Programming language to start with

Forums › IT Pro and developers › Programming language to start with

Kelem

188 posts

Master Geek

#93272 17-Nov-2011 07:59

Hi i am pretty much a total newbie to computer programming and would love to learn one, but i don't know where to start. I'm not looking for a career change more a hobby when i'm at work (away 4-6 weeks at a time)

I have plenty of time on my hands to sit in front of a computer and learn, but probably not attend a class for now.

The ideal end in sight would to be able to write something for a android phone for myself that type of thing.

Have done the hello world thing with Java and python.

Any suggestions most welcome

Thanks

1 | 2

Phil Gale
1108 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Red Jungle

Subscriber

#546351 17-Nov-2011 10:20

If your goal is to develop for Android then Java really seems to be the sensible option. It should also give you a good grounding in 'C' based languages, and object oriented programming.

Personally, I prefer .NET development - but that's not going to help much if you specifically want to target the Android platform.

Kelem

188 posts

Master Geek

#546374 17-Nov-2011 10:52

Thank you for that

CruciasNZ

879 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#546394 17-Nov-2011 11:20

Visual Basic is fairly easy to learn and you can use it for Windows Phone and Windows 8 development. If your looking for a course to do, ACIS125 at Canterbury University was good introduction, alternatively there are plenty of good online resources for VB

However this language is best for forms and news style apps, C# is probably the best all-rounder you could learn.

Professional Forum Lurker

Kelem

188 posts

Master Geek

#546446 17-Nov-2011 13:02

I am quite happy to stick with something long term and learn fairly well for an electrician apparently, thanks for the replys guys

reven

3743 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#546483 17-Nov-2011 13:53

i would suggest C# or java. they're pretty similar languages and wont overly confuse you with memory management etc.

i would stay away from VB, the syntax is quite a bit different from other languages and C# is a much more popular language.

C# and java both look quite a bit like c, their syntax is fairly common.

C# you could do websites/apps using asp.net, wp7 apps using silverlight, windows apps using winforms. java you can do android, generic apps for windows,linux,osx, but doesnt really work well as a web language.

if you are just wanting to learn windows apps, then c# or java is fine. C# has a really nice free IDE (visual studio express)

CruciasNZ

879 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#546487 17-Nov-2011 13:56

Windows Phone Apps use C#, VB, Silverlight and XAML

Windows 8 uses the same

Java and C# would be the way to go

Professional Forum Lurker

gcorgnet

1078 posts

Uber Geek

#546490 17-Nov-2011 14:00

Hey,

Literally just came across this> It is a tutorial for .Net development which might be useful to you if you start learning software development.

http://mottishaked.com/training/dot-net-tutorial

Equinox IT

Cloud spending continues to surge globally, but most organisations haven’t made the changes necessary to maximise the value and cost-efficiency benefits of their cloud investments. Download the whitepaper From Overspend to Advantage now.

Kelem

188 posts

Master Geek

#547113 18-Nov-2011 23:25

Will have a try with C#
Thanks all

codyc1515

1598 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#547114 18-Nov-2011 23:30

+1 for C#. It was one of my first and its fairly simple to learn. Also, its similar to most of the other languages out there (PHP, etc.).

cgreenwood

201 posts

Master Geek

#547143 19-Nov-2011 07:45

+1 for C# (said C sharp) and .NET

Download visual studio express, its a free version of Microsofts Visual Studio. It is an IDE (integrated development environment) and the express version does everything you will need it to do as a learner.

Then check out
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-nz/beginner/bb308891(en-us).aspx

There is an absolutely BRILLIANT video tutorial series here that will hold your hand through everything you need to know as a learner and have you up and running and writing some pretty handy programs in no time.

Have fun.

Kelem

188 posts

Master Geek

#547340 20-Nov-2011 00:21

Thanks so much

netspanner

343 posts

Ultimate Geek

#547960 21-Nov-2011 17:03

I make Android programs in my spare time, its great fun and really easy, and ... get this ... I make it in Visual Basic.

I can make a program (3 to 4 so far) in a week or two, the coding is easy there are tons of resources and help. It converts into java and you can sell them in the market. They are indistinguishable from Java created apps. To date I have just given them away until my skill level gets better.

Its the best programming fun I have had in a long time. I read a book on java programming and after 270 pages managed to make a button on a form with an image. Forget it.

I have a background in .net, and this is like the good old days, when programming was simple and fun and you had the freedom to be creative. Its a wide open market for Android as the learning curve on Java is so high it keeps people out.

Here is my latest App . I totally recommend it for a hobby and a potential money earner.
Check it out here. http://basic4ppc.com/forum/index.php

Besides, it gives you an excuse to buy a smart phone.

Give me a yell if you want a hand getting set up.

Kelem

188 posts

Master Geek

#548170 22-Nov-2011 02:07

Awesome stuff netspanner !

gcorgnet

1078 posts

Uber Geek

#548197 22-Nov-2011 07:52

netspanner:
I can make a program (3 to 4 so far) in a week or two, the coding is easy there are tons of resources and help. It converts into java and you can sell them in the market.

Hi netspammer,

Can you please elaborate on what you use to do the conversion between your VB program and the .apk file?

Any issues with UI controls, frameworks, etc?

Thanks,

Guillaume

netspanner

343 posts

Ultimate Geek

#548203 22-Nov-2011 08:14

The program I use compiles down to Java and creates an APK file that is just the same as one made in Java, there is no difference.

You can download a free version of the program and see yourself, however the real power of the program lies in the libraries, which replicate the Android libraries. To get those you need to get a license.

Just as 'normal' Android programming seems to be Android + Java wrapper, this is Android + Visual basic. It builds on the Android structure with a VB wrapper instead of Java.

Its easier to see it than it is to write about it :-) Download the user manual, and the program, and see for yourself.
http://www.basic4ppc.com/index2.html

To date I havn't had any issues that arn't Android issues.

I totally recommend the system its been great fun.

1 | 2