Where to start in programming?

[BritGHOWParticipant 2566]

I’ve worked in IT and telecommunications for a little over a decade now, most of it on the hardware and installations side, Cisco, router and switch configuration and installation, a little bit of server configuration, that kind of jazz. making the environment for the users to work in.

I’m looking to expand my skillset a little more towards the programming side of the house, with some more depth on server/database working or maybe even some web based stuff, similar to Stealthy’s line of work.

My question is where do I start? are there any good entry level books and or courses I should be looking at or does anyone have any other suggestions? all advice welcome.

[MoonlightParticipant 223]

I currently don’t know much about programming outside of HTML.

However, I know of a website that provides free online courses which has a great reputation. You can find it here.

I hope that helps!

[AttonParticipant]

Make a hello world program in one language or another, then learn a bit more about said language and make some things.

A MGTOW is a man who is not a woman's bitch!

[KeymasterKeymaster]

I don’t believe in the books, courses, or formal education on this, because i don’t believe the best people LEARN BEST that way. We learn by doing, and staying up until 5AM to solve a problem.

I mention this because more than 90% of the first company I worked for were all non-college / non-university people. They were guys who “geeked out” and pulled things apart and solved problems into the night on their own.

They taught themselves.

Fundamentals you get tutorials, yes — like how webpages are put together and “the anatomy” of a website, and how to use the terminal, getting started learning software, etc — but really deciding on a project and then “just making it” is how I learned it all.

In my case, I was mostly a designer into 3D art and animation, photoshop etc. Then I got into Flash animation and “action scripting”. Within 3 months, I was a pro at it. 6 months later, it was my “job”.

I fell into websites by accident when I wanted to learn the basics to showcase my work, but the pages were “static” showcases and didn’t have any “brains”. Then I wanted to make my own “mailing list” which would send emails out and notify me. So I built it from scratch using PHP….. and then you get this idea… and that idea….. and before you know it, the s~~~ creates itself.

Many Operating systems (like MAX OSX) has all the power and set up to create and build complete websites right out of the box. You just need to turn it on and can start building and coding right on your own box.

MAC / APACHE / MYSQL / PHP is called a “MAMP” configuration.
Everything you need to get started.

A “LAMP” configuration is the same thing for “Linux” systems.
A “WAMP” configuration is the same thing for “Windows” systems.

The underlying concept is basically the same, using the same technologies, databases, coding languages etc.

You can start creating a website right on your own machine.
It’s quite remarkable what’s built under the hood.

So if you have the curiosity and the will… you’re all set.
Google will be your new best friend.

If you keep doing what you've always done... you're gonna keep getting what you always got.

[Veritech AceParticipant 699]

Here is an EXCELLENT video from Marcus (aka Groundwork for the Metaphysics of MGTOW…of course saying it’s an excellent video is a bit redundant) that address this very topic. I think the most important point he makes is that you have to make a decision: do you go down the Java route, or do you go down the Microsoft route. I would recommend you follow which ever route you’ve walked down the most in your IT pursuits.

[Veritech AceParticipant 699]

Keymaster wrote:

I don’t believe in the books, courses, or formal education on this, because i don’t believe the best people LEARN BEST that way. We learn by doing, and staying up until 5AM to solve a problem.

Keymaster, you are 100% correct. Everything I learned about programming I taught myself. Most of the classes I took at the university were either refreshers, or were so far behind the times that they were pointless.

[BritGHOWParticipant 2566]

Thank you gentlemen, good food for thought here.

Ace, is this the video you were referring to?

[coolthingy450Participant 1223]

I agree with keymaster.

Keymaster wrote:

I don’t believe in the books, courses, or formal education on this, because i don’t believe the best people LEARN BEST that way. We learn by doing, and staying up until 5AM to solve a problem.

I mention this because more than 90% of the first company I worked for were all non-college / non-university people. They were guys who “geeked out” and pulled things apart and solved problems into the night on their own.

They taught themselves.

Fundamentals you get tutorials, yes — like how webpages are put together and “the anatomy” of a website, and how to use the terminal, getting started learning software, etc — but really deciding on a project and then “just making it” is how I learned it all.

In my case, I was mostly a designer into 3D art and animation, photoshop etc. Then I got into Flash animation and “action scripting”. Within 3 months, I was a pro at it. 6 months later, it was my “job”.

I fell into websites by accident when I wanted to learn the basics to showcase my work, but the pages were “static” showcases and didn’t have any “brains”. Then I wanted to make my own “mailing list” which would send emails out and notify me. So I built it from scratch using PHP….. and then you get this idea… and that idea….. and before you know it, the s~~~ creates itself.

Many Operating systems (like MAX OSX) has all the power and set up to create and build complete websites right out of the box. You just need to turn it on and can start building and coding right on your own box.

MAC / APACHE / MYSQL / PHP is called a “MAMP” configuration.
Everything you need to get started.

A “LAMP” configuration is the same thing for “Linux” systems.
A “WAMP” configuration is the same thing for “Windows” systems.

The underlying concept is basically the same, using the same technologies, databases, coding languages etc.

You can start creating a website right on your own machine.
It’s quite remarkable what’s built under the hood.

So if you have the curiosity and the will… you’re all set.
Google will be your new best friend.

Aside from learning a little on how python, html, and sigh javascript works. I’m still trying to find a problem to solve. Until I can find one. I’ll continue being what I am when it comes to computers. A person who who loves to mess with systems.

Actions have consequences and consequences have prices. Cause and effect at work.

[coolthingy450Participant 1223]

Veritech Ace wrote:

Keymaster wrote:

I don’t believe in the books, courses, or formal education on this, because i don’t believe the best people LEARN BEST that way. We learn by doing, and staying up until 5AM to solve a problem.

Keymaster, you are 100% correct. Everything I learned about programming I taught myself. Most of the classes I took at the university were either refreshers, or were so far behind the times that they were pointless.

It’s was the same with the computer courses. Around the time I took a interest in computers. All of the computer courses back then in high school were discontinued.

Actions have consequences and consequences have prices. Cause and effect at work.

[ZettaGogParticipant 23]

I would like to add that there are different types of programmers.
1.embedded systems
2.front-end & back-end web programming
3.applications
4.linux server
5.indie desktop games & applications
6.android or iCrap (little bit of bias there)

My brothers doing android currently. I’ll post what he’s studying.
Learn Java for Android Development – Jeff Friesen
Android Programming, The Big Nerd Ranch Guide (2nd Edition)

The reason that Android is good is because you can study it and make your own apps, and if you aren’t good enough to make it a company will hire you.

[Author]

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