Online Computer Programming Tutorial?

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>Somewhere on this forum I saw a link to a computer programming tutorial of some sort. Does anyone know what that was or have one they can recommend?</p>

<p>My son 'thinks' he wants to go into computer engg or computer science but he has never had a programming class - so I don't think he has any idea what it is - thought if I could get him doing some programming he could see if he has a penchant for it. </p>

<p>He is really smart when it comes to math/physics, but is not much interested in doing anything hands on...so I am thinking he needs to be the 'brains' behind the programming as opposed to the 'engineer'.</p>

<p>Hopefully, the tutorial will help him to understand if he even enjoys computer programming at all.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>I am very similar to your son lol, I would love to see a beginning tutorial for computer programming that could help explain it, I am taking an advanced class for programming next year (senior year in high school) because my teacher recommended it, but I am almost clueless!</p>

3

<p>thenewboston.com</p>

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<p>My son just finished his freshman year at college and discovered he was at a disadvantage since he hadn’t had any computer programming classes or experience in high school. He had to drop one of his engineering classes because he got lost! To make up for the deficiency, he’s taking a course in C at a local community college this summer. I also bought him the student version of Matlab, along with a couple of books. He’s feeling much better about it now.</p>

5

<p>Try some of the practice problems on codingbat. It’s super easy, no compilers or IDEs to install, and gives you a chance to understand the basics of programming.</p>

6

<p>Thanks for the suggestions. If he were to start doing some of these tutorials, which one should he start with? It looks like there are several different languages to choose from.</p>

7

<p>Java is easier to learn and understand for beginners, and as an introduction to object-oriented programming. However, many people say it’s harder to learn new languages after Java. For example, I’m learning C this summer, and I find it a lot less user-friendly.</p>

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<p>At the core, a student should have a solid understanding of Java, C and C++. It’s really your pick.</p>

9

<p>You might also look into the courseware that Stanford and MIT give away for free: Stanford’s CS 106A (programming methodology, their intro class) and MIT’s 6.00 (intro to CS and programming) are known to be awesome introductions to CS. Both have all the lectures available on youtube, and the course websites have all the course materials (handouts, practice exams, etc.). It’s a great way to learn programming in an intensive, “real” way (he’ll be taking these in college anyway).</p>

<p>Also, if you want to self-study in a less structured way, I’d highly recommend Python as a beginner language (many who teach CS would agree). It’s very simple and doesn’t bog the student down in syntax, but lets them see the beauty of CS and programming. Eventually, if he decides he likes CS, then he can move on to the standard Java, C, C++, etc. but when he does, it’ll be much easier, because Python gives you a solid foundation.</p>

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<p>I wouldn’t recommend thenewboston; he’s tutorials are very easy. I also wouldn’t recommend starting off with Java either.
Go to MIT Open Coursewire -> Introduction to C++. The problems really make you think and apply what you have learned.</p>

11

<p>Would it be of any use for a non-CS major to self-learn some of this stuff as a hobby, or just for perhaps a bit of mental stimulation?</p>

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<p>[Learn</a> Python The Hard Way, 2nd Edition — Learn Python The Hard Way, 2nd Edition](<a href=“http://learnpythonthehardway.org/book/]Learn”>Learn Python the Hard Way)</p>

<p>I have only skimmed through this book, but from what I have seen (and heard elsewhere on the internet), this is a great starting point for newcomers as the material focuses almost entirely on problem solving save for the first few chapters that introduces the reader to the syntax. This is what you usually want in a beginner’s book, the notion that the programming language is nothing but an elaborate (and maybe horribly named) set of tools and should not divert the attention from the actual problem.</p>

<p>Interesting “fact”: many people consider the author of that book to be an ass as he’s very outspoken and crude. The ruby camp especially. He’s actually a pretty swell guy though once you read into his work.</p>

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<p>thenewboston has really easy tutorials, but it’s one of the best resources for people who have no idea whatsoever of computer jargon. It will at least get you up to speed with the vocabulary, syntax and fundamental concepts that you build on.</p>

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<p>[url=&lt;a href=“http://diveintopython3.org/]Dive”&gt;http://diveintopython3.org/]Dive</a> Into Python 3<a href=“Free”>/url</a>
[url=&lt;a href=“http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/6-00-introduction-to-computer-science-and-programming-fall-2008/video-lectures/]MIT”&gt;http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/6-00-introduction-to-computer-science-and-programming-fall-2008/video-lectures/]MIT</a> OpenCourseWare | Electrical Engineering and Computer Science | 6.00 Introduction to Computer Science and Programming, Fall 2008 | Video Lectures<a href=“Free”>/url</a></p>

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<p>What language?
Does your local library offer programming books? I am sure many of them do.</p>

<p>Don’t buy books unless you have used it. </p>

<p>It requires a lot of self-motivation.
As far as seeking for helps, here</p>

<p>[Stack</a> Overflow](<a href=“http://stackoverflow.com/]Stack”>http://stackoverflow.com/)</p>

16

<p>I’d recommend C++, Java, or C# / VB.Net.</p>

<p>C++ Pros:

  • Most powerful language of all of these, in a lot of ways.
  • Still relatively high-level.
    C++ Cons:
  • Steep learning curve.
  • Hard to debug.</p>

<p>Java Pros:

  • Neat object-oriented design
  • Eliminates many problems of C++ while retaining many benefits
    Java Cons:
  • Still not the easiest language to learn
  • Have to explore the vast number of modules/libraries/classes… hard when starting out</p>

<p>C# / VB.Net Pros:

  • Same as Java
  • Can make WYSIWYG graphical user interfaces using free Microsoft software
    C# / VB.Net Cons:
  • Microsoft controls these (some people care about this)
  • The WYSIWYG stuff hides some details from the programmer…</p>

<p>For somebody starting out, I’d seriously think about getting Microsoft Visual Studio Express Edition - C#. It’s powerful AND easy (especially with the tailored IDE). Tutorials?</p>

<p>[C#</a> Station: C# Tutorial - Introduction](<a href=“http://www.csharp-station.com/Tutorial.aspx]C#”>http://www.csharp-station.com/Tutorial.aspx)
[C#</a> Tutorials (C#)](<a href=“Microsoft Learn: Build skills that open doors in your career”>Introduction to C# - interactive tutorials | Microsoft Learn)
[C#</a> Practical Learning](<a href=“http://www.functionx.com/csharp/]C#”>FunctionX Tutorials)</p>

<p>These are a few of the first ones to come up on Google, and they look OK to me.</p>

17

<p>In my opinion it’s simpler to just start with C because it is easier to connect with the compiled code. This is especially important for a Computer Engineer.</p>

18

<p>Any recommendations for PHP? </p>

<p>I want to learn PHP before I go to college for Software Engineering or Computer Science.</p>

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<p>Google
“PHP stack overflow book”</p>

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<p>idk if they have C but i’m using [W3Schools</a> Online Web Tutorials](<a href=“http://www.w3schools.com/]W3Schools”>http://www.w3schools.com/) right now. really good! explains in detail and gives you a chance to practice the languages without downloading anything. it does have java so that could help!</p>