Possible Duplicate:
How to Learn Python
I have recently started a new job and knowing a few more programming languages would be VERY helpful! any ideas where/how to learn C#, C++, perl, python, etc... as quick as possible?
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151answers:
8
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A:
Writing code to do something useful is actually the best way of learning a language.
Rahul
2010-08-05 19:27:00
well i have no idea where to start
dewalla
2010-08-05 19:28:10
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A:
python.org has really good documentation on the language.
And msdn.com is a great place to start for C#.
EDIT: I forgot it may be kinda tricky to intially navigate msdn so here's the direct link for starting C# http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/a72418yk(VS.100).aspx
townsean
2010-08-05 19:28:09
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A:
I agree with Rahul. Try projectEuler.net It will give you some problems that will force you to learn the basic syntax of any language you choose. The rest is just plain old hard work - reading, experimenting...
Ryan Bennett
2010-08-05 19:28:57
I tend to disagree. I love project euler, but it's more math than programming related, you can solve many of the problems easier by pen and paper (not that i did, i love programming too much). It is a fun exercise but more programming related problems should suit the asker better.
dbemerlin
2010-08-05 19:40:54
The point isnt the solution. It's how you come to the solution. You encounter recursion, object oriented design, basic syntax, algorithm design... plus a little math never hurt anybody. It helped me more than anything outside of writing business logic.
Ryan Bennett
2010-08-11 20:52:29
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A:
Do a project in a language you want to learn, either in your off time or at work if you can.
Also, check out some books
Jason W
2010-08-05 19:29:08
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A:
Think of a problem you need to have solved. Pick a programming language. Set out to solve the problem logically. Use Google to discover the programming quirks that will enable you to produce your logical solution into a programmatic form. Consult an expert for a code review to get ideas on how to improve your programmatic description of your logical solution.
Joel Etherton
2010-08-05 19:30:06
+4
A:
Find a site that offers daily programming quizzes or tasks and try to solve them with which ever language you want to learn. When I first wanted to learn Ruby I used Ruby Quiz with a TON of Google-ing and reading and it worked wonders. There is no reason you can't use the same quizzes for different languages. Good luck!
Justin
2010-08-05 19:30:48
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A:
Pick a language. Once you know one language of this sort well, the others are relatively trivial to pick up.
If you don't know which one to start with, ask someone at your work. If they don't know, pick... pulls language from hat... Python.
All the popular languages have books and online tutorials geared for the beginning programmer. Find a tutorial, download the appropriate software, and begin to work through the tutorials. Exercise curiosity and don't be afraid to try new things.
Paul Nathan
2010-08-05 19:31:42
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A:
Are you alone in this endeavor, or do you have some friends/co-workers who would like to explore programming languages and concepts with you? If the latter, then consider setting up with them a regular meeting (Code Dojo, as some are called online, and as my friends and I are doing now) where you just sit down as a team for a length of time and explore the code.
Sample team projects could be as simple as:
- Using C#, write a simple forum website.
- Using Ruby on Rails, write a blog website.
- Develop a small application with TDD and another with retro-fitted tests. Compare experiences.
- Using F#, write a graphing calculator.
The list can go on and on. But the idea is that the mutual passion and small, definable goals will keep you moving forward. Don't over-burden yourselves with projects that will never end. This happens a lot in personal self-learning projects. Stick to clearly defined goals so you know when you're "done" and can move on. Follow the examples in the books, etc.
David
2010-08-05 19:33:20