Hello PF! Beginner here has a question...
 

Hello all,

I'm a complete beginner in programming and I just started taking a VB 2005 class in college. So far VB is sometimes confusing. The book we have is horrible. We are using VB 2005 How To Program by Deitel & Deitel. It moves fast in parts, yet it can be drawn out on really detailed info that uses complicated examples. The book has you programming using Console applications and not GUI but yet the teacher expects us to use GUI. The teacher is horrible also, the last time he programmed was with VB 6, and he is teaching VB 2005?? Everytime you ask him a question he refers to someone in the class or tells you that good programmers solve their own problems. So, I bought another book called VB 2005 Step-by-Step by MS Press and its a lot more my pace. Explains everything in detail but doesnt use hard examples and doesnt take a page or two to do it. Easier to read. This book teaches you to program GUI applications.

I know, you're asking what is my question....so....

I want to know, what programming language is great for beginners? I've read several articles were people say C or Java, then others say Python because of its simplicity and its a great stepping stone to C/C++. Articles also said that VB really isnt programming because a lot of work is done for you with handles, etc. That a beginner should start else where to get a great foundation.

So after I "survive" my VB class, where should I start to get a better grasp on programming?


Thanks in advance!

Python, I think.

Many (but not all) of the objections people raise against VB only apply to versions previous to VB.NET, so you should be fairly safe. There's very little difference between coding in VB.NET or C# when you get past the syntax differences.

I'd agree with DaWei here and say Python. You can introduce programming gradually with Python, whereas other languages like Java tend to spring everything at once onto the student. It also enforces block indentation, which is a good habit for beginners to get into in any language.

Though I'd say that having a good teacher, or at the very least a good book, is probably the most important thing necessary for learning programming - or just about anything, for that matter.

In a way your teacher is right. I am self taught, and I have learned more by reading about or looking up a problem I was having. I not only solve my problem but when I encounter a problem similar to it, I'm able to remember what I done last time and apply it to this problem. Whereas when I ask for help the next time I encounter the problem I have to ask again. But yeah the MS Press books are good. Thats about all I use any more.

Thanks for the info guys, good stuff. I'd agree Arevos but unfortunately I'm learing this on my own. :( Bigguy, everyone learns differently, I hope I can find some good material that really helps and I can just pick it up. Like Averos said, it can take a good book to help. It seems Python is the way to go from what I have read. Besides, I'm a linux user and Python would be great! lol

I don't understand why people are tought VB(.NET) or something else as a intro langauge, then take java/C++/C#... the next year. Why not just start learning the main language you will be using predominately in the academic world?

That being said see what is the main language tought by the school and start learning it at our own pase.

VB.NET was our first language at college. We later went onto JAVA. In our class, 30 or so started, a semester and half later there is no more than 15 or so. Programming is not easy, but the best way is probably learning on your own.
I was programming before college, I found the course wasn't too difficult.

well, I wanted to take C/C++ for a first language but they don't offer it anymore, just Java and VB 2005. I will survive this VB class and continue to learn VB by other means but I think I want to study another language like Python that can give me a better grasp on programming and computer science in general. I'm a linux user(hence my name "Gentoo" bob), and I want to build apps for linux. I enjoy working with linux. The idea that everything is open source is great and that other programs can be integrated into yours is sweet unlike Windows apps where they pretty much are standalone and you have completely build everything yourself. So open source really saves you time. good stuff.

Welcome to the forums :)

Thank you.