<p>Well, the summer is here and I was wondering if there is any way to teach myself programming in about a month...
Do you guys know of any good websites etc. that can help me?
Also, would it count for anything to admission officers if i say i taught myself programming because it isnt offered in schools in my area?</p>
<p>THANKS!</p>
<p>Just google Java/C++ tutorial.</p>
<p>And no, I don't think teaching yourself programming is very impressive.</p>
<p>ok so which is the best language to start with?
also are there any good books etc;?</p>
<p>start with Java
it's pretty simple</p>
<p>C++ is really similar to it so if you even start with that there's not much of a difference -
either way you're learning the same concepts.</p>
<p>Depends on what you're trying to program. The two big programming languages are Java and C++ but very often you choose the language to best suit your project.</p>
<p>Screw Java. </p>
<p>Learn a real man's programming language, C++ ;)</p>
<p>lol, screw bnoth of those..</p>
<p>learn python, Perl or Ruby....Ruby is the greatest!</p>
<p>I think that its impressive to colleges if you teach yourself programming, and then make a real project that is quantitative. Like if you founded a programming club at your school or if you designed a program for some company that you know someone from. </p>
<p>Things along those lines. </p>
<p>Teaching yourself programming can be something of a challenge, but it is well worth it. The way it enriches your understanding of Math and English is indescribable. </p>
<p>Before I learned Programming: </p>
<p>600 on reading PSAT
550 on math PSAT
3.2 GPA</p>
<p>After I learned Programming: </p>
<p>720 on reading SAT
710 on math SAT
3.6 GPA</p>
<p>I'm not sure how impressive actually learning a language it, but if you do something with it, like enter some contests (USACO or TopCoder) and do well, or work on a project or something, it would look pretty good.</p>
<p>I am interested in learning the basics of java and i guess also c++ (i think you are supposed to learn java first b/c thats how its taught in my school). Which do you guys think would be best to start with? Also does anyone have a link to a good website that you have used to teach you some programming? Thanks.</p>
<p>"lol, screw bnoth of those..</p>
<p>learn python, Perl or Ruby....Ruby is the greatest!"</p>
<p><em>pukes</em></p>
<p>Having programmed since 10, I guarantee you that you won't get as far with those half-ass languages as you will with C++. </p>
<p>Java is still developing, but I doubt it'll ever make it as mainstream as C++ is. </p>
<p>You don't HAVE to learn Java before C++. I learned C++ before Java. </p>
<p>Web scripting languages like PHP are also popular. I'm developing a web MMORPG right now, made a good chunk of change in its first beta testing stage :)</p>
<p><a href="http://cplusplus.com%5B/url%5D">http://cplusplus.com</a>
<a href="http://cprogramming.com%5B/url%5D">http://cprogramming.com</a></p>
<p>Use Dev-C++ for your compiler, and please write neat code!</p>
<p>Even if you don't want to take the AP Test, Barron's AP Computer Science book is a really good guide for those with limited programming experience. </p>
<p>I think another key thing is to try a wide variety of languages. C based languages (Java, C++, C#) are some of the most common for real-world applications. However, there are a lot of other less considered languages that can be useful to a student. </p>
<p>Here are some languages that I think are worth learning: </p>
<ol>
<li> Lisp, most used in the AI field. Very unusual, so probably not best choice for the beginner. But if you find the time, its certainly an interesting thing to look at.<br></li>
<li> C++, very fast and efficient, but it has very messy syntax with lots of odd looking symbols, and some of the concepts are complicated and can be overwhelming, not recommended as a first language</li>
<li> Java, a nice first language, very well written and designed, has a much cleaner syntax than C++ with less funky symbols</li>
<li> Python, a great choice for starters. Can help the uninitiated get used to the basic concepts.<br></li>
</ol>
<p>I can't say there was a single book or tutorial that taught me programming. If you have a public library, just looking through lots of books will give you a diverse set of insights, although most of the books you see today are aimed at programmers migrating to a new language...</p>
<p>Like al said, you'll have to use a mixture of resources, ranging from various books to web tutorials, to coding support forums.</p>
<p>al6200, i actually think that getting an AP review would be a really good idea. Just curious though, does the Barron's mostly cover java or c++ (or both)?</p>
<p>AP Computer Science = Java</p>
<p>You might also be able to find old AP Comp Sci books, which cover C++ (brown cover). But they're out of print now.</p>
<p>I'm going to give you the best advice anyone can get when they want to self teach themselves just about anything computer related. </p>
<p>WWW.3DBUZZ.COM Trust me, its the only way to teach yourself without teachers in a classroom. You'll waist hundreds of dollars on books,Cd's, and waist your time with online tutorials. Just get over here and buy what your looking for, I believe C++ training is on the front page. I've watched their free programming videos and have bought their 3Ds Max Fundamentals DVD. You can take a look at what other people who have bought the training are doing. The community is unbelievably active so theres no trouble getting help.</p>
<p>My advice is: Java or Python as a first language. Java is more industrial imo, so you should be able to make some real applications, but Python is nice if you really don't know any of the basics. </p>
<p>Python is sort of like a calculator, typing in 1 + 1 gives 2.</p>