I want to learn programming

Hi all,

I am giving a serious thought towards learning programming. I am completely new to this world. I have never done programming but I am very comfortable with using computer. I have some basic knowledge about programming( basic terminologies like platform, editor, some basics of BASIC language etc.)
I am in to Human resources right now, but I want to get in to software.
What would be the best way to do that. I am very smart and can grasp anything very quickly. So learning is not an issue for me. All I need is a point to start learning and the right direction.
What programming language should I learn?
And what could be the sources?

I would really appreciate if you could help me on this.

Thank you,

Manali.

I moved your thread since Forum Feedback is meant for questions/problems with the forum itself.

Welcome to the forums. :wave:

What are you interested in?

Desktop programming?
Web programming?
Both?

Let me ask the same question Hack asked, but slightly different:

Why do you want to learn to program?
To simply do it? To get a job? To create something specific for yourself? Or, some other reason?

Guidance that we give for learning to program is dependent upon what you want to do. We could say "go get an entry-level book on Visual Basic or C#", but depending on what you want to do, those might be the wrong topics. We need more information to guide you properly.

If you aren't sure of your answers, then I suggest getting an entry level book on Visual Basic.NET or C#. You can also download the Express Editions of either of these from Microsoft for free
( http://www.microsoft.com/express/default.aspx )

Of course, if you have questions while learning, then posting here at VBForums is a good idea ;)

BraD!

Brad!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by brad jones

I suggest getting an entry level book on Visual Basic.NET or C#.

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And for VB.NET entry level books, permit me to suggest this one. :D

Thank you for all the suggestions. I have a strong desire to learn programming' Little bit about my background. I have been working in the HR, but I think my brain needs something more challenging than what HR/ administrative field offers.
I am considering learning programming as a career change. I have been observing the software industry for a long time. My husband is a software engg. so I am familiar with the software, and I think I should start with web programming. So I was wondering if I should start with learning C# or VB.net.

I hope this will give you more idea about what I am looking for.
I bought programming for dummies today, and started reading it. Do you think it's a good start just to get a hang of really basic stuff?

Learning VB.NET is probably the easier language to learn. You can use either VB.NET or C# in ASP.NET (web development) but VB.NET is more verbose which makes it easier to understand.

Before selecting a language (I agree with VB.NET), you should get comfortable with programming.

If you understand programming, picking up a language to program in becomes much easier.

Web Development is a good place to start since it can be a bit more easier to start out with.
Download the Web Developer Express from MS (should be linked from brads posted link) so you can check it out and see if that is where you want to concentrate your efforts on.

Once you are comfortable with simple programming, may be you should consider SAP HR module. That way you can do programming and your experience in HR can be put to use.

Since it has not been mentioned, there is also PHP as a web development language. You can find more information about it on its web site.

:wave: Welcome to the forums

If you are learning for a career in programming, then I recommend C#. While there might be more jobs to be found with something like Java, C# is easier and the number of available jobs are greater. Yes, this is a VB forum, so most people will recommend VB form here; however, in truth, more companies will hire you quicker if you have C# experience today.

Brad!

Java and C# go well together since they are in a lot of ways similar. :D

Could you provide any links to some basic tutorials for C#.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CoachBarker

Could you provide any links to some basic tutorials for C#.

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check This

and ofcourse MSDN is always there ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CoachBarker

Could you provide any links to some basic tutorials for C#.

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There are lots of tutorials and articles on C# on this site. If there is something you don't see on this site, let us know. Chances are, one of us can write up what you need or provide answers here in the forum.

To be honest, we aren't going to create a very good list of other sites with tutorials as those would likely be competitors to Codeguru. But then, our hope is to take care of you here!

Brad!

MSDN was always the main resource for me when I learned VB.Net and C# on my own. Of course knowing other languages beforehand helps in grasping new programming languages.

C# would be easier since there is less keywords to remember I believe but if you have patience VB will prove to be easier to understand because of its verbosity.