learning programming

fallen_nemesis · 6th March 2009, 9:36pm

In short I'm trying to teach myself a little bit of basic programming to help with my Digital Art uni work but I don't have a real idea of where to begin or to be honest much about it beyond really basic HTML.

Ideally I'd like to build on my knowledge over time until I can implement my digital art/web design work to web myself. Obviously there's still going to be a lot of programming I might not be able to do myself, but even getting to a stage where I realise how long/difficult a job will be and what will/won't work before I talk to the lovely programming chaps/chapettes would be really useful.

As I said I've got a lot of time to learn and plan on dedicating a few hours anyway a week to it, so if anyone can point me in the right place to begin/buy books/online resources/ web communities that would be great as I'm currently a bit clueless.

**PapaZeb** · 6th March 2009, 9:59pm

The question is going to be - what do you want to apply your programming to?

I'm sure that web developers would probably correct me if I'm wrong but here's my perspective:
If it's for web-based items, you'd probably want to learn javascript. Implemented within html it and CSS are responsible for making today's webpages pretty.

One of the cutest books in my library is probably http://www.pragprog.com/titles/fr_ltp/learn-to-program Learn to Program from the Pragmatic Bookshelf. While it focuses primarily on Ruby (part of Ruby on Rails) the fundamentals in the book are shown off quite cleanly and could be applied to any programming language.

Zero · 6th March 2009, 10:54pm

^^ I was about to suggest the same book. It's a nice place to start.

**PapaZeb** · 6th March 2009, 11:05pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zero

^^ I was about to suggest the same book. It's a nice place to start.

/shakeyfist
It occurred to me the other day the reason you never respond to my @andyw8 replies are because you don't follow me. Bugger.

Largest of Gregs · 6th March 2009, 11:23pm

Im assuming you're more aimed towards designy stuff. I ssuggest focusing on getting great at css. With that htmlcomes along easily.

I also echo() the javascript idea for clients-ide experience.

I was in youre situation a few years ago and I also wanted to be able to create a database and query it, then display on page. A few hours readin up on php can get you going, I happened upon asp and .NET bu that was putely because of the job I landed. php is probably better to get going, plus it's cheaper to host!

Im very drunk right now,sorry, but it's probably worth reading up on the logic of how server-side stuff works before diving in, I guarantee if you get the understanding down first it will all make more sense in the long run!

Ill post again when not drunk but hope this helpos!

Zero · 6th March 2009, 11:52pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by PapaZeb

/shakeyfist
It occurred to me the other day the reason you never respond to my @andyw8 replies are because you don't follow me. Bugger.

Hah, sorry, I use to but you were a bit too chatty.

(btw: http://useqwitter.com/ )

**PapaZeb** · 6th March 2009, 11:55pm

s'okay - was mostly congratulations and queries re: your iPhone app - I still use the damned thing as SMS/web chatroom for the most part

Zooropa · 7th March 2009, 2:20pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Largest of Gregs

Im assuming you're more aimed towards designy stuff. I ssuggest focusing on getting great at css. With that htmlcomes along easily.

I also echo() the javascript idea for clients-ide experience.

I was in youre situation a few years ago and I also wanted to be able to create a database and query it, then display on page. A few hours readin up on php can get you going, I happened upon asp and .NET bu that was putely because of the job I landed. php is probably better to get going, plus it's cheaper to host!

Im very drunk right now,sorry, but it's probably worth reading up on the logic of how server-side stuff works before diving in, I guarantee if you get the understanding down first it will all make more sense in the long run!

Ill post again when not drunk but hope this helpos!

What Greg said.

PHP with a nice wee MySQL database is pretty cheap to host and work with.

w3 schools.

Zippy · 7th March 2009, 6:54pm

Good thread, just started dipping my toes into this recently. I've got HTML and CSS for Dummies, might sound shit but it'll give me a good idea of very basic coding to start with I reckon.

I'll order that book Jeff linked to as well

Tommy · 7th March 2009, 7:07pm

Look into my eyes.... I'll teach you all I know........

Good luck to anyone going into the IT world.

Largest of Gregs · 7th March 2009, 7:17pm

just remember to clear your floats!

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