programming for beginners? [Archive]

qball

08-18-2002, 12:49 AM

is there such a thing

NO, just born with it. Easy to tell, look for:

if (webbedfeet OR have(hands OR feet).countFingerToes() > 5 )
"DO" return 'programmer';
else
"DO" return "welcome young jedi, learn well";

see:

www.topcoder.com

IT, IS, not for beginners. lol.

try:

something simple, that you understand???

hate when code no 'compiley'!

Quandary

08-19-2002, 11:13 AM

Use a real programming language! :p

const char* IsProgrammer(PERSON* person){
char* szOutput;
if(Person->webbedfeet() || Person->fingers() > 5 || person->toes() > 5){
szOutput = "programmer";
}
else
{
szOutput = NULL; // if not a programmer, we want this func to equate with false
}
return szOutput;
}

But seriously...
Take a C++ class or something. If you like it, go get a compiler and a copy of MSDN and start in. Read books, ask people who have coded longer than you for advice, and just start learning.

If you don't have the knack, you will figure it out pretty fast :D

- Quandary

vass0922

08-19-2002, 08:23 PM

As mentioned previously, consider what you want to try developing for. For myself, coding for the web bores the hell out of me :D I prefer building applications, or working with a database. So if you were like myself (just for example) you might want to learn VB (Warning: Microsoft only!) or if you want to be able to be OS independant, something like C++ or Java might be a way to go :)

If you like scripting, maybe try Perl or Python...

www.programmerheaven.com :)

qball

08-19-2002, 10:19 PM

Use a real programming language!

what PDL, not real language?

btw, your code snippet, no 'compiley'! also.

get:

method or resource "webbedfeet()". noSuchMethodFound exception!

you have any idea what that means?

lol, lol, lol

adventuress

08-20-2002, 01:19 AM

GOOD FOR YOU IF YOU'LL INDULGE TO SELF-STUDYING...
I have taken programming subjects...perhaps,they're of great help...but its my interests that make me acquire more knowledge(acquire codes of course?!?)...I've been surfing the net and reading a lot of prog'g books just to know more...Try these:

www.programmersheaven.com
Just try them...they could be of great help to you!Good luck! bye

http://www.planetsourcecode.com

Quandary

08-20-2002, 11:13 AM

Q-ball - you forgot the header file (name it people.h):

class PERSON
{
public:
PERSON():m_fingers(5), m_toes(5), m_webbedfeet(false){}
PERSON(short fingers, short toes, bool webbedfeet):m_fingers(fingers), m_toes(toes), m_webbedfeet(webbedfeet){}
bool webbedfeet(){return m_webbedfeet;}
short fingers(){return m_fingers;}
short toes(){return m_toes;}
private:
short m_fingers;
short m_toes;
bool m_webbedfeet;
}

You'd need these includes at the top of the .cpp file:
#include "people.h"
#include <stdio.h>

And the main() function (right below the IsProgrammer function, same file):

void main(){
PERSON Quandary(10, 10, true);
if(IsProgrammer(&Quandary))
{
printf("A programmer!\n");
}
else
{
printf("Normal person.\n");
}
}

And NOW it should compile just fine ^^

- Q

qball

08-21-2002, 01:19 AM

joking about code, fun too!

Quandary,

can you do 'Garage Door Opener"? lol

or, not.

I haven't a clue whether "webbedfeet" would count in scrabble?

but, "polydactyl", does!

means:

num((finger .or. toes)/appendages) .gt. 5;

sorry, sorry, gotta feed me:

"mono-dactyl"s..

Aarmenaa

08-24-2002, 11:04 PM

I've got the same problem couch potato-I'm interested in programming, but I can't find anyone near me who knows anything. I'm in the heart of Georgia, where you're lucky to find someone who knows how to use a mouse! I've look at several of the teach-yourself-programming sites. While I can get a kinda grip on them, I really need someone to explain what's going on.

-Aarmenaa

PS-What platform do you want to progarm for? What kind of program are you trying to make? My most recent attempts have been at assembly for the Z80 processor. This would allow me to progam those little calculators-which I have. So far, I've had to reload the calculator BIOS and short out the battery terminals to bring the d*mn thing back to life-I'm not haveing an easy time of it!:D

qball

08-25-2002, 11:19 PM

regardless of wise-**** programming jokes, which I happen to enjoy.

Pick up a Dummies guide.

programming like knitting, easy, if know how to do.

learn how to do through perseverance.

ok,ok,ok, trying real hard.

couch potato

08-27-2002, 03:53 AM

games.

couch potato

08-27-2002, 04:43 AM

well.......yeah, games.

Quandary

08-27-2002, 10:55 AM

Add this to the PERSON class...

void SeverDigit()
{
if(m_fingers)
{
--m_fingers;
}
}

void SeverToe()
{
if(m_toes)
{
--m_toes
}
}

And then write a function for whatever...

void Blender(PERSON* ppMrBill)
{
while(ppMrBill->fingers())
{
ppMrBill->SeverDigit();
}
}

void SteamRoller(PERSON* ppMrBill)
{
for(short loop = 0; loop < 5; ++ loop)
{
ppMrBill->SeverToe();
}
}

Et cetera...

As for games programming - I'm sorry, but games aren't programmed by one person. What *part* of a game are you interested in writing (physics engine, environment interaction, user interface, AI, communications)

- Quandary

couch potato

08-27-2002, 02:04 PM

ok, thats not important to me right now. another question. lets just say i decided to try C and/or C++, how exactly do i program this, on my computer? ive got Windows Xp. correct me if im wrong, but how do i "get C or C++ on my comp." ya know. i cant just program on xp, can i?:confused: im confused

DocEvi1

08-27-2002, 03:51 PM

you program C and C++ on paper. You then place this sheet in a shreder and hope that your computer makes the program for you :rolleyes:

You program using a compiler / prog such a MS Visual C++. I don't actually know that much about C and C++ (other than C++ is for windows C for Dos I think )

Stefan

Quandary

08-27-2002, 04:02 PM

<short answer>
You need to get a compiler - the program that reads the C/C++ code and turns it into machine code (an executable.)

Other than that, all you need is a text editor (I reccommend text pad, from www.textpad.com) and some knowledge of the language.
</short answer>

NOOO!
<long answer>
C++ is just as portable as C - unless you use Micro$oft extensions. A whole bunch of c**p in Visual Studio/C++ is "special" and "specific" (IE incompatible and porting-unfriendly) and works well under a MS OS, but won't work at all on any other platform. Both C and C++ can run in DOS (or linux's command shells or whatever command shell that runs over an OS that supports the appropriate system calls) or in a GUI environment.

If you use a real compiler (read: *IX compiler) that actually conforms with and complies to the C++ standard, you should be able to build programs for any system with much less hassle. Added bonus: by using a compiler that complies to the C++ standard (no 'extensions'), you are garunteed to be able to compile code using any other C++ compiler.

If you want a free compiler, get Linux and use the compiler that comes with it. If you want one for your XP box, get Intel's compiler (It may be optomized for intel sillicon, but at least it's not M$'s compiler, right? :p ). If you *really* want the big shiny thing that MS shells out, then I guess you could get that too, but when you're buddy running linux complains that your source won't compile... don't say I didn't warn you.
</long answer>

- Quandary

couch potato

08-27-2002, 07:41 PM

thanks for the advice. it helped:t

skamania24

09-23-2002, 04:10 PM

Go to any bookstore and pick up one of the giant red books made by WROX

You can't miss them, they all have a huge picture of the author on the front. this series is really really good. It will give you a code snippet to try out, then it will explain to you line by line what it means.

Before hand, it will give you all the information for setting up compilers, and having the proper utilities to program effectively. Many of the developers that I work with rely heavily on these books, as do I.

Sark

09-23-2002, 06:04 PM

QBASIC!!!!!! But seriously, its great way to start programming, and you can still do some neat things with it.

Aarmenaa

09-23-2002, 09:28 PM

hehe, I've pretty much got BASIC down to an art (as much as such a simple language will allow). Actually, I'm not using qbasic-I use my TI-83 plus (TI BASIC). It's much more powerful (and useful) that qbasic.

I really just want to make some simple stuff-I could probably do everything I need to with BASIC, but I'm curious, so I've gotta make things hard. :r

-Aarmenaa

omega31

09-23-2002, 10:05 PM

Originally posted by Sark
QBASIC!!!!!! But seriously, its great way to start programming, and you can still do some neat things with it.

Yes, it is a good way to start. I learned qbasic, and learning C and C++ was easier after that since I knew the basics of programming after learning qbasic.

ironik311

09-24-2002, 08:12 PM

You'll need to buy Borland C++ (or Visual C or whatever)t o write C. Its not an easy language to start in.

Start with Visual Basic. Its cheaper, easier to learn and you can make some pretty decent programs with it. There are also heaps of websites that have tutorials to help you learn VB. I'm still starting out in VB... then advancing onto Perl (CGI) and Java.

Aarmenaa

09-25-2002, 06:40 PM

Ok, I'll start with VB. Is there any such thing as a free compiler for VB, is this gonna cost me some money? I have Office XP-it gives some stupid error about Visual Basic when I exit the program-does it do VB?

-Aarmenaa

omega31

09-26-2002, 10:15 PM

Free Envelop Visual Basic compiler:
http://www.freebyte.com/programming/compilers/envelop.html

The vb for office is actually VBA, visual basic for applications. It is essentially a macro program.

$1500-P4 gamer

10-04-2002, 07:35 PM

All kindsa goodies!
http://www.programmersheaven.com/zone22/links/link24.htm
:t

Aznmask

10-05-2002, 01:31 PM

Help on C++.!! i'm taking Programming 2 right now.. and i'm new to the stuff of C++ czu my programming 1 only teach me those QBasic. Right now we are learn C++ on chapter 2 "control Structure"

any help is appreciate!!! !

Cpl_Squirrel

10-20-2002, 03:59 PM

Out of curiosity, what language were the following two code snippets written in?

I just finished two VB courses (all the programming I know so far) and the first set of code looked semi-familiar. The second one, well hmmm. Hehe.

if (webbedfeet OR have(hands OR feet).countFingerToes() > 5 )
"DO" return 'programmer';
else
"DO" return "welcome young jedi, learn well";

===========================

const char* IsProgrammer(PERSON* person){
char* szOutput;
if(Person->webbedfeet() || Person->fingers() > 5 || person->toes() > 5){
szOutput = "programmer";
}
else
{
szOutput = NULL; // if not a programmer, we want this func to equate with false
}
return szOutput;
}

Cpl_Squirrel

10-20-2002, 04:13 PM

Private Sub cmdTest_Click()

If optWebbed.Value = True or Val(txtDigits.Text) > 5 Then
lblProgrammer.Caption = "Programmer"
Else ' :( <---frowny not needed to make .exe
lblProgrammer.Caption = "Welcome, young Jedi."
End If

End Sub

--------------------
I humbly contribute what little I can. :)

gfunkmartin

10-30-2002, 09:25 AM

wow - a lot of dorky programming jokes - my friend warned me of these.... :)

check out the CSF section of this page:

http://amythegreat.pitas.com

it's fairly informative :)

As far as programming itself goes...

Anyone can learn if they want to learn (IMHO) but it comes more easily to some than others - just like any other skill

You've got the right idea by asking questions and looking into resources

Look at your local Comm Coll or University and see what they have to offer - could be useful and you have someone ready who gets paid to explain things to you that you don't understand

$1500-P4 gamer

11-01-2002, 08:40 PM

You dont have to use a compiler in c++ at all. Its the slowest way to do it programing wise but it executes the fastest as it is then saved in machine language. This will get ya started. There are two ways to do c++. A) Use a compiler and LINKER (that wasnt emntioned by the way). After you compile the code and get it too compile, I should say with no errors or warnings (dont ignore these this is why games/progs run so friggin buggy!) then you run the linker. At this point its now in machine lang. and everytime the code is executed no translation is needed. Slower to do, more costly on the programing side too but more efficient and tighter code. This is why it is #1 choice. B) the method most game/app programers use is alot lazier and harder on your hardware. What you didnt notice games with spec. recomended at 400mhz skipping on a sys. with 1gig. I sure have. This is why. They use a INTERPERTER. The interperter method translates the code into machine lang. as its run on the fly. This is alot cheaper to do cause the price of a programers time vs. the cost of hardware is far outweighed. So you end up upgrading hardware as a result of the big co. save $. So if you want to learn the fastest easiest way its using interperter. If you want it to run the fastest and be more efficent, tighter code use compiler AND linker. I'm no expert but I hope that helped ya. I'm studing C++ right now. I bought the C++ in 21days book that looks like a huge phone book! "SAMS teach yourself c++ in 21 days" is the name and I got it from staples. It came with 2 cd's that have M$ visual c++ 6.0 compiler linker and interperter. Not bad deal for $30.00! :D

gfunkmartin

11-02-2002, 02:14 AM

I didn't realize it was possible to run C++ code through an interpreter - I had only heard of Perl doing that.

I believe you though - thanks for the interesting info.

$1500-P4 gamer

11-02-2002, 07:10 AM

Just going by my book and what I read so far. I myself have only done the compile and link method so far. You know working outta the book so far. Learning some neat stuff though. It can be pretty fun! My first code experience was when I was a kid on a even then old system. We had this book with games you could program yourself from radio shack on a tandy pc. It was in machine language.:p That turned me away from even looking at programing till recently. Did two games and was about blind from looking at rows and rows of 100101 0101 11101 10101 1 1 Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! Just to get a little blocky car that raced side by side like dragster! Hehe. I didnt understand it though, just copied it from book line fro line. this you can actually grip. This is much better! I'm still a total novice though.:D

gfunkmartin

11-02-2002, 08:58 AM

Cool deal!

I'm just now starting to get tired of looking at C++ code (I'm a comp sci major, and we do the majority of our work in C++)

It gets really cool once you get past the basic procedural stuff and start hitting 2 big topics:

1) Dynamic Memory Allocation (similar to malloc/dealloc/realloc)
2) Classes (and all the fun baggage like method overloading, inheritance, etc)

Where are you at right now? What have you covered?

*edit*
Actually, this should probably be talked about in another thread - if you do feel like discussing any of that, start another thread I guess and let me know where it is...
*edit*

ukulele

11-02-2002, 10:29 AM

If you are a beginner I would recommend you start with basic. It comes in many flavors and it is easy to switch from one to the other. Once you have mastered the concepts of syntax, loops, subroutines and data arrays, the knowledge can be applied to more complex programming languages. Starting out with a program like VB or C++ can quickly burn you out before you first real program is ever compiled and debugged. I still use a free download I got years ago called Liberty Basic. Qbasic is on every win95 disk and is also very good for learning modular basic.

$1500-P4 gamer

11-02-2002, 04:46 PM

"Where are you at right now? What have you covered?"

Well learning the dif. between object oriented programing vs. procedural and structured. Only theory stuff, cause in c++ using object oriented only method. Starting to touch now on Inheritence, reuse, and The big polymorphism. You know the same code inherited BUT this time changes in it to make it better. Or as the book says a certain model car, redone with turbo and dual exhaust as a example. Really cool stuff. I will have to start another thread then, could be interesting conversation. Nothing like running into someone who already knows what you are learning. I get confused, I know who to ask, hehe.
;) :t