Hey everyone, i just stumbled upon this earlier last night and thought it would be a good place for some help.

So, i was wondering where exactly i should start with computer programming. I know the basics of css and html(i had made a basic website for a school project last year)

But now i've been wondering what else i could learn as i am interested in it, and taking a programming class next year.
I'm mainly interested in website programming and gaming, for example the game Counter strike source.
I also have some knowledge of Lua
Any suggestions would be great, thanks.

How did you start when you began designing websites? Simple things right? How to change the font, the color, size. And then on to more complicated things?

There's no difference when it comes to programming. Start with simple things, like "Hello World", basic arithmetic, user input etc., and then move on to more complicated things such as data structures and GUI's.

In my opinion it doesn't really matter what language you start off with; the concepts are the more important. If you are taking a course in programming, they will probably use Java or C, so you can start there.

And what do you mean by you are interested in gaming? Like playing games or designing them?

Understand wrote:

How did you start when you began designing websites? Simple things right? How to change the font, the color, size. And then on to more complicated things?

There's no difference when it comes to programming. Start with simple things, like "Hello World", basic arithmetic, user input etc., and then move on to more complicated things such as data structures and GUI's.

In my opinion it doesn't really matter what language you start off with; the concepts are the more important. If you are taking a course in programming, they will probably use Java or C, so you can start there.

And what do you mean by you are interested in gaming? Like playing games or designing them?

I forgot to mention that i also know some Lua, & i had learn the basic layouts, adding links and basically the very start of a website.
Which do you think would be easier to start with, C or Java?

What i meant by gaming, as in coding for that. Lua, is one of the types they use for gaming. So like making scripts or what not.

Like I said, I don't think it matters too much. Java and C do have different programming paradigms though: C is a procedural language, while Java is object-oriented. Both are two different (and useful) styles of programming, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. Regardless, knowing both styles is an advantage, so take your pick. I started with a procedural language, and then moved onto to an object-oriented language. I didn't find the transition to difficult, however, some friends have told me the reverse isn't true.

C and Java aren't your only options though, There is Basic, C++, PHP, Perl; all great languages in their own respect.


Game programming is not the easiest. Of course you don't have to start by actually programming a game from scratch. My first experiance was creating mods for Oblivion using the Elder Scrolls Construction Set. You can use the Unreal Development Kit too, to make your own games. The UDK has it's own scripting language (UnrealScript), which you can author the entire game in. It's similar to Java/C Sharp.

Well, im mainly looking for something, where i can learn and make something, then have someway to test it. Thats why i said gaming for exmaple, so i have a way to test it and fix it. Unless you know any interactive websites or games etc where i can take the coding of which ever i choose, and test it out?

Ownage wrote:

Well, im mainly looking for something, where i can learn and make something, then have someway to test it. Thats why i said gaming for exmaple, so i have a way to test it and fix it. Unless you know any interactive websites or games etc where i can take the coding of which ever i choose, and test it out?

Again, it doesn't matter what language you use. Of course, given the Java API, creating larger projects will be easier. However, if you have little experiance with programming, I wouldn't dive into using the API just yet (or creating a video game). It's more important that you get your bearings, and learning how to do things by yourself first.

Testing is also easier with Java, using the JUnit framework and unit tests.

I haven't touched any coding for over a year now, so i just want to ask. What did you first make when you were learning and what do you suggest i could try and do after learning Java or C?

I started off with PHP, so I designed simple Content Mangement Systems, the backend to web sites, contact forms, things like that. When I delved into C I just started off with writing smaller components which I might use in a larger program, such as a linked list, a file input/output system, a lexical analyzer etc.

In my opinion, there never is an end to learning a language. What I would focus on is applying the knowledge. Can you write a persistent address book with a GUI? What about an Oregon Trail clone? You are only really limited by your imagination.

u may want to look into C++... I drink the MS juice so I am biased but it is a nice language and good to know... you can compile from cmd if running windows OS... or there is free dl or something- been a while since i did C++ but when i was learning it i did not have to buy anything.... anyways as Bwizz said it is procedural.... but the transition into C# (which is object oriented) is very nice... and you can adapt it well so that's my 2 cents

C++ is a multi-paradigm language, it supports both procedural and the object-orientated programming style. Furthermore (like Java) it supports templates (generic programming).

Alright, thanks. & 1 more question, what did you do to stay interested. Like for me, if i make something and after i test it, i might start to get bored after if theres no real use for what i made, or prize in a way.

I know exactly what you mean, after a while I got bored too. In my opinion, staying interested means getting involved. You can always contribute to the open-source community, or participate in a game mod initiative.

However, my best work is done when I'm working with a group of friends. So if you have friends that are interested in programming, you could always work together. That programming class you are going to take, I'm sure there are people there who have the same interests as you - that's how I got involved with my programming group.

You could even use scriptkiddie as an example, post here! Make friends.The forums needs help getting off its feet. Maybe when the admin/staff add groups you could make your own group for buddies that code together.

Thats why i mentioned gaming, because you can make it and use it, and you're motivated to make it better so you game better

Unfortunetly, i'm the only decent computer smart kind of person out of my friends, but you're right about the class i am taking next year, im sure i'll find some people in that class that can help

Thanks for all the help

That is certainly true, if you aren't interested in what you are building it is hard to stick with it.

If you want to work with video games you might want to look into creating a mod for an existing game. Also don't underestimate the value of creating a "simple" game like blackjack, minesweeper, missile command or tetris. Sure lots of variations have been made but you'll learn a lot about programming in the process and relatively speaking they aren't hard to make. Especially simple card games which can be done as console applications instead of having GUIs. It might look a little unsophisticated for a game by today's standards but it still is a game.

DeathMatch wrote:

That is certainly true, if you aren't interested in what you are building it is hard to stick with it.

If you want to work with video games you might want to look into creating a mod for an existing game. Also don't underestimate the value of creating a "simple" game like blackjack, minesweeper, missile command or tetris. Sure lots of variations have been made but you'll learn a lot about programming in the process and relatively speaking they aren't hard to make. Especially simple card games which can be done as console applications instead of having GUIs. It might look a little unsophisticated for a game by today's standards but it still is a game.

I think i should start with video games for now (until next years class) just so i can try and keep interested and learn a little extra.
Do you know what coding language do they use for mods, like call of duty mods and what not?

Also, do you know a site where theres tuts or steps to help teach me how to make mods and what not, or if there are any tutorials on here?

Ownage wrote:

do you know a site where theres tuts or steps to help teach me how to make mods and what not, or if there are any tutorials on here?

I noticed your looking for tutorials. I will be adding a learning section to this forum in the future! You'll be able to add tutorials/browse through tutorials.