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How To Learn A Programming Language - The two methods discussed | ||
Discussion by amitbhandari with 11 Replies.
Last Update: May 7, 2007, 2:26 am | |||
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Hunting for a good book
The more daunting task - hunting down a good book. The way is not easier one though. The search would require to shuffle through a big heap of books lying on a bookstore and ofcourse, its time consuming and generally, not to the dot.
Once the book selected, only 20 percent is going to be the useful material all else (biggie 80%) is going to be waste for the reader though it will help to wash up the brain and clear some fundamentals.
Reading books is quite convenient- after all, books are easy-on-eyes with well-organized and cross referenced material. A big plus point is that the sample code is also tagged along with making the experience much better.
Surfing and Finding way manually
One simple google search query is all it takes. Though it takes some time as site browsing is involved but can be done by sitting on the chair itself.
The whole material is free, so, no guilt about wasted investments. The site is also organized like a book and clicking the links will take me to the next chapter or topic accordingly. Moreover, there are support forums, newsgroup available to help solving a beginners' problem.
Conclusion
So, one can easily conclude that learning online is more productive as compared to conventional method and is quite cost-effective. The only disadvantage that may seem is the freedom of place and time where reader can read but with the upcoming smart hand-held devices, this limitation is going to be removed.
The more daunting task - hunting down a good book. The way is not easier one though. The search would require to shuffle through a big heap of books lying on a bookstore and ofcourse, its time consuming and generally, not to the dot.
Once the book selected, only 20 percent is going to be the useful material all else (biggie 80%) is going to be waste for the reader though it will help to wash up the brain and clear some fundamentals.
Reading books is quite convenient- after all, books are easy-on-eyes with well-organized and cross referenced material. A big plus point is that the sample code is also tagged along with making the experience much better.
Surfing and Finding way manually
One simple google search query is all it takes. Though it takes some time as site browsing is involved but can be done by sitting on the chair itself.
The whole material is free, so, no guilt about wasted investments. The site is also organized like a book and clicking the links will take me to the next chapter or topic accordingly. Moreover, there are support forums, newsgroup available to help solving a beginners' problem.
Conclusion
So, one can easily conclude that learning online is more productive as compared to conventional method and is quite cost-effective. The only disadvantage that may seem is the freedom of place and time where reader can read but with the upcoming smart hand-held devices, this limitation is going to be removed.
Mon Apr 17, 2006 Reply New Discussion
Nice post you have there, I mostly agree with you.
Yes, most books are either too complicated or WAY too simple, and either way, the reader doesn't get much from them. Books do have the advantage of taking them everywhere to read (not everyone owns a laptop or has internet connection everywhere) but I guess the "pluses" end there. Well, that and the fact you aren't tempted to copy-paste the examples provided. Never heard of anyone actually learning from that.
Not every author has the capability to explain clearly, too. This goes for web pages and books. Best books I've ever read were Thinking in Java/C++ and the C Programming Book (or what's it called?
).
Web sites DO have the advantage of being free, but they're not nearly as comfortable to read, especially if you're trying to code while you read about it. Also, many web sites do NOT get people to do good programming, quite the contrary. Since web pages are mostly free and the author often knows quite a deal of the language, he might tend to write rather obscure code in the examples, for instance, not caring too much about how is a total newbie going to be able to read it.
So my own conclusion is that you should use both methods. Yes, buy books (the good ones) and google around, ask on forums (like this one), and whatnot.
But a point you forgot to mention, is that to learn, you have to CODE. A lot. One doesn't learn just by reading, neither by doing plain copy-paste. If you do just that, you won't ever be able to do more complex stuff, because you don't know the basics.
Yes, most books are either too complicated or WAY too simple, and either way, the reader doesn't get much from them. Books do have the advantage of taking them everywhere to read (not everyone owns a laptop or has internet connection everywhere) but I guess the "pluses" end there. Well, that and the fact you aren't tempted to copy-paste the examples provided. Never heard of anyone actually learning from that.
Not every author has the capability to explain clearly, too. This goes for web pages and books. Best books I've ever read were Thinking in Java/C++ and the C Programming Book (or what's it called?
).Web sites DO have the advantage of being free, but they're not nearly as comfortable to read, especially if you're trying to code while you read about it. Also, many web sites do NOT get people to do good programming, quite the contrary. Since web pages are mostly free and the author often knows quite a deal of the language, he might tend to write rather obscure code in the examples, for instance, not caring too much about how is a total newbie going to be able to read it.
So my own conclusion is that you should use both methods. Yes, buy books (the good ones) and google around, ask on forums (like this one
), and whatnot.But a point you forgot to mention, is that to learn, you have to CODE. A lot. One doesn't learn just by reading, neither by doing plain copy-paste. If you do just that, you won't ever be able to do more complex stuff, because you don't know the basics.
Mon Apr 17, 2006 Reply New Discussion
One of my professors always said, "The only way to learn to program is by doing it." As long as you take time to actually try your hand at programming, I think either of these two methods will work.. The amount of online resources that a person has available to them are incredible. I learned html and javascript from online resources. I'm not that great with javascript but I understand how it works. (basic javascript that is, some of that advanced stuff is way over my head)
I think a combination of both is what would actually be the most beneficial. Books are very nice, especially as references. The tutorials are pretty good usually, but as mentioned above, some of the books contain too little information or are very complex and hard to understand. If you have access to a library then you can usually find a good book to start with, and follow-up with a few online primers/examples. I find it fairly difficult to take time out to read the actual book, but the online examples are just so short and sweet and simple. They're also easier to locate what you need. Just google, and you'll usually end up with a piece of code and an explanation of what it does.
I think a combination of both is what would actually be the most beneficial. Books are very nice, especially as references. The tutorials are pretty good usually, but as mentioned above, some of the books contain too little information or are very complex and hard to understand. If you have access to a library then you can usually find a good book to start with, and follow-up with a few online primers/examples. I find it fairly difficult to take time out to read the actual book, but the online examples are just so short and sweet and simple. They're also easier to locate what you need. Just google, and you'll usually end up with a piece of code and an explanation of what it does.
Mon Apr 17, 2006 Reply New Discussion
Well, I agree that the key to learn to code is to code. But what to code is as well important. If you learn from a book, or online tutorials, you will probably be presented with a bunch of excercises. The problem is that these excercises are absolutely boring, and it can be quite discouraging for the beginners.
My advice is to try to develop your own project right away. I guess everybody has some range of interest, some hobby, where he or she could use a kind of an application, or online tool. Especially beginners will probably have a lot of ideas of what to create. No matter how big, or professional the application would be. Even if it would take you a whole year to complete it, it is always worth of starting. The reason is PASSION! If you try to develop your own project you will soon encounter a lot of problems. Eagerness to finish the project, and satisfaction of seeing how more of it works properly will drive you to look for solutions to any resources available (would it be a book, or online tutorial). Pleasure from practice will make you learn faster.
Notice that it isn't important if you really will ever finish your project, or when will it be. Do not even think about it, just do it. After a shor time you will suddenly notice how easy all of it was, and that you are becomeing a real Pro.
My advice is to try to develop your own project right away. I guess everybody has some range of interest, some hobby, where he or she could use a kind of an application, or online tool. Especially beginners will probably have a lot of ideas of what to create. No matter how big, or professional the application would be. Even if it would take you a whole year to complete it, it is always worth of starting. The reason is PASSION! If you try to develop your own project you will soon encounter a lot of problems. Eagerness to finish the project, and satisfaction of seeing how more of it works properly will drive you to look for solutions to any resources available (would it be a book, or online tutorial). Pleasure from practice will make you learn faster.
Notice that it isn't important if you really will ever finish your project, or when will it be. Do not even think about it, just do it. After a shor time you will suddenly notice how easy all of it was, and that you are becomeing a real Pro.
Mon Jan 22, 2007 Reply New Discussion
I have been reading books and codes... but I understand better with a book in leisure in the corner of my bed relaxing with a cup of coffee, cigarette. I dont think online reading is optimum.
Yes, Its so much helpful to get the thing done (my belief), however for grasping a new language, or learning something cool really takes, an undivided attention, which comes when you are at ease, with yourself and a book. Net study is good if I could perhaps practice a little bit more of self restraint. There are numerous times, that I get swayed from one topic to another, and never really understanding where I started.
Well.. Books will live..
Yes, Its so much helpful to get the thing done (my belief), however for grasping a new language, or learning something cool really takes, an undivided attention, which comes when you are at ease, with yourself and a book. Net study is good if I could perhaps practice a little bit more of self restraint. There are numerous times, that I get swayed from one topic to another, and never really understanding where I started.
Well.. Books will live..
Mon Jan 22, 2007 Reply New Discussion
If you want to learn anything related to computers, just reading the book wont help you, you need to try it and learn more off the book on your own. You've to explore the possibilities and try each and every option available to gain complete knowledge. Books act as only the source for the knowledge to begin the quest.
Sat Feb 17, 2007 Reply New Discussion
I believe that both books and online resouces are helpful. I've gone on Amazon to find a few books that I thought looked good. The good thing about Amazon is that there is alot of feedback about the book in question from people that have used the book. While I do think books are a great resouce, the problem is they can be easily outdated. Where as online resources are usually current. My way of learning is to get a book and get the fundementals, try them out, then get the more advanced stuff online. And I agree, you can't learn without doing. Trial and error. I also agree with Ashen that if you have a project set up, the more you want to learn. To make things look better, run smoother. So what I think is that both are great resouces, but you can't have one without the other.
Sun Apr 1, 2007 Reply New Discussion
I, too, find them both helpful. Online resources can get you started and it's a snap to find that function you wanted. However, I find that good books explain it much better and teach you how it works rather than just tell you that it does work, unlike many online tutorials.
Sun May 6, 2007 Reply New Discussion
In my opinion books are one of the best ways to learn programing. Costly (from $20-$100) depending on how long it is. I use visual stuff most of the time. Anouther good way not listed is:
Open Source: If you know the very basics looking down an open source code (not a big one like phpbb but rather a small one like javascript or small php files) is the best way to learn programing in my opinion. This doesn't work for C++ or C but its great for web based programing. Just make sure you under stand all the tags being used. If you don't know what something is simply type it into a search engine and you will get lots of results. I found that a good way to understand lines of code and how these things can be combined via variables. I would strongly recomend this if your looking to learn programing (along with the ways listed above).
Thats my opinion,
Sparkx
Open Source: If you know the very basics looking down an open source code (not a big one like phpbb but rather a small one like javascript or small php files) is the best way to learn programing in my opinion. This doesn't work for C++ or C but its great for web based programing. Just make sure you under stand all the tags being used. If you don't know what something is simply type it into a search engine and you will get lots of results. I found that a good way to understand lines of code and how these things can be combined via variables. I would strongly recomend this if your looking to learn programing (along with the ways listed above).
Thats my opinion,
Sparkx
Sun May 6, 2007 Reply New Discussion
I agree with Ashen that a good way to learn is to start a project. When I was learning HTML, I never really did anything, and I was trying to use Dreamweaver. Finally, I undertook my Aesyle fantasy world website, with Wordpad and Firefox. Turned out great, and I'm comfortable with HTML now.
Before I ever learned even a single tag of HTML, however, I was in London and I decided I needed a good book. What I found surpassed all expectations. I'm extremely happy with the 'In Easy Steps' books. In my opinion, they're the best. After I got the HTML one, I bought the C++ book. The website is here: http://www.ineasysteps.com/
If you can get past the whole re-instead-of-er thing, it's an extremely good series.
Before I ever learned even a single tag of HTML, however, I was in London and I decided I needed a good book. What I found surpassed all expectations. I'm extremely happy with the 'In Easy Steps' books. In my opinion, they're the best. After I got the HTML one, I bought the C++ book. The website is here: http://www.ineasysteps.com/
If you can get past the whole re-instead-of-er thing, it's an extremely good series.
Sun May 6, 2007 Reply New Discussion
Yes, books and online resources are a good way to start to learn programming. But slightly after that, i think what's most important is to learn how to layout the concept and flow of the application you're trying to do. The next most important one is to learn how to troubleshoot and pin point the source of error or bugs. Towards the end, programming language itself will become general tools, as in programming can be done in any language, it's just the matter of getting use to the syntax and library available.
Mon May 7, 2007 Reply New Discussion
Having started my life programming by finding books and online tutorials, I have to say that tutorials are frequently better written, although less comprehensive. I think this is because books are frequently written because they need to be, but tutorials are written by enthusiasts who want to share their knowledge. And I can't stress enough how much experience is worth. Figuring out something for yourself ingrains it into your mind better than looking it up ever could. I have to admit that I do a lot less experimental programming now than I did when I first started, and it's definitely a bad thing.
There is one resource that has been overlooked in this discussion though, which is finding a mentor to help you. Forums online are great because you can ask specific questions. However, I can now say from personal experience that taking classes with knowledgeable teachers can also be useful. For example, I just took a course on Data Structures which used C++, which I knew, but most of the class didn't. So a lot of the class was focused on the C++ language. Since the professor does a lot of work in C++, she has a lot of insights into the language that you won't get from a book. For example, she teaches the language according to the guiding philosophy of C++ and teaches confusing technicalities in a way such that we as a class discover the issues and usually, how to fix them. It is a highly effective method of learning the language itself, and the experience we get on the assignments is useful for learning the standard library, which is the primary library for the language. However, we all used the course texts and online resources as supplements.
Basically, I feel that any method you can use to improve your understanding of a language is a good resource, but the first resources to tap are the free, easy to obtain resources, which in most cases is online tutorials.
~Viz
There is one resource that has been overlooked in this discussion though, which is finding a mentor to help you. Forums online are great because you can ask specific questions. However, I can now say from personal experience that taking classes with knowledgeable teachers can also be useful. For example, I just took a course on Data Structures which used C++, which I knew, but most of the class didn't. So a lot of the class was focused on the C++ language. Since the professor does a lot of work in C++, she has a lot of insights into the language that you won't get from a book. For example, she teaches the language according to the guiding philosophy of C++ and teaches confusing technicalities in a way such that we as a class discover the issues and usually, how to fix them. It is a highly effective method of learning the language itself, and the experience we get on the assignments is useful for learning the standard library, which is the primary library for the language. However, we all used the course texts and online resources as supplements.
Basically, I feel that any method you can use to improve your understanding of a language is a good resource, but the first resources to tap are the free, easy to obtain resources, which in most cases is online tutorials.
~Viz
Mon May 7, 2007 Reply New Discussion
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