cribbageman2500

Like the title suggests, I haven't done any real programming before, but out of minor necessity I was driven to attempt to make a small program.

So far Ive determined what i want the program to do and some basic Ideas for how to accomplish it. But I have no idea how to actually create the program.

My basic plan was to create a highly adjustable d10 simulator. I was originally trying to do i thorough Java but my computer refuses to allow the javac command which leaves me dead in the water on java. My next thought was to run the program through Excel and thereby VB.

The actual program needed to generate X #of random integers between 1 and 10, and output them to a column, then reference that column and for all values Z and greater generate another integer until no new integers needed to be generated. Then it would reference the column one last time to tally all values Y and greater.
The values X, Y, and Z would be equal to the values in 3 cells in the spread sheet.

The more I fail at getting this to work the more I'm beginning to believe it isn't possible. if anyone can help me with the program or just general tips it would be much appreciated.

Thank you,

Cribbageman

Ancient Dragon

>>My basic plan was to create a highly adjustable d10 simulator
That was your first big mistake. Trying to bite off a chunk too big for you. You have to start small -- very very small -- just like they want to do on Deal Or No Deal. Find yourself a tutorial that just teaches the very basics and the gradually increases in complexity. Or better yet buy an introduction to <whatever programming languag you choose> book.

Its like building a house. If you don't know the difference between a hammer and a screwdriver you won't be able to build a house. You have to learn the basics first.

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Jabo

Sounds like you need to put the JDK directory in your path environment variable, which the JDK setup instructions tell you how to do if you took the time to read it.

Grich

This is probably going to sound dumb, but what is a "highly adjustable d10 simulator"?

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Ancient Dragon

Probably an airplain simulator or maybe a train simulator

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Grich

Cool, thanks Ancient Dragon. I've heard of simulators that do stuff like that but didn't know what it was actually called. You learn something new everyday.

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glimmy

Is it a train simulator? It sounds like he is trying to make a 10 sided die simulator, similar to the d20 system.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D20_System

cribbageman2500

It is a ten sided Die simulator, sorry about the confusion, its based on the system white wolf publishing uses in their RPGs.

Oh and as far as the JDK thing goes, i have added the jkd bin folder to my variables, as well as about 2 other potential fixes for the issue, and for some reason my computer just hates it, its a pretty quirky machine anyways (like how the command prompt wont close unless you ctrl+alt+del it, just to name one) so I'm not actually surprised.

And thank you ancient dragon, I know i SHOULD start easy...but my impatience has gotten the better of me.

Freaky Chris

you could always just use an IDE like netbeanz or eclipse...if you can't get the javac to work. If impatience has gotten the better of you then frustration will also when you realise yu need to go back and start small.

hope you do find away of completing your task anyway

Chris

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jamesdman

When you set the class path did you add a >;< at the end? On my PC it must have that even though I never seen instructions say that. If you don't have the patience in getting java to work you will never have the Patience to program. Programming is basically problem solving skills, and installing java can be also.
Also you need to learn the write out your solution before attempting to actually programming the problem. I'm not saying it is necessary, but most good programmer use pseudo-code and desk check their algorithms before attempting the programming task;unless its super ultra simple. The math maybe beyond your scope and putting it on paper is the easiest way to see so.