Insomniac

I have no experience with languages whatsoever. Ive read alot saying Python and Perl should be the first two out of the gate, then onto C or Java - which is what Id like to achieve.

So, Ive already started on Python which is cool.

My question is, aside from the creative aspect, is being a Programmer actuallly about memorizing EVERY single command within a given language? Or, more to do with debugging? Or, something else?

Im guessing that someone who picks up a language and applies it, usually has that languages book or tutorial nearby for reference... no?

Also, I believe I have reasonable intelligence, how long does it take to fully learn the given language if applied daily with good effort? Does it take a once through the commands, memorization, or will I have to create something to actually know the language?

All responses welcomed, thank you.

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Pizentios

I don't think learning every single command is how it works....or atleast for me. When i learn a new language, i like to get a good grasp on the basics of the language, then move into more advanced commands if i am going to use them. Otherwise, i write most of my code with a trusty reference in hand. After a while of using the more advanced fetures of a language for a while you won't have to use the reference as much, but it's still good to have one on hand just incase i can't remember somthing. Being a Programmer to me is having the ability to think in terms of logic., being able to learn as you go and having a drive to learn on the fly. As far as how long does it take to fully learn a language...well that depends on a few things like:

-What language
-How much reading and practising your willing to do.
-How long you've been programing/how good your basic understanding of how progaming langauges work
-How many other language you know.

my guess is that you can never fully learn everything about one language because langauges are always changing, new programming technics are always developed and people always come up with new ways of doing somthing. IMHO learning everything about one language is not an asset unless you can do it very quickly. The best thing you can do for yourself is to get a hold of a few really good references and keep em on hand when you're coding.

Just my two bits. And yes i know i can't spell.

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Infinite Recursion

Programming is a large part of memorizing the syntax... but more so, logical / analytical abilities to solve problems. 20% of your time will probable be spend writing code while 80% would be for debugging.

Just because you look over the commands and write a few trivial programs, does not mean that you know the language. Don't expect to be 100% proficient right off the bat. It will take time and various levels of failure and learning through trial and error... we are talking months and years, not days to be truely proficient and know a language. Even then, since the language grows and accomodates demands from an ever moving industry... you will always have to stay on top of the changes.

You are correct. Right here at work on my desk... I have nine books and at home, I have over 200. For the most part, google is a programmer's best friend (next to an auto-correcting / intelligent compiler).

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Pizentios

For sure, i use google everyday.

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sarumont

I'd have to concur with the previous posts...being a programmer is about knowing the basics of the language in which you're coding, knowing how to use references (google, books, etc.) to find what you need and, above all, being able to think logically. Most of programming is logic...you see this when you learn multiple languages. The syntax for a function may be different from language to language, but the logic behind the function stays the same. B)

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Insomniac

Thanks for the replies folks, great stuff.

Im heading back to night school in the fall. After about 4 semesters which would be Jan-Spring sometime next year I will be taking the course Intro to Java and after reading around.. Java may be a good 2nd or 3rd language, Im probably off base here.

Anyhow, Id like to learn a bit about Python before then and see how far I get within this time span.

Perl is also another mandatory course for the major im striving for and thats next year.

All these courses will be basic syntax stuff I guess. Nevertheless Id like to get one on my own to have a sort of step up so to speak.

As you can tell Im new here and will be frequenting this forum now and throughout the near future for advice and insight.

Thanks again.

Cheers

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From an IBM Thinkpad T43 - 14.1" SXGA+ - ATI 64 MB X300 - Sonoma 760 - 2 GB RAM - 80 GB HD 5400 - IBM ABG II - FC3, Ubuntu & XPee
DevC++, and Macromedia's - Dreamweaver & Flash Pro and a little Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop
Sleep? Sleep is for the weak.:cool:

Infinite Recursion

I missed Pizentios' initial reply... I think we were responding at the same time. I complete agree with what these guys suggest as well.

I was programming fairly well in C++ prior to Java... and knowing one of them will most definitely assist you in learning the other.

Perl and Python are also great languages... I wouldn't mind a bit of a refresher in Python myself, so I can start making ebuilds for my Gentoo box.

Regardless, learning new languages is of great value even if you don't use them in school or the industry.... because you will have flexibility in the "tools" that you have at your disposal in order to solve problems, etc.

Welcome to the forums, I look forward to our discussions.

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http://jasonpowers.net

"There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root."

big_k105

well these guys have completely covered what i would have said so i will just say welcome to the forum

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Berto

*HUGS GOOGLE*

saved me so much money in having to go buy the reference books, google is at hand .

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Pizentios

it truly is amzing how much you can learn from google.

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