NationStates Jolt Archive

So I decided yesterday that there's one thing I really need to do... well actually several things, but three of the four follow on from the first, and the fourth is totally irrelevant.

I decided that I should put my time on the computer to some sort of use, and that I should learn a programming language, and I was thinking one of the C languages (Java is just gay, but later I might learn it anyway, just because). So yes, does anyone have any recommendations for how I should go about it? Short of taking an A level in computing I mean.

Java is gay? Did you see it getting sodomized by C or something?

Java is gay? Did you see it getting sodomized by C or something?
It has three-ways with Vis. Basic and C++, and that's just what I've seen on tape.

So I decided yesterday that there's one thing I really need to do... well actually several things, but three of the four follow on from the first, and the fourth is totally irrelevant.

I decided that I should put my time on the computer to some sort of use, and that I should learn a programming language, and I was thinking one of the C languages (Java is just gay, but later I might learn it anyway, just because). So yes, does anyone have any recommendations for how I should go about it? Short of taking an A level in computing I mean.
Get some books on the subject.

Real geeks dive straight into machine language.

It has three-ways with Vis. Basic and C++, and that's just what I've seen on tape.

Wow I never knew Java was so kinky, I have a new level of respect.

Java is gay? Did you see it getting sodomized by C or something?

*chokes*

lol

Don't do that! I was just having a drink! :D

why do you want to be more of a geek? (just of curiousity not being offensive or anything.)

Real geeks dive straight into machine language.

those are nerds ... geeks want to get the project actually done

So I decided yesterday that there's one thing I really need to do... well actually several things, but three of the four follow on from the first, and the fourth is totally irrelevant.

I decided that I should put my time on the computer to some sort of use, and that I should learn a programming language, and I was thinking one of the C languages (Java is just gay, but later I might learn it anyway, just because). So yes, does anyone have any recommendations for how I should go about it? Short of taking an A level in computing I mean.

Java is actually quite good for learning on. The book Objects First with Java: A Practical Introduction Using BlueJ would be a good place to start. While BlueJ is sub-par as far as IDE's go, the book is quite good because you begin doing something useful right away. At the end of part one of the book, you will be able to do something more complex than if you put the same effort into C or C++ or something (or even with a different Java book), but you are totally dependent on BlueJ and your understanding of the code will not be as deep. You will be better motivated, as you can actually build something useful quite quickly. Then once you have a good grasp of Java, you can move onto a different language quite easily.

But if you want to learn a different language, start by finding a good book. Web tutorials, while claiming otherwise, are all aimed at someone who knows how to program, just in a different language.

why do you want to be more of a geek? (just of curiousity not being offensive or anything.)

*Shrug* I figure I'm pretty much a geek anyway, and rather than try to fight my destiny I've decided to embrace it. Geek and proud :)

Java is gay? Did you see it getting sodomized by C or something?

It... it... I don't wanna talk about it! *sobs*

Get some books on the subject.

Any suggestions? See I was thinking 'books!' but have no clue what ones...

Java is actually quite good for learning on. The book Objects First with Java: A Practical Introduction Using BlueJ. While BlueJ is sub-par as far as IDE's go, the book is quite good because you begin doing something useful right away. At the end of part one of the book, you will be able to do something more complex than if you put the same effort into C or C++ or something (or even with a different Java book), but you are totally dependent on BlueJ and your understanding of the code will not be as deep. You will be better motivated, as you can actually build something useful quite quickly. Then once you have a good grasp of Java, you can move onto a different language quite easily.

But if you want to learn a different language, start by finding a good book. Web tutorials, while claiming otherwise, are all aimed at someone who knows how to program, just in a different language.

In which case I might rethink my opinions on Java :) My thanks Posi :)

In which case I might rethink my opinions on Java :) My thanks Posi :)

I just realized, that my second sentence isn't actually a sentence.

*Shrug* I figure I'm pretty much a geek anyway, and rather than try to fight my destiny I've decided to embrace it. Geek and proud :)



thats the way 2b

Java is actually quite good for learning on. The book Objects First with Java: A Practical Introduction Using BlueJ. While BlueJ is sub-par as far as IDE's go, the book is quite good because you begin doing something useful right away. At the end of part one of the book, you will be able to do something more complex than if you put the same effort into C or C++ or something (or even with a different Java book), but you are totally dependent on BlueJ and your understanding of the code will not be as deep. You will be better motivated, as you can actually build something useful quite quickly. Then once you have a good grasp of Java, you can move onto a different language quite easily.

But if you want to learn a different language, start by finding a good book. Web tutorials, while claiming otherwise, are all aimed at someone who knows how to program, just in a different language.

Still did not care for it

Personaly in day to day server/web/network administration I use VB VBS Python Shell scripting and TCL/TK more then just about any other languages ( I know some not true programming languages ... but still)

Close after that is C and C++ but those for more specific projects

Any suggestions? See I was thinking 'books!' but have no clue what ones...

There are a couple of free college books.
http://www.mindview.net/Books/TICPP/ThinkingInCPP2e.html

Visual Basic is pretty easy to understand, I got a book of "teach yourself" around here somewhere that my 5 year old is currently half way through.

I just realized, that my second sentence isn't actually a sentence.

Nevertheless I got the jist :)

thats the way 2b

Fo' rizzle.

Still did not care for it

Personaly in day to day server/web/network administration I use VB VBS Python Shell scripting and TCL/TK more then just about any other languages ( I know some not true programming languages ... but still)

Close after that is C and C++ but those for more specific projects

And how might I go about learning this 'VB VBS Python Shell scripting and TCL/TK' you speak of?


You know what, I think I might have to learn several languages...

Right now, I'm learning C# through "C# for the absolute beginner".

I'm getting it pretty well, so far. Of course, so far is Hello world!

Oh just had a thought (a whole one!) - can these languages be used with macs? Or will I need to purchase a PC? If so then I may need to put my plans back for a bit until I can afford another computer.

How old are you? If you´re over 20, I dont recomend it, because it takes a long time to learn anything worth.

My friend started programing when he was 10.

Oh just had a thought (a whole one!) - can these languages be used with macs? Or will I need to purchase a PC? If so then I may need to put my plans back for a bit until I can afford another computer.
You'd just need a compiler for the Mac Platform that supports your language. BlueJ is Win/Mac/Unix compatible. You may want to check the Mac site for an intro book to Macs IDE (called XCode or some shit). It uses its own version of Objective-C, but its interface builder is top notch.

How old are you? If you´re over 20, I dont recomend it, because it takes a long time to learn anything worth.

My friend started programing when he was 10.

my husband started programing in elementary school (back in the 70's when it was still hard to do)

he started teaching the basics to my oldest just after her third birthday.

Is it a problem when your kids light your birthday candles in binary? I used to think so, now........it's just scary.

They are making Hex jokes. :(

How old are you? If you´re over 20, I dont recomend it, because it takes a long time to learn anything worth.

My friend started programing when he was 10.

I'm 17 (hence why I said short of taking an A level in computing - the four I've got going at the moment are enough for me thanks :D)

But I appreciate it'll take a while to learn. Nothing worth while comes easily. Except apples.

You'd just need a compiler for the Mac Platform that supports your language. BlueJ is Win/Mac/Unix compatible. You may want to check the Mac site for an intro book to Macs IDE (called XCode or some shit). It uses its own version of Objective-C, but its interface builder is top notch.

Ah groovy. Cheers once more. See this is the best part about forum dwelling - it's the perfect place to advance geekiness.

my husband started programing in elementary school (back in the 70's when it was still hard to do)

he started teaching the basics to my oldest just after her third birthday.

Is it a problem when your kids light your birthday candles in binary? I used to think so, now........it's just scary.

They are making Hex jokes. :(

Wow. I would be so proud of my kids if they were that cool :D I wish I could make Hex jokes. (I actually do - see what I mean about embracing my inner geek?)

So I decided yesterday that there's one thing I really need to do... well actually several things, but three of the four follow on from the first, and the fourth is totally irrelevant.

I decided that I should put my time on the computer to some sort of use, and that I should learn a programming language, and I was thinking one of the C languages (Java is just gay, but later I might learn it anyway, just because). So yes, does anyone have any recommendations for how I should go about it? Short of taking an A level in computing I mean.
00101001 01001000 01001110 10100000

Well, if you understand that I would say you're a geek. I sure as hell don't, nor do I think it even makes sense. :D

I taught myself PHP when I was about 15, mostly from webtutorials. I learnt some Visual basic when I did A level computing, but I've never seriously taught myself what I'd call a more complex language like C(++/#) or Java. Kind of lost interest in it.

For the OP, try both. And actually buying a book about it probably the best way to learn.

Nevertheless I got the jist :)



Fo' rizzle.



And how might I go about learning this 'VB VBS Python Shell scripting and TCL/TK' you speak of?


You know what, I think I might have to learn several languages...

Books and tutorials ... I normaly just come up with a project that language is good in

Do it

Then do something like it but better

those are nerds ... geeks want to get the project actually done

Quoted for da trooof!

00101001 01001000 01001110 10100000

Well, if you understand that I would say you're a geek. I sure as hell don't, nor do I think it even makes sense. :D

")HN"

Thats what you said in binary > ascii

I taught myself PHP when I was about 15, mostly from webtutorials. I learnt some Visual basic when I did A level computing, but I've never seriously taught myself what I'd call a more complex language like C(++/#) or Java. Kind of lost interest in it.

For the OP, try both. And actually buying a book about it probably the best way to learn.

If you know php you can easily get a handle on C++ at least the basics, php was heavily influenced by C++

Quoted for da trooof!

For the most part we are project orientated ... we go only as complex as needed to achieve the results we want solidly. Doing something like machine code or compiler development is intresting but more of a draw for nerds who want the sheer theory of it not nessisarily a viable end product

I can get that way with networking a bit but machine coding ... is not productive.

my husband started programing in elementary school (back in the 70's when it was still hard to do)

he started teaching the basics to my oldest just after her third birthday.

Is it a problem when your kids light your birthday candles in binary? I used to think so, now........it's just scary.

They are making Hex jokes. :(

Why do Software Engineers always confuse Christmas and Halloween?

Because Dec(25) = Oct(31)

Badum-tish!

Why do Software Engineers always confuse Christmas and Halloween?

Because Dec(25) = Oct(31)

Badum-tish!

:D I'm so glad I can say freely that I should find this funny and do :D

For the most part we are project orientated ... we go only as complex as needed to achieve the results we want solidly. Doing something like machine code or compiler development is intresting but more of a draw for nerds who want the sheer theory of it not nessisarily a viable end product

I can get that way with networking a bit but machine coding ... is not productive.

Spot on.

I remember writing assembler code to draw some graphics for the hell of it...but it just took far too bloody long and while nice knowing how to stack the accumulator was interesting it was also boring.

So used BASIC instead. LOL (Yeah well this was like '80 or something LOL and I were a only a lad.)

I like projects and getting into the process but I left programming behind a long long time ago. I much prefer the management side. My kick is delivering workable and secure environments along with the associated support functions. SAP for example. I don't give a fig what the DB is doing. But I am interested in how the DB server is functioning. That it is resilient and stable. Of course monitoring parts of the app is important but I'm not interested in the actual code.

Same on the network side. My 6500 switches IOS is linux...but I am not interested in that. I just want it to work. If it doesn't and its beyond my ability to troubleshoot (and to be honest it doesn't take much these days!) its on to the phone or my techies will deal with it.

I do think that the nerd does serve...look at the idea of the executive kernal in NT...masterstroke idea. But badly badly fucked about with by non-nerd/geeks.

For the most part we are project orientated ... we go only as complex as needed to achieve the results we want solidly. Doing something like machine code or compiler development is intresting but more of a draw for nerds who want the sheer theory of it not nessisarily a viable end product

I can get that way with networking a bit but machine coding ... is not productive.
More people should be like Seymour Cray.

Why do Software Engineers always confuse Christmas and Halloween?

Because Dec(25) = Oct(31)

Badum-tish!

Ive heard that in a class or two before :p

More people should be like Seymour Cray.

The world needs them too ... they just are more of a nerd

I did not say they were not useful just that it was a different category and something a bit different from what I am drawn to.

Spot on.

I remember writing assembler code to draw some graphics for the hell of it...but it just took far too bloody long and while nice knowing how to stack the accumulator was interesting it was also boring.

So used BASIC instead. LOL (Yeah well this was like '80 or something LOL and I were a only a lad.)

I like projects and getting into the process but I left programming behind a long long time ago. I much prefer the management side. My kick is delivering workable and secure environments along with the associated support functions. SAP for example. I don't give a fig what the DB is doing. But I am interested in how the DB server is functioning. That it is resilient and stable. Of course monitoring parts of the app is important but I'm not interested in the actual code.

Same on the network side. My 6500 switches IOS is linux...but I am not interested in that. I just want it to work. If it doesn't and its beyond my ability to troubleshoot (and to be honest it doesn't take much these days!) its on to the phone or my techies will deal with it.

I do think that the nerd does serve...look at the idea of the executive kernal in NT...masterstroke idea. But badly badly fucked about with by non-nerd/geeks.
I am in academia as well as being the head of network support ... unlike in the business world, here ya kind of have to be the jack of all trades to get something done

I find it interesting though ... gives me room to expand.

Though I find my tasks being more managerial these days, but I should be joining my department to another one in the next few months then I am moving into a new position (security coordinator) Less people more geekyness and different focus then network support

I feel like so much less of a geek after having most of this thread fly over my head and make a pleasant wooshing noise.

I feel like so much less of a geek after having most of this thread fly over my head and make a pleasant wooshing noise.

Glad we could help boost your ego :)

Why do Software Engineers always confuse Christmas and Halloween?

Because Dec(25) = Oct(31)

Badum-tish!

I hate you and hope you die -_-

I hate you and hope you die -_-

Cheers :D

I had a much worse one, but I forgot it over the years...

Cheers :D

I had a much worse one, but I forgot it over the years...

Ascii to ascii, Dos to Dos...


Or

Ascii stupid question, get a stupid Ansi?

")HN"

Thats what you said in binary > ascii
You sir, are a dork! :eek:

You sir, are a dork! :eek:

Maybe :) though I did not really "know" it I just found an online translator lol I could have done it but being a geek I went with getting the job done :)


01000001 01101110 01100100 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100001 01101110 01101011 00100000
01111001 01101111 01110101 00100000 01110011 01101001 01110010

those are nerds ... geeks want to get the project actually done

Nah, geeks go for java, dorks go for machine language, and true nerds like me telepathically create the computer program from our minds. I have a program that composes psychedelic rock that turns the listener into a homosexual superhero.

If you are doing something simple for which performance doesn't matter, Java is nice because it's easy to write and the compiler prevents you from doing certain stupid things. For an IDE, Eclipse is the best I have used so far.
http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/

If you are doing something simple for which performance doesn't matter, Java is nice because it's easy to write and the compiler prevents you from doing certain stupid things. For an IDE, Eclipse is the best I have used so far.
http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/
Eclipse is also proof why Java isn't good for performance critical tasks.

Nah, geeks go for java, dorks go for machine language, and true nerds like me telepathically create the computer program from our minds. I have a program that composes psychedelic rock that turns the listener into a homosexual superhero.

Does his butt whistles when he flies?