Good Computer for Programming? Best Language?

Hello everybody. Sorry if this is the wrong place for this post. I usually post threads about games.

I am interested in programming, and I don't want to use my gaming desktop because my hard drive is beginning to run low on space. I also want to start with a laptop. Since I am a beginner, I will be making very simple programs for beginners, so I don't think I will need a very good computer, but I don't know.

I am also what you think would be a good programming language for me. I have used Python a little, but am thinking of switching to Java. If you think there is a better one though, please tell me.

Thanks :)

Space isn't an issue, keep your computer and just start learning. C and C++ are pretty good. Java is alright, but I have yet to see a java program run well.

When I code, I find that more screens are probably the biggest boost to my productivity.

Depending on what you want to do. You either want to go high level and start going lower, or low level and go higher. I personally started high and went low.

I started with java, https://wiki.engr.illinois.edu/display/cs125/CourseNotes2006 These pdfs are awesome, while they dont necisarilly teach you to be an expert in java, they teach you programming essentials that are pretty much true throughout all programming languages. Also after you learn java, you can do android programming and make apps for phone / tablet.

After you do that though i do recommend learning about data structures, and reading up on some computer architecture and learning C, dynamic memory, cache effeciency and pointers, and the CPU data path because those concepts, while not really needed for like java and C#, they will help you become a better programmer in any language.

Also your computer should be fine, i wouldnt worry about that

I'd personally start with C. It might be a tough start, but teaches alot of basics of computers overall like pointers, stack, heap etc. Then from there u can move on to C++ or java. I personally am not fond of java cuz it makes u lazy since it does alot of things for u like handling pointers as jiggly pointed out. Some ppl will say im stupid, but i believe in stressing urself inorder to bash a concept or some bit of knowledge into ur head. Starting off hard goes along with that type of mentality imo.

I'd personally start with C. It might be a tough start, but teaches alot of basics of computers overall like pointers, stack, heap etc. Then from there u can move on to C++ or java. I personally am not fond of java cuz it makes u lazy since it does alot of things for u like handling pointers as jiggly pointed out. Some ppl will say im stupid, but i believe in stressing urself inorder to bash a concept or some bit of knowledge into ur head. Starting off hard goes along with that type of mentality imo.

painguy1

Well thats where you can choose and it honestly depends on the individual. I started off with java, then went to C++, then went to C, and I really began appreciating lower level programming and right now im writing drivers for Intel. So honestly it depends on the person, both low level and high level are important, it just depends

[QUOTE="painguy1"]

I'd personally start with C. It might be a tough start, but teaches alot of basics of computers overall like pointers, stack, heap etc. Then from there u can move on to C++ or java. I personally am not fond of java cuz it makes u lazy since it does alot of things for u like handling pointers as jiggly pointed out. Some ppl will say im stupid, but i believe in stressing urself inorder to bash a concept or some bit of knowledge into ur head. Starting off hard goes along with that type of mentality imo.

way2funny

Well thats where you can choose and it honestly depends on the individual. I started off with java, then went to C++, then went to C, and I really began appreciating lower level programming and right now im writing drivers for Intel. So honestly it depends on the person, both low level and high level are important, it just depends

I wouldn't use that as a selling point for your way.

To me.This is a simple question if you want to be a web developer HTML CSS and JavaScript are your best goals Web programming I also agree should be PHP As a main programming language for the computer C++ would do. Java as an alternative C is also an alternative They are very good and to me -- a 13 year old very easy to understand Your last question "Where to learn them? If it is C, C++ Or Java and i believe JavaScript possibly HTML (i do not work with HTML so i do not know) would be a guy named Bucky's youtube videos (TheNewBoston)... they are how I learned but along side them I would also recommend taking classes or getting a book jessikario

Not all of those are "programming languages" and java and javascript have no business having similar names.

Whatever PC you have now will be fine for early programming. If you have ~5 GB to spare, you'll more than enough space. (most of that is taken up by the IDE and compiler anyway) Personally, I really dislike Java. I could never wrap my head around it's syntax. I'm semi-fluent in C and C++ though. While C++ has more options than C does, I much prefer C, as I find it's syntax to be far less confusing than C++'s (which was actually one of the goals for C++, to make the syntax confusing to weed out the bad programmers from the good ones, which is stupid IMO. It's also why the Linux kernel is written almost entirely in C, because Linus Torvalds HATES C++) Personally, I recommend you start with C, and then move on to C++ once you have a good understanding of C.muffinduck01

syntax is the easiest thing to learn in programming

The linux kernel isnt written in C because of his 'hate' for c++. There are so many other reasons the kernel is written in C, such as C++ is less effecient, and C is the closest you can get to assembly without writing in assembly. And other reasons concerning memory and the fact that exceptions dont make sense in the kernel level because you cant really trace them since they are in kernel space.

[QUOTE="way2funny"]

[QUOTE="painguy1"]

I'd personally start with C. It might be a tough start, but teaches alot of basics of computers overall like pointers, stack, heap etc. Then from there u can move on to C++ or java. I personally am not fond of java cuz it makes u lazy since it does alot of things for u like handling pointers as jiggly pointed out. Some ppl will say im stupid, but i believe in stressing urself inorder to bash a concept or some bit of knowledge into ur head. Starting off hard goes along with that type of mentality imo.

GummiRaccoon

Well thats where you can choose and it honestly depends on the individual. I started off with java, then went to C++, then went to C, and I really began appreciating lower level programming and right now im writing drivers for Intel. So honestly it depends on the person, both low level and high level are important, it just depends

I wouldn't use that as a selling point for your way.

So you take that one thing i said to try to insult instead of attempting to understand a different yet valid viewpoint? Point is, no matter where you go, both high level and low level programming are important and its better to start at the top or bottom instead of smack dab in the middle.

The linux kernel isnt written in C because of his 'hate' for c++. There are so many other reasons the kernel is written in C, such as C++ is less effecient, and C is the closest you can get to assembly without writing in assembly. And other reasons concerning memory and the fact that exceptions dont make sense in the kernel level because you cant really trace them since they are in kernel space.

[QUOTE="GummiRaccoon"]

[QUOTE="way2funny"]

Well thats where you can choose and it honestly depends on the individual. I started off with java, then went to C++, then went to C, and I really began appreciating lower level programming and right now im writing drivers for Intel. So honestly it depends on the person, both low level and high level are important, it just depends

way2funny

I wouldn't use that as a selling point for your way.

So you take that one thing i said to try to insult instead of attempting to understand a different yet valid viewpoint? Point is, no matter where you go, both high level and low level programming are important and its better to start at the top or bottom instead of smack dab in the middle.

[QUOTE="way2funny"]

The linux kernel isnt written in C because of his 'hate' for c++. There are so many other reasons the kernel is written in C, such as C++ is less effecient, and C is the closest you can get to assembly without writing in assembly. And other reasons concerning memory and the fact that exceptions dont make sense in the kernel level because you cant really trace them since they are in kernel space.

[QUOTE="GummiRaccoon"]

I wouldn't use that as a selling point for your way.

JigglyWiggly_

So you take that one thing i said to try to insult instead of attempting to understand a different yet valid viewpoint? Point is, no matter where you go, both high level and low level programming are important and its better to start at the top or bottom instead of smack dab in the middle.

No, all kernels are written in lower level languages such as C. Like i said things some things in kernels are impossible to do with C++. Embedded C++ now is different sinnce it is a strict subset of C++ that strips away the things that dont make sense in kernel space like exceptions yet leave in the object oriented nature. Its a layer of indirection, its the same reason java is so slow. The lower in level you get, the more effecient you can be. And C is the best compramise.

The linux kernel isnt written in C because of his 'hate' for c++. There are so many other reasons the kernel is written in C, such as C++ is less effecient, and C is the closest you can get to assembly without writing in assembly. And other reasons concerning memory and the fact that exceptions dont make sense in the kernel level because you cant really trace them since they are in kernel space.

[QUOTE="GummiRaccoon"]

[QUOTE="way2funny"]

Well thats where you can choose and it honestly depends on the individual. I started off with java, then went to C++, then went to C, and I really began appreciating lower level programming and right now im writing drivers for Intel. So honestly it depends on the person, both low level and high level are important, it just depends

way2funny

I wouldn't use that as a selling point for your way.

So you take that one thing i said to try to insult instead of attempting to understand a different yet valid viewpoint? Point is, no matter where you go, both high level and low level programming are important and its better to start at the top or bottom instead of smack dab in the middle.

I am just saying you should keep that you write drivers for intel secret because intel can't into drivers.

Start with C#, using Visual Studio Express.

Then look at C++, aftwerwards.

Edit:

You may want to PM Wasdie for advice. He's not the empathic type, but he knows his stuff and is a proffesional in the american work enviroment.

- Learn X-Code - Create a good app - Become a Millionaire (if only I had created Angry Birds or Instagram...)FelipeInside

O angry birds another game that ripped off a flash game

Hello everyone. Sorry that I haven't been able to post for a long time. My computer has been weird.

From what a lot of you said, it's best to go with something like C++ or C. I think I am going to do that.

Thank you for all of the advise, guys! :)

If you're going to be writing C, start with C#.

It's the most accessable variant and the best entrypoint for beginners.

Visual Studio Express is free.

An alternative would be Java in Eclipse.

If you're going to be writing C, start with C#.

It's the most accessable variant and the best entrypoint for beginners.

Visual Studio Express is free.

An alternative would be Java in Eclipse.

MlauTheDaft

c sharp is an abomination

[QUOTE="MlauTheDaft"]

If you're going to be writing C, start with C#.

It's the most accessable variant and the best entrypoint for beginners.

Visual Studio Express is free.

An alternative would be Java in Eclipse.

NailedGR

c sharp is an abomination