So where do I start? I know you can learn online but I don't know where.
Also is there easier and harder types of programming, is there something that I should start out with first, e.g. python, html, c++ e.t.c.

Also one more questions. If you buy a new game such as Skyrim for example, it was created on a game engine.
When you install the game, are you also installing the game engine? What allows a game to run the way it does on your computer?

Thanks for the help guys Would be glad to donate some fg if someone were to help me out

where do you start? I suggest college....But I fully understand that is outside of some peoples allowances. So, I would probably find some of those free online recorded courses at great universities. That should cover the basic stuff I imagine.

Are certain languages easier and what should you start with? Well, it all depends really. I would say Java or C++ since they will make you respect how you type things (syntax) and have great amounts of utilities. They are also object oriented, which is a HUGE and powerful idea in programming.

Needless to say, there is a lot more to it then just the languages.....there are algorithms, data structures and tons of other things that translate between languages. Unfortunately, I don't really know where to learn about stuff like that outside of class.

As for your last question....I don't fully know yet. I bet someone does.

I say python, cuz it is easy but to each his own.

is taking the easy way out always the best?

especially when you are learning from step 1.....

This post was edited by Eep on Oct 17 2012 01:49am

heheh i understand your point. All programming languages provide a trade off between learning things from the ground up, and RAD. If someone wants to crank out their own stuff fast, higher level languages would be better. If you want to learn how the computer really works, the lower the better. I've always felt C++ provides a pretty good middle ground.

learn C

python. it's not called "taking the easy way out". it's called "learning with minimal distractions". programming isn't about syntax, or language structure, or whatever details that a particular language requires you to care about. programming isn't even about low-level concepts like memory management / garbage collection (all of which you will learn later on anyway).

programming is about learning the concepts behind building systems that work. so the less a language bogs you down about its own particular details, the quicker (and better) you'll be able to learn. (which is why C++ is a horrible, horrible language for anybody to start with)

as for where to start -- fundamentals is a good place to start:
http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/6-00-introduction-to-computer-science-and-programming-fall-2008/

or for something more step-by-step:
http://learnpythonthehardway.org/




depends on what you mean by "from the ground up". if you mean "from the ground up architecturally", that is the worst possible way to learn. (which is what learning from, say, C would be -- and if you were to make a case for that, why not go all the way and start by learning assembly?)

if you mean "from the ground up conceptually", then the language is mostly irrelevant. it's merely a tool for assisting you in learning the concepts, and the simpler the tool is, the more you can focus on learning the concepts and less on wrestling with the language.

This post was edited by irimi on Oct 17 2012 01:41pm

I was actually going to make that same joke. No I agree with you, 100%.

Totally agree with irimi, just go for python. focus on logic, not syntax.

This has been extremely helpful, thank you!