macOS Question about training

[ATD]

I have a question about code training, there are a number of programs I'm looking to get a deeper understanding of and I would like to learn the code aspects of them. They are MEL (Maya Embedded Language) and Expressions for Maya, building Phenomenon in MentalRay, Expressions for After Effects and Action Scripts for Flash. I have video training for each of these and have been through a good part of it. While I understand the logic in many of the examples I'm still not a the level of problem solving and thinking how I would apply it.

My questions are is there anyone here that knows something about these languages and is there an underlying language to these? Is it C++? Is there some video training out there someone might suggest that would help me tie these together? Keep in mind I have no interest in programing beyond the subjects I mentioned, just an artist/designer trying to get a handle on this.

Thanks

 

[ChrisA]

Keep in mind I have no interest in programing beyond the subjects I mentioned, just an artist/designer trying to get a handle on this.

If you were learning to be a writer you would need to know about plot and character development but you would also need to know that senates start with a capital letter and end with a period. Learning a programming language without learning programming in general is like learning about Capital letters, spelling and punctuation but having now idea about plots, characters, suspend and tension in a story. You would not be able to write anything usful.

Same here. You really do have to back and learn the basics of programming. Basic concepts like how to decompose a problem into three to five smaller problems and re-apply that and what objects are what are clases and methods and how to built loops and branches. You need to know how program design

Once you know this stuff writing in some specific programming language is simple. Get the concepts down first. Pick any mainstream programming language and learn the basics there.

 

[ATD]

Once you know this stuff writing in some specific programming language is simple. Get the concepts down first. Pick any mainstream programming language and learn the basics there.

Would C++ be the best place to start? I wasn't trying to suggest that I don't want to learn a language, only that I'm looking for a good single starting point that will give a basic understanding.