How
to Learn a Programming Language
If you have an interest in creating computer programs, mobile apps, websites, games or any other piece of software, you'll need to learn how to program. Programs are created through the use of a programming language. This language allows the program to function with the machine it is running on, be it a computer, a mobile phone, or any other piece of hardware
Part One of 6:
Choosing a Language
1. Determine your area of interest. You can
start learning with any programming language (though some are definitely
"easier" than others), so you'll want to start by asking yourself
what it is you want to accomplish by learning a programming language. This will
help you determine what type of programming you should pursue, and provide you
a good starting point.
[1] • If
you want to get into web development, you'll have a whole different set of
languages that you'll need to learn as opposed to developing computer programs.
Mobile app developing requires a different skillset than machine programming.
All of these decisions will influence your direction.
2.
Consider
starting with a "simpler" language. Regardless of your decision, you
may want to consider starting with one of the high-level, simpler languages.
These languages are especially useful for beginners, as they teach basic
concepts and thought processes that can apply to virtually any language.[1]
•
They are two most popular languages in this category are Python and Ruby. These
are both object-oriented web application languages that use a very readable
syntax.
•
"Object-oriented" means that the language is built around the
concepts of "objects", or
collections of data, and their manipulation. This is a concept that is used in
many advanced programming languages such as C++, Java, Objective-C, and PHP.
3 Read
through some basic tutorials for a variety of languages. If you're still not
sure which language you should start learning, read through some tutorials for
a few different languages. If one language makes a bit more sense than the
others, try it out for a bit to see if it clicks. There are countless tutorials
for every programming available online, including many on wikiHow:
•
Python - A great starter language that is also quite powerful when you get
familiar with it. Used for many web applications and a number of games.
•
Java - Used in countless types of programs, from games to web applications to
ATM software.
•
HTML - An essential starting place for any web developer. Having a handle on
HTML is vital before moving on to any other sort of web development.
•
C - One of the older languages, C is still a powerful tool, and is the basis
for the more modern C++, C#, and Objective-C.
Starting small
Part Two of 6:
Part Two of 6:
1.
Learn
the core concepts of the language. While the parts of this step that apply will
vary depending on the language you choose, all programming languages have fundamental
concepts that are essential to building useful programs. Learning and mastering
these concepts early will make it easier to solve problems and create powerful
and efficient code. Below are just some of the core concepts found in many
different languages:
•
Variables - A variable is a way to store and refer to changing pieces of data.
Variables can be manipulated, and often have defined types such as
"integers", "characters", and others, which determine the
type of data that can be stored. When coding, variables typically have names
that make them somewhat identifiable to a human reader. This makes it easier to
understand how the variable interacts with the rest of the code.
•
Conditional Statements - A conditional statement is an action that is performed
based on whether the statement is true or not. The most common form of a
conditional statement is the "If-Then" statement. If the statement is
true (e.g. x = 5) then one thing happens. If the statement is false (e.g. x !=
5), then something else happens.
•
Functions or Subroutines - The actual name for this concept may be called
something different depending on the language. It could also be
"Procedure", a "Method", or a "Callable Unit".
This is essentially a smaller program within a larger program. A function can
be "called" by the program multiple times, allowing the programmer to
efficiently create complex programs.
•
Data input - This is a broad concept that is used in nearly every language. it
involves handling a user's input as well as storing that data. How that data is
gathered depend on the type of program and the inputs available to the user
(keyboard, file, etc.). This is closely linked to Output, which is how the
result is returned to the user, be it displayed on the screen or delivered in a
file.
2.
Install
any necessary software. Many programming languages require compilers, which are
programs designed to translate the code into a language that the machine can
understand. Other languages, such as Python, use an interpreter which can
execute the programs instantly without compiling.
•
Some languages have IDEs (Integrated Development Environment) which usually
contain a code editor, a compiler and/or interpreter, and a debugger. This
allows the programmer to perform any necessary function in one place. IDEs may
also contain visual representations of object hierarchies and directories.
•
There are a variety of code editors available online. These programs offer
different ways of highlighting syntax and provide other developer-friendly
tools.
Part Three of 6:
Creating Your First Program
1. Focus on one concept at a time. One of the first programs
taught for any language is the "Hello World" program. This is a very
simple program that displays the text "Hello, World" (or some
variation), on the screen. This program teaches first-time programmers the
syntax to create a basic, functioning program, as well as how to handle
displaying output. By changing the text, you can learn how basic data is
handled by the program. Below are some wikiHow guides on creating a "Hello
World" program in various languages:
Hello World in Python
Hello World in Ruby
• Hello World in C
• Hello World in PHP
• Hello World in C#
• Hello World in Java
2. Learn through deconstruction of online examples. There are
thousands of code examples online for virtually every programming languages.
Use these examples to examine how various aspects of the language work and how
different parts interact. Take bits and pieces from various examples to create
your on programs.
3. Examine the syntax. The syntax is the way the language is
written so that the compiler or interpreter can understand it. Each language
has a unique syntax, though some elements may be shared across multiple
languages. Learning the syntax is essential for learning how to program in the
language, and is often what people think of when they think about computer
programming. In reality, it is simply the foundation upon which more advanced
concepts are built.
4. Experiment with changes. Make changes to your example
programs and then test the result. By experimenting, you can learn what works
and what doesn't much quicker than by reading a book or guide. Don't be afraid
to break your program; learning to fix errors is a major part of any
development process, and new things almost never work right the first time.[2]
4. Start practicing debugging. When you're programming,
you're invariably going to come across bugs. These are errors in the program,
and can manifest virtually anywhere. Bugs can be harmless quirks in the
program, or they can be major errors that keep the program from compiling or
running. Hunting down and fixing these errors is a major process in the
software development cycle, so get used to doing this early.
• As you experiment with changing
basic programs, you're going to come across things that don't work. Figuring
out how to take a different approach is one of the most valuable skills you can
have as a programmer.
6. Comment all of your code. Nearly all programming languages
have a "comment" function that allows you to include text that is not
processed by the interpreter or compiler. This allows you to leave short, but
clear, human-language explanations of what the code does. This will not only
help you remember what your code does in a large program, it is an essential
practice in a collaborative environment, as it allows others to understand what
your code is doing.
Part Four of 6:
Practicing Regularly
1. Code daily. Mastering a programming language takes time
above all else. Even a simpler language like Python, which may only take a day
or two to understand the basic syntax, takes lots of time to become truly
proficient at. Like any other skill, practice is the key to becoming more
proficient. Try to spend at least some time each day coding, even if it's only
for an hour between work and dinner 😋
2. Set goals for your programs. By setting
attainable but challenging goals, you
will be able to start solving problems and coming up with solutions. Try to
think of a basic application, such as a calculator, and develop a way to make
it. Use the syntax and concepts you've been learning and apply them to
practical uses.
3. Talk with others and read other programs. There are lots
of programming communities dedicated to specific languages or disciplines.
Finding and participating in a community can do wonders for your learning. You
will gain access to a variety of samples and tools that can aid you in your
learning process. Reading other programmers' code can inspire you and help you
grasp concepts that you haven't mastered yet.[3]
• Check out programming forums and
online communities for your language of choice. Make sure to participate and
not just constantly ask questions. These communities are usually viewed as a
place of collaboration and discussion and not simply Q&A. Feel free to ask
for help, but be prepared to show your work and be open to trying different
approaches.
• Once you have some experience under
your belt, consider attending a hack-a-thon or programming jam. these are
events where individuals or teams compete against the clock to develop a
functional program, usually based around a specific theme. These events can be
a lot of fun and are a great way to meet other programmers.
4. Challenge yourself to keep it fun. Try to do things that
you don't know how to do yet. Research ways to accomplish the task (or a
similar one), and then try to implement that in your own program. Try to avoid
being content with a program that "basically" works; do everything
you can to make sure every aspect works flawlessly.
Part Five of 6:
Expanding Your Knowledge
1. Take a few training courses. Many universities, community
colleges, and community centers offer programming classes and workshops that
you can attend without having to enroll in the school. These can be great for
new programmers, as you can get hands-on help from an experienced programmer,
as well as network with other local programmers.
2. Buy or borrow a book. There are thousands of instructional
books available for every conceivable programming language. While your
knowledge should not come strictly from a book, they make great references and
often contain a lot of good examples.
3. Study math and logic. Most programming involves basic
arithmetic, but you may want to study more advanced concepts. This is
especially important if you are developing complex simulations or other
algorithm-heavy programs. For most day-to-day programming, you don't need much
advanced math. Studying logic, especially computer logic, can help you
understand how best to approach complex problem solving for more advanced
programs.
4. Never stop programming. There is a popular theory that
becoming an expert takes at least 10,000 hours of practice. While this is up
for debate, the general principle remains true: mastery takes time and
dedication. Don't expect to know everything overnight, but if you stay focused
and continue to learn, you may very well end up an expert in your field.[4]
5. Learn another programming language. While you can
certainly get by with mastering one language, many programmers help their
chances of success in the field by learning multiple languages. Their second or
third languages are usually complementary to their first one, allowing them to
develop more complex and interesting programs. Once you have a good grasp on
your first program, it may be time to start learning a new one.
• You will likely find that learning
your second language goes much quicker than the first. Many core concepts of
programming carry over across languages, especially if the languages are
closely related.
Part Six of 6:
Applying Your Skills
1. Enroll in a four year program. While not strictly
necessary, a four year program at a college or university can expose you to a
variety of different languages, as well as help you network with professionals
and other students. This method certainly isn't for everyone, and plenty of
successful programmers never attended a four-year institution.
2. Create a portfolio. As you create programs and expand your
knowledge, make sure that all of your best work is saved in a portfolio. You
can show this portfolio to recruiters and interviewers as an example of the
work you do. Make sure to include any work done on your own time, and ensure
that you are allowed to include any work done with another company.
3. Do some freelance work. There is a very large freelance
market for programmers, especially mobile app developers. Take on a few small
freelance jobs to get a feel for how commercial programming works. Oftentimes
you can use the freelance jobs to help build your portfolio and point to
published work.
4. Develop your own freeware or commercial programs. You
don't have to work for a company to make money programming. If you have the
skills, you can develop software yourself and release it for purchase, either
through your own website or through another marketplace. be prepared to be able
to provide support for any software you release for commercial sale, as
customers will expect their purchase to work.
• Freeware is a popular way to
distribute small programs and utilities. The developer doesn't receive any
money, but it's a great way to build name recognition and make yourself visible
in the community.
Tips
• If you are interested in game
programming, investigate Python, C++, and Java. Of the three, C++ is probably
the best performer, Python by far the easiest to learn, and Java best able to
run on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux without change.
• Learn about Free software. Study
the source code of the programs available at the Free software directory. Why
re-invent the wheel when you can make it better? Just make sure you understand
what you're programming.
• For most people, programming
something that interests them or that they can use is more interesting than
textbook examples. Use a search engine to find out about projects that interest
you.
• When you learn something new, it is
often helpful to implement it yourself and then tweak the design, predicting
the results, to make sure you understand the concept.
• Make use of up-to-date application
programming interfaces and official reference materials available from the
software publisher.
• References are there to help you.
Don't be ashamed if you don't remember everything by heart; that comes with
time. The important thing is knowing where to find reference material.
• For practical, try to teach others.
It will not only make you more competent but let you think more deeply from
different perspectives.
0 comments:
Post a Comment