How to learn to code....

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Ronsoak

202 posts

Master Geek
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Topic # 147091 8-Jun-2014 21:07

Hey Team

As a competent computer user I've decided to take the next step and actually learn how to programme/code.

More specifically I want to learn how to code Apps, (doesn't everyone) I'm not in it to get rich quick or anything stupid like that, Im just a project orientated guy who is currently without a project and I would like to make some Windows RT apps for my own Surface and I think this might be a good starting platform in learning to code.

So while I am familiar with HTML/CSS/ and VBA, I don't even fully understand them so Im so out of my depth with XAML, C++ etc.

What I am looking for is suggestions on how to learn. I have a few options available to me, bear in mind I work full time so a 'course' (Polytech) isnt what I am looking for.
1) Buy some books and plough through them one by one.
2) Online course maybe?
3) Go in cold and work my way backwards.

Any one got any alternative suggestions or even advice for my current options. all feedback welcome!

Thanks in advance!

charsleysa

597 posts

Ultimate Geek
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Reply # 1061519 8-Jun-2014 22:01

Well it sounds like you would need to start from scratch, but you could always cheat and build a HTML/JavaScript Windows Modern app that will run on your Surface.

Google it, Microsoft has plenty of guides and learning resources for making Windows Modern apps.

Regards
Stefan Andres Charsley

Yabanize

2106 posts

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Reply # 1061525 8-Jun-2014 22:07

One person supports this post

Try codecademy,

I also made my first android app by following the android developers website, Youtube is good, MS website will have some good stuff

gehenna

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Reply # 1061530 8-Jun-2014 22:15

One person supports this post

Code.org could be good, and +1 Code Academy http://www.codecademy.com

Ronsoak

202 posts

Master Geek
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Reply # 1061549 8-Jun-2014 22:29

Cheers for the suggestions, codeacademy is certainty something that has popped up a few times in my searching.

Just bought a book on the basics of C# so im giving that a read.

gehenna

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Reply # 1061550 8-Jun-2014 22:35

Some good courses on itunesU too

hellonearthisman

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Reply # 1061575 8-Jun-2014 23:43

From the sounds of it you should try to learn http://www.visualstudio.com/en-US/products/visual-studio-express-vs because you want to develope windows apps. You should also look into C++ coding too.

You have two learning curves, 1. learning the IDE (integrated development environment), that's the editor and how to compile code. 2. The programming language.

I found this series pretty good, but it may not suit you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMzH3tfP6f8
Julie Zelenski for the Programming Abstractions Course (CS106B) in the Stanford Computer Science Department.

TwoSeven

1221 posts

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Reply # 1061739 9-Jun-2014 12:25

If you are developing windows apps for RT, then these are basically just done in JavaScript with HTML 5 and CSS 3- the library is WinJS.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/apps/br229565.aspx

For learning the basics of CSS, HTML 5 and JavaScript you can take a look at W3Schools

Software Engineer