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View Full Version : Can someone show me how to code?


jumpthedog
March 12th, 2012, 05:39 AM
I want to learn how to code. I don't care what type of coding, just anything, really. I need someone to give me links, assistance and stuff.

Darkness.
March 12th, 2012, 05:48 AM
Have a look at this. (http://www.w3schools.com/)

I would start with HTML as it is pretty simple and easy to learn.

StoppingTime
March 12th, 2012, 06:03 AM
As Brenden said, W3 Schools is a great place to start, and HTML is probably one of the more simpler coding languages, so I'd start there. Other languages (some, at least), sort of "branch off" HTML, so it is easier to start learning that.
Although, it would help to know exactly what you want to code once you know HTML.

TheMatrix
March 12th, 2012, 07:56 AM
You can't just "learn to code" without some general idea of what you want to do. Coding is all about solving a specific problem. But in order to do that, you must first know how to program, as knowing just the syntax will not help you.* That is the hard part. Once you have gotten down programming itself, then you can go on to a specific syntax. You will also find it easier to read and interpret other syntaxes(aka "languages") as well, even if you cannot write in them yourself.

Personally, I would recommend learning one of these syntaxes:

Perl. I know, not everyone is going to agree with me here. But Perl has some really neat features that I have yet to find in other scripting languages.
HTML. Contrary to popular belief, HTML is not a programming language -- it is a markup language. There is a notable difference(I won't go into it here for the sake of brevity). It is quite easy to learn, and you can do some pretty neat things with it.
JavaScript. If you want to use libraries such as jQuery, you should probably learn this as well.

Some syntaxes I'd personally stay away from:

PHP. I cannot stress this enough. Inconsistency and over-filled core cause for confusion and negative consequences in the long run. You will have to consult the [rather badly written] documentation almost every time to figure out exactly what function does what again. Plus, you have to "reinvent the wheel" many times because what's in the core is the only built-in stuff. There is no such thing as a "module" in PHP. **
Plus, PHP is harder to use off the web, which means that if you want to do something other than web development, you will need a new language.
Java. I'm sure many of you can agree; Java will haunt me for a very long time. I'm not even going to discuss it now.
Microsoft Batch. 'nuff said. No, it is not "cool" anymore, I'm afraid, as that was in 1995.

For all syntaxes, however, you should always get a book. Copy-pasting examples won't save you, as it doesn't let your mind think on its own.
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* Alas, this seems to be a rising trend in those who think they want to program, and they end up only knowing a syntax. This usually means that half of their code is copy-pasted from the internet/other sources, and they don't actually know how to optimise it themselves.
** Yes, you can include other files etc, but what I'm talking about is adding something to the interpreter. There is no real way to do that besides recompiling the core, for example if you want to add support for PgSQL. Other languages do have an easier way. For the sake of brevity, I won't go into that here.

Rayquaza
March 12th, 2012, 11:47 AM
I'd start learning Turbo Pascal. It's a pretty basic language and will get you familiar with certain types of variables, assignment statements and string manipulation. You can't just "learn to code." That's like asking "How do I learn to eat?" It's too vague. There are different languages, like different foods.

PerpetualImperfexion
March 12th, 2012, 10:44 PM
I started out with basic batch scripting, then went to HTML, to Visual Basic. Now I'm beginning to think I should learn something more useful, we'll see. Now a days I use batch to play pranks on my class mates xD. Scripts that open infinity windows and put the persons network folder into a folder and then that folder into a folder, etc, etc are always fun.

jumpthedog
March 13th, 2012, 03:06 AM
Alright, thanks. I know I've already talked to you matrix, but I was just curious what others had to say. I'll take a bit more of time to figure out WHAT I want to learn how to do and such

Axill11
March 16th, 2012, 07:15 PM
I have done a little C++ but ive found an awsome place to learn Java. www.codeacademy.com
you dont need any experience. It leads you through basics to advanced.

Silicate Wielder
March 17th, 2012, 02:39 PM
If you like modding your Operating system like me or are interested in it, I've been , moddding and remodding my computer many times. and most mods I install use terminal so its a good idea to start batch code as its very simple and anyone can do it (unless your a noob when it comes to even the basics of computers, like my sister.)