macOS where do i begin learning about programming?

[zennegen]

i have been interested in programing web-based games for a long time now, ive tried programs and the like, and i want to know if there is any solid literature where i can begin learning about the basics of programming and beyond.

i already have a C++ for dummies book (lol), but im pretty sure thats pretty advanced for somebody at my level. i have heard that programming involves math skills, well im in the 10th grade, so it shouldnt be a problem.

if anyone knows or any good books that explains basic programming skills for absolute beginners that doesnt include "for dummies" titles?

also, on a side note, what language do you recommend for beginners?

 

[Lone Deranger]

I'd recommend Programming in Objective-C 2.0 (2nd Edition) by Stephen Kochan.
The book assumes you have no programming experience.

There are several recent threads floating about this (and other) book(s) recommending it wholeheartedly.

 

[zennegen]

and what languages should i learn to start?

 

[OlyaGracheva]

Hi there!

When you say, "web based games", I guess what you mean is a game that is hosted on a server that others can play via their browser?

If that's the case, you may be better off getting a program called Flash by Adobe. Flash uses a language called ActionScript.

You could also program games in a language called Java and for that you'd need to download the latest SDK (Software Developer's Kit) from the Sun Microsystems web site.

Unfortunately, I'm unable to recommend you a book for Flash, ActionScript or Java. If I were you, I'd check out your local book store and pick out a book and see if you like it. Then order it from Amazon.

You can also, as mentioned create games using a programming language called Objective-C. As mentioned, the book, "Programming in Objective-C" by Stephen Kochan will be an excellent purchase. I haven't programmed a game using Objective-C yet, but from my understanding, the game that you would create using Objective-C will be a program that would reside in your computer (or handheld device like iPod Touch) rather than a web based application.

 

[firewood]

and what languages should i learn to start?

I suggest Javascript. There are well over 10X more beginning books on Javascript than on Obj-C, so you are far more likely to find one that fits your learning style and level at the local library or bookstore.

You can use any Javascript you learn to write web apps or Dashcode widgets.

On the other hand, a lot of programmers started out learning plain C or old-fashioned Basic.

.

 

[eviltobz]

if anyone knows or any good books that explains basic programming skills for absolute beginners that doesnt include "for dummies" titles?

don't be afraid of getting a "for dummies" book if you see one that looks like it might be good. before getting hold of the universally admired hillegass book on cocoa programming i worked my way through most of a cocoa for dummies book, and apart from being out of date it wasn't bad, it certainly didn't talk down to me like you might expect from the title. they know that they're writing that book for a very different audience to the sort of person who buys mac osx for dummies. and for the record, i have a degree in computer science and had been programming on windows for about 10 years when i picked up that book so i wouldn't have put up with something that really did treat me as a dummy.