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Jens Ulrik

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Apr 14, 2009
8
0
Hello everyone,

I am a beginner in programming, in fact I've never tried it before.
My question is, what books I should invest in?

If the books contain some examples of programming that would be perfect :)
 

Sander

macrumors 6502a
Apr 24, 2008
521
67
I think it depends on your previous experience and your "type of learning". Some learn best by example and like something which works, while the understanding can come later; others need to understand everything they type in or they'll become stuck.

Disclaimer: I wrote an introductionary computer programming book myself.
 

Awesomeness

macrumors member
Feb 12, 2009
73
0
Yes

Books are very helpful. Books are hugely helpful. If you want to start programming, and you want to start easy, I'd suggest you try Python. However, later on you may want to switch over to Java. Java is a bit harder, but learning it first would definitely help in he long run. Remember, start with books and simple tutorials, don't go big too fast. That's my recommendation. Good luck! :D
 

LtRammstein

macrumors 6502a
Jun 20, 2006
570
0
Denver, CO
Ugh!

I recommend buy a REFERENCE book. Like most computer science professors will tell you, the book is obsolete when it's published.

Look for tutorials online would be the best for any beginner. Heck, I did that!
 

larswik

macrumors 68000
Sep 8, 2006
1,552
11
I started with Objective-C and it was to hard. I ended up learning Python and I got the book 'Python Programing Second Edition' I am half way through the book and it has not been that hard to follow. So far this has been a great book for someone starting out like me.

-Lars
 

chrono1081

macrumors G3
Jan 26, 2008
8,733
5,217
Isla Nublar
I have to agree programming books don't really go obsolete.


I started out learning x86 assembler...NOT recommended :)

As others have stated if your super new to programming its best not to get discouraged right away and certain languages, while useful, have a ton to cover (C++ I'm looking at you).

I would suggest starting with Python, learn it and learn it well, then switch to Java like a previous poster mentioned. Every computer language is fundamentally the same for the most part, its just the syntax that changes.
 

RedTomato

macrumors 601
Mar 4, 2005
4,161
444
.. London ..
Anything except ABC. (*)

I burned my copy after leaving college.


* A Book on C. If the title is a lame pun, that's usually a bad sign. Shame it was our set text.
 
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