best way to do it bud is if you found out whats on your computer first of all lol, everything probabley would be easy figuring then
Reply:lol no, you want to start out with a simple language... Start with BASIC and move on from there.
Friday, July 31, 2009
How much do time do you spend programming at work?
I just wanted to roughly know how much other people spend their time programming at work if you are a developer. I am a Java developer and I spend about 98% of the time coding. I was just wondering because a professor I had in college said that developers only spend about 25% of their time actually coding. One reason I may spend a lot of time coding is that the work is usually assigned to individuals rather than teams. Here are some questions to get a feel of how other companies work: How much time do you spend coding? What are other activities that take a large percentage of your time? What is the size of the company you work for? Do you feel like you work on projects as a team or individually? Feel free to leave any other comments that pertain from your experience.
How much do time do you spend programming at work?
I dont think your professor was 100% correct. If you just got the job then you will most likely spend the majority of the time coding and as you get more experienced and familiar with the companys system you may end up doing more analytical work such as developing a database, analysing data, meetings etc.. After some time you start to think that even a trained monkey can program so they usually give those tasks to less experienced people so the more you move up the less programming you are likely to do. Also, it sometimes takes longer to test your work than it takes to program it.
Reply:There is a difference between "coding" and "programming". Most programmers are really programmer / analysts. They should spend a lot of time analyzing. They also test, debug, test again, train users, write help screens, meet with users, watch business processes, read professional journals, goof off answering YA posts on the corporate T-100 line and so forth. If you are devoting 98% of your 40 hours a week to grinding out Java code, you must be a regular coding machine. Do you have others who set the requirements, design the systems, test, debug and so forth? Or did you count that as "coding"?
25% seems about right if your professor meant to distinguish between tasks, as I did.
Reply:It really depends on the nature of the company and how the company works.
I work in an environment where no body really cares rats @@$$$ about computers... but without computers or internal programs... all hell will break loose.
We do have a team of IT guys here.. but not enough for 300 users. So I go here and there to support the IT guys.. which makes me 60:40 on develop/maintaining:IT Troubleshoot...
...not considering all the meetings and paper works and overtimes...
As to my friend.. who works in a strict development environment...
Most of time he spend his time coding... other time studies the languages.
Sounded like 80% coding, 15% studying, and 5% meetings.
Another friend who works in a QA environment...
According to him he spends 100% on coding 100% on meetings and 100% hearing the development team Biaatching in his ears 100% hearing his team Biaatching about the developers... which is a very team oriented environment.
Most* development environment is individual based...
because it's hard for multiple people to create portions of a code and expect everything to work perfectly once the code is put together.
Reply:I create web apps for my work,, i spend %26lt; 10% design and 90% programming (including debugging). I work for a university which has 500 employees. But as usual other things which distract you from your real job come inbetween. I work mostly individually
Reply:I am Sr. EAI Consultant in CMM5 Level company , working at Client site. We are sopenidng maximum time in Designing. Like Functional Designs and Technical design. If a Design is good then a Deveopelr can develop in few Hrs. We always propely document the Designs and then Send it to Developer to develop. So The way we work is
1%26gt; Functional Design : Collection Business Requirements
2%26gt; Technical Design : Converting Funcrtionalui in to Technical
3%26gt; Coding (Code)
4%26gt; Testing (UT , ST , AT , etc)
the first two parts always take 70% of time .
and about the coding in a day , when u r in job then Ur Team lead decideds or may be you decide ;-)
Reply:hmm ok i do about 70% coding and 30% design. other activities include graphics and animation, web design, and screwing around on yahoo answers - lol j/k - well not really... :)
the size of my company is pretty big, maybe a few hundred folks. we have project coordinators so i feel like i work as a team with them, but not really with the other designers because i work remotely and we kinda just do what we're all told.
that was a fun question, it was actually relevant to what i do! yay! back to "work"!
Reply:I'd say I spend between 35% and 60% of my time actually writing code (web applications,) depending upon the week and the time of the year. The rest is spent on design, testing, debugging, and managing the network here. I work for a small non-profit, and if it plugs into the wall, I am responsible for it...
Reply:I'm a Sr Java Developer for a medium sized company and I code about 50% of the time. But it's lopsided...maybe 12% one day and I have to stay late and code 100% another. Depends on the projects that are going on. My other time is spent doing research on technologies, going over documentation, meetings, or being just plain bored.
How much do time do you spend programming at work?
I dont think your professor was 100% correct. If you just got the job then you will most likely spend the majority of the time coding and as you get more experienced and familiar with the companys system you may end up doing more analytical work such as developing a database, analysing data, meetings etc.. After some time you start to think that even a trained monkey can program so they usually give those tasks to less experienced people so the more you move up the less programming you are likely to do. Also, it sometimes takes longer to test your work than it takes to program it.
Reply:There is a difference between "coding" and "programming". Most programmers are really programmer / analysts. They should spend a lot of time analyzing. They also test, debug, test again, train users, write help screens, meet with users, watch business processes, read professional journals, goof off answering YA posts on the corporate T-100 line and so forth. If you are devoting 98% of your 40 hours a week to grinding out Java code, you must be a regular coding machine. Do you have others who set the requirements, design the systems, test, debug and so forth? Or did you count that as "coding"?
25% seems about right if your professor meant to distinguish between tasks, as I did.
Reply:It really depends on the nature of the company and how the company works.
I work in an environment where no body really cares rats @@$$$ about computers... but without computers or internal programs... all hell will break loose.
We do have a team of IT guys here.. but not enough for 300 users. So I go here and there to support the IT guys.. which makes me 60:40 on develop/maintaining:IT Troubleshoot...
...not considering all the meetings and paper works and overtimes...
As to my friend.. who works in a strict development environment...
Most of time he spend his time coding... other time studies the languages.
Sounded like 80% coding, 15% studying, and 5% meetings.
Another friend who works in a QA environment...
According to him he spends 100% on coding 100% on meetings and 100% hearing the development team Biaatching in his ears 100% hearing his team Biaatching about the developers... which is a very team oriented environment.
Most* development environment is individual based...
because it's hard for multiple people to create portions of a code and expect everything to work perfectly once the code is put together.
Reply:I create web apps for my work,, i spend %26lt; 10% design and 90% programming (including debugging). I work for a university which has 500 employees. But as usual other things which distract you from your real job come inbetween. I work mostly individually
Reply:I am Sr. EAI Consultant in CMM5 Level company , working at Client site. We are sopenidng maximum time in Designing. Like Functional Designs and Technical design. If a Design is good then a Deveopelr can develop in few Hrs. We always propely document the Designs and then Send it to Developer to develop. So The way we work is
1%26gt; Functional Design : Collection Business Requirements
2%26gt; Technical Design : Converting Funcrtionalui in to Technical
3%26gt; Coding (Code)
4%26gt; Testing (UT , ST , AT , etc)
the first two parts always take 70% of time .
and about the coding in a day , when u r in job then Ur Team lead decideds or may be you decide ;-)
Reply:hmm ok i do about 70% coding and 30% design. other activities include graphics and animation, web design, and screwing around on yahoo answers - lol j/k - well not really... :)
the size of my company is pretty big, maybe a few hundred folks. we have project coordinators so i feel like i work as a team with them, but not really with the other designers because i work remotely and we kinda just do what we're all told.
that was a fun question, it was actually relevant to what i do! yay! back to "work"!
Reply:I'd say I spend between 35% and 60% of my time actually writing code (web applications,) depending upon the week and the time of the year. The rest is spent on design, testing, debugging, and managing the network here. I work for a small non-profit, and if it plugs into the wall, I am responsible for it...
Reply:I'm a Sr Java Developer for a medium sized company and I code about 50% of the time. But it's lopsided...maybe 12% one day and I have to stay late and code 100% another. Depends on the projects that are going on. My other time is spent doing research on technologies, going over documentation, meetings, or being just plain bored.
What is the best route to take with finding a programming language that suites game development ?
I understand that there are lots of this questions already posted, but I am in need for a serious answer.
I started out with Game Maker back in 2004, and feel that it DOES produce the results I like, but I do feel extremely limited, as I like to program, but also have an artistic vision for my games. I also feel embarrassed that I am working with such a cheap means of programming.
I guess to continue with my answer, that my question that has come up in numerous ways, is that what programming language is the best towards producing games. And no, it doesn't have to be "easy to learn" (although it should be possible to grasp rudimentary concepts and such) I own C++ without fear by Brian Overland, Game programming all in one third edition by Johnathan S. Harbour, and Beginning game programming by Jonathon Harbour.
Reinstating the question again, as I have only been working with 2d games and haven't made the leap towards 3d.
What is the best programming language for computer games?
What is the best route to take with finding a programming language that suites game development ?
is there something wrong with c++? 2d graphics shud be ez with direct3d or open gl
Reply:There is never a "best". There is only pros and cons. Ive worked in the game publishing industry and can tell you that games are written in anything you want.
Most would say C++ but to me thats a module language. Big companies would want you to have it. But thats because they have many programmers in cubicles working on a piece of the game. Everything has to work when its all plugged together. (or Java if its an online game)
If you are going to be the only one working on it from beginning to end then there are other choices. They all have their advantages and disadvantages.
But if C++ is no big deal for you then its probably the safest answer. Let us know what you dont like about C++ and we might recommend something else
Reply:C++ is pretty much standard fare anymore when it comes to game development. (And whoever said it is prone to memory leaks clearly hasn't written proper C++ code). There are a ton of game engines - some free, most not - to choose from that require a C++ compiler.
The best place to go for Game Development information, tutorials, forums, etc. is:
http://www.gamedev.net/
Also, keep in mind that 2D is a special case of 3D. Any 3D engine is more than capable of making a 2D game...or a hybrid.
Reply:I think C++ is the undisputed best game programming language. Java is a good one too but it is not as user-friendly. I still think the language should be chosen depending on what game you are writing. Anyways here are some pro and cons of common game programming languages:
Assembly
Fastest, low overhead
Error-prone, slow development, difficult for novices, not portable
C
Extremely fast, widely known, numerous tools Not OO, no GC, prone to memory leaks
C++
OO, very fast, widely used, numerous tools No GC, prone to memory leaks
Object Pascal
OO, very fast, easy to read and learn, very portable (Free Pascal)
Not widely used
C#
Very OO, RAD language, easy to use
Must be just-in-time compiled when run, memory hog
Java
Very OO, easy to use, portable
Can be slow (though JITers are now common), not suitable for console programming
Eiffel, Smalltalk Ada, etc.
Fringe game languages,
few game development tools
Scripting languages like Lua, Python, etc. Often used for gameplay scripting, but not for the bulk of the game code itself
Reply:The best industry standard software package for game design today is 3D GameStudio. You can read about it here:
http://www.theliquidateher.com/gamedesig...
The price is decent, too, only $20 on CD.
flower power
I started out with Game Maker back in 2004, and feel that it DOES produce the results I like, but I do feel extremely limited, as I like to program, but also have an artistic vision for my games. I also feel embarrassed that I am working with such a cheap means of programming.
I guess to continue with my answer, that my question that has come up in numerous ways, is that what programming language is the best towards producing games. And no, it doesn't have to be "easy to learn" (although it should be possible to grasp rudimentary concepts and such) I own C++ without fear by Brian Overland, Game programming all in one third edition by Johnathan S. Harbour, and Beginning game programming by Jonathon Harbour.
Reinstating the question again, as I have only been working with 2d games and haven't made the leap towards 3d.
What is the best programming language for computer games?
What is the best route to take with finding a programming language that suites game development ?
is there something wrong with c++? 2d graphics shud be ez with direct3d or open gl
Reply:There is never a "best". There is only pros and cons. Ive worked in the game publishing industry and can tell you that games are written in anything you want.
Most would say C++ but to me thats a module language. Big companies would want you to have it. But thats because they have many programmers in cubicles working on a piece of the game. Everything has to work when its all plugged together. (or Java if its an online game)
If you are going to be the only one working on it from beginning to end then there are other choices. They all have their advantages and disadvantages.
But if C++ is no big deal for you then its probably the safest answer. Let us know what you dont like about C++ and we might recommend something else
Reply:C++ is pretty much standard fare anymore when it comes to game development. (And whoever said it is prone to memory leaks clearly hasn't written proper C++ code). There are a ton of game engines - some free, most not - to choose from that require a C++ compiler.
The best place to go for Game Development information, tutorials, forums, etc. is:
http://www.gamedev.net/
Also, keep in mind that 2D is a special case of 3D. Any 3D engine is more than capable of making a 2D game...or a hybrid.
Reply:I think C++ is the undisputed best game programming language. Java is a good one too but it is not as user-friendly. I still think the language should be chosen depending on what game you are writing. Anyways here are some pro and cons of common game programming languages:
Assembly
Fastest, low overhead
Error-prone, slow development, difficult for novices, not portable
C
Extremely fast, widely known, numerous tools Not OO, no GC, prone to memory leaks
C++
OO, very fast, widely used, numerous tools No GC, prone to memory leaks
Object Pascal
OO, very fast, easy to read and learn, very portable (Free Pascal)
Not widely used
C#
Very OO, RAD language, easy to use
Must be just-in-time compiled when run, memory hog
Java
Very OO, easy to use, portable
Can be slow (though JITers are now common), not suitable for console programming
Eiffel, Smalltalk Ada, etc.
Fringe game languages,
few game development tools
Scripting languages like Lua, Python, etc. Often used for gameplay scripting, but not for the bulk of the game code itself
Reply:The best industry standard software package for game design today is 3D GameStudio. You can read about it here:
http://www.theliquidateher.com/gamedesig...
The price is decent, too, only $20 on CD.
flower power
How would instituting a collegiate football program help a university?
I am doing a report on how instituting a football program for our university would help our school as a whole. I got some ideas on how it would help, but I need internet sources as proof. Does anyone know of any such websites that I could use as sources for my report?
How would instituting a collegiate football program help a university?
it helps bring more attention to the school and gets their name out more so than if there is not football or athletics.
Reply:Even a loosing football program brings in money. Ticket , and merchandise sales. National exposure from a winning team is the best advertisement for any school. Take a look at other schools ticket sales report, and alumni donations.
Reply:Just google NCAA football profits.
There are only two sports in the NCAA that can consistently make a positive income for a university: men's basketball and football. And really, football is a lot more likely to be profitable in a down year than basketball.
I'd also look for information on the University of Central Florida's football program. I'd even email their athletic department. They would be a perfect model of how a school that didn't even have a football team a few years ago built a program that was both successful and profitable in a short amount of time.
Reply:so your school don't have football team.. hmm.. Is your school one of those small liberal colleges out there? It takes millions of dollar to start football program even at small school.. Your school have to build their own stadium.. Anyway, the money will come from ticket sells, boosters, and merchandise.. If you football team do well financially then it would help you school if it is not it will hurt your school.. .
Reply:How much revenue do you think your school makes with golf, tennis, checkers, etc. The real money is in football, gives national exposure to the university, which is a good thing unless your a Notre Dame fan.
How would instituting a collegiate football program help a university?
it helps bring more attention to the school and gets their name out more so than if there is not football or athletics.
Reply:Even a loosing football program brings in money. Ticket , and merchandise sales. National exposure from a winning team is the best advertisement for any school. Take a look at other schools ticket sales report, and alumni donations.
Reply:Just google NCAA football profits.
There are only two sports in the NCAA that can consistently make a positive income for a university: men's basketball and football. And really, football is a lot more likely to be profitable in a down year than basketball.
I'd also look for information on the University of Central Florida's football program. I'd even email their athletic department. They would be a perfect model of how a school that didn't even have a football team a few years ago built a program that was both successful and profitable in a short amount of time.
Reply:so your school don't have football team.. hmm.. Is your school one of those small liberal colleges out there? It takes millions of dollar to start football program even at small school.. Your school have to build their own stadium.. Anyway, the money will come from ticket sells, boosters, and merchandise.. If you football team do well financially then it would help you school if it is not it will hurt your school.. .
Reply:How much revenue do you think your school makes with golf, tennis, checkers, etc. The real money is in football, gives national exposure to the university, which is a good thing unless your a Notre Dame fan.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
How does a person with a programming background break into the genomics or biotechnology field?
I am an application developer with a strong interest in biotechnology, genomics to be more specific. It seems like I never seen any jobs advertised for IT positions in these fields. It is hard, or basically impossible, for someone with a degree in programming (CIS) - but no biology degree - to get a position with such a firm?
How does a person with a programming background break into the genomics or biotechnology field?
If you are looking to do join a pure research company (I would put pharamceuticals in that category), then you will have a tough time.
What you might want to try is to get into one of the many instrumentation companies that feed the research industry. Agilent, Waters, Thermo finigan, Dionex, Metrohm, Symyx are all examples of instrumentation companies most of which have at least a small market share serving the biotech industry.
Anyways, all these instruments need software to run them and to collect and analyse the data. If you can get into a position programming these instruments, it will give you a lead into the biotech field.
If you insist only on doing pure biotech research type of work, go to university for a degree.
How does a person with a programming background break into the genomics or biotechnology field?
If you are looking to do join a pure research company (I would put pharamceuticals in that category), then you will have a tough time.
What you might want to try is to get into one of the many instrumentation companies that feed the research industry. Agilent, Waters, Thermo finigan, Dionex, Metrohm, Symyx are all examples of instrumentation companies most of which have at least a small market share serving the biotech industry.
Anyways, all these instruments need software to run them and to collect and analyse the data. If you can get into a position programming these instruments, it will give you a lead into the biotech field.
If you insist only on doing pure biotech research type of work, go to university for a degree.
Is there a computer program that will help me Graph equations and inequalities?
I am taking online courses and I have to graph equations and inequalities. I know that you can supposedly do this on Excel but I have become incredibly lost and confused trying to do so. I am in desperate need of an easy-to-use program to help me. If anyone knows of a program can they PLEASE HELP ME? and if noone knows of another program, does anybody atleast understand how to use Excel to do this and can explain it? Any help would be very much appreciated.
Is there a computer program that will help me Graph equations and inequalities?
gO TO algebrahelp.com
Is there a computer program that will help me Graph equations and inequalities?
gO TO algebrahelp.com
What is the best websites to find the cheapest freelancers for website design and database programming?
I wish to post a web design project which needs some database programming, but I have a very low budget. I'd be grateful if someone could help me out...
What is the best websites to find the cheapest freelancers for website design and database programming?
www.guru.com
you put your job online (free) and get a bunch of pros and freelancers to bid on it. you can contact them by phone and ask questions. you then pick out the best one for your needs and none of this costs you anything.
Reply:Im not sure about where to find inexpensive freelancers online, but if there's a college in your area try contacting someone over there. I'm a graphic design student and whenever a company or individual needs our help they either post a flyer or contact one of our professors who then asks us. The more compitition between students means an overall better product and cheaper cost for you.
Reply:http://www.webhostingtalk.com
http://www.programmerstalk.com (I think)
Both will be able to help.
J
Reply:How much is your budget and exactly what do you need? I work cheap o111o1_c@yahoo.com
clinton cards
What is the best websites to find the cheapest freelancers for website design and database programming?
www.guru.com
you put your job online (free) and get a bunch of pros and freelancers to bid on it. you can contact them by phone and ask questions. you then pick out the best one for your needs and none of this costs you anything.
Reply:Im not sure about where to find inexpensive freelancers online, but if there's a college in your area try contacting someone over there. I'm a graphic design student and whenever a company or individual needs our help they either post a flyer or contact one of our professors who then asks us. The more compitition between students means an overall better product and cheaper cost for you.
Reply:http://www.webhostingtalk.com
http://www.programmerstalk.com (I think)
Both will be able to help.
J
Reply:How much is your budget and exactly what do you need? I work cheap o111o1_c@yahoo.com
clinton cards
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