9 replies to this topic

[Ozonewolf]

Ok so I finally decided to actually get off my lazy *** and get back into learning programs, which as usual I started and didn't finish because I gave up.

I've read through alot of C++ stuff, and its already complicated. I've heard of this other one called Python, apparently it's simpler??? I went to the site and I have no idea where to start!!!

So

1. C++ or Python? I got some things in C++ but I got lost at page three of the tutorial. Pythons site is all over the place.
2. Stupid question, but do you need to be good at maths?

Thanks, I'm new to this site and I have to start somewhere, right?

[Kway]

Ok so I finally decided to actually get off my lazy *** and get back into learning programs, which as usual I started and didn't finish because I gave up.

I've read through alot of C++ stuff, and its already complicated. I've heard of this other one called Python, apparently it's simpler??? I went to the site and I have no idea where to start!!!

So

1. C++ or Python? I got some things in C++ but I got lost at page three of the tutorial. Pythons site is all over the place.
2. Stupid question, but do you need to be good at maths?

Thanks, I'm new to this site and I have to start somewhere, right?

• C++ if you are planning on making something out of it in life
• Yes

[Hydrogen]

Python is much simpler than C++ because it hides a lot of stuff away from you. It's a great programming language to start with to get used to the logic behind programming. If you want to start, I suggest this site: http://en.wikibooks....on_Programming. It will take you from the start to finish and explain things very simply. It's written for those who have no experience with programming so I think it will be perfect for you . Pretty soon, you'll start to pick things up and make more and more complex programs. Don't expect to be able to write crazy stuff right away. This stuff takes time and practice. It's just like any other skill . Expect to dedicate yourself to it if you want to be really good. If you enjoy it, you can learn C++ since you'll have already done a lot of the other stuff in Python .

As for your second question, mathematics is the basis of computer science, so you should be somewhat decent at it. But even if you think you're not, you'd be surprised at how many problems you can solve if you just break them down into simpler steps and solve those steps individually. Don't worry so much about not being good at math and just try to take programming as it is. You'll be fine .

Computer Science is an incredibly exciting field, albeit very challenging as well. Keep us posted as to how it's going and let us know if you have any questions along the way .

[Ozonewolf]

Ohhhh fark. Seriously, I failed maths in my last 2 years at school, the only way I passed was english and science and art. Heres hoping my calculator is enough!!

Ok have decided going Python, but I'm stuck on the download page, so many versions and platforms so little time. I'm using your typical vista, which version/platform do I download?



*facepalm* answered my own question. Scratch that

[Hydrogen]

Ohhhh fark. Seriously, I failed maths in my last 2 years at school, the only way I passed was english and science and art. Heres hoping my calculator is enough!!

Ok have decided going Python, but I'm stuck on the download page, so many versions and platforms so little time. I'm using your typical vista, which version/platform do I download?



*facepalm* answered my own question. Scratch that

No problem . There will be lots of those on the way. Nothing wrong with it. It's how everyone learns.

Good luck!

[Kway]

Ohhhh fark. Seriously, I failed maths in my last 2 years at school, the only way I passed was english and science and art. Heres hoping my calculator is enough!!

I think you are looking at it the wrong way (looking at it too literally). Math can be considered a basis but both stem from logic which gets developed through math. Read the quote below:

But even if you think you're not, you'd be surprised at how many problems you can solve if you just break them down into simpler steps and solve those steps individually

Math is about getting from one position to another by logical manipulation. Computer Science is the same way except on a completely different field but it still uses the same logical manipulation. Your task in Math can get very advanced but like Hydro said, it can almost always be broken down into smaller steps and as you get better, these small steps combine and become shortcuts to complete your task more easily and faster. As long as you know what you are trying to do and able to find a way to accomplish it one step at a time (doesn't matter how small or big the steps are), you should be able to get the hang of programming.

[Ozonewolf]

I've downloaded it...the command line is where I type the tutorial things, right? e.g. print "Bzzzz"

*FACEPALM*!!!!!!! AGAIN answered my own question. I couldn't find IDLE

Ok already having problems. http://en.wikibooks.....6/Hello,_World

Soo I try typing my birthdate and my name but it keeps going syntax error. How i do start a new line?

[Melchoire]

Go with python, it's a good place to start learning. You don't have to be good at math but it helps if you are.

[SpartanDuelr]

Ok so I finally decided to actually get off my lazy *** and get back into learning programs, which as usual I started and didn't finish because I gave up.

I've read through alot of C++ stuff, and its already complicated. I've heard of this other one called Python, apparently it's simpler??? I went to the site and I have no idea where to start!!!

So

1. C++ or Python? I got some things in C++ but I got lost at page three of the tutorial. Pythons site is all over the place.
2. Stupid question, but do you need to be good at maths?

Thanks, I'm new to this site and I have to start somewhere, right?

Python is fine, but make sure you try to make smaller programs/project by yourself so you can get practice and you know your code works
instead of just going straight into a big project and ending up not finishing it. That goes for any programming language.

[Pyro699]

• C++ if you are planning on making something out of it in life
• Yes

I'm not sure if i agree with that, C++ is an extremely powerful language but it requires A LOT more work. Python grants the user the ability to create quick simple scripts that can achieve the same task. Someone who is new to programming isnt always comfortable with the whole compiling process, a good example is the difference between compiling something on a linux machine vs a windows one.

As for your question about math, No, its not a necessity... Sure you need to know how to add 2 numbers properly... but its more or less the methods in which the math is preformed. You dont need to know binary, or anything like that. Of course it helps if you do know it, but you learn as you go on Just start with something simple (like listing all the files in a directory) to listing those files with their properties, and then move on to backing them up. I just taught myself how to merge python and ftp protocols by encrypting files, uploading them, downloading them and decrypting them A simple script that helps back your other scripts up i guess But in doing so i taught myself: md5sums, ftp binary transfers, folder trans-versing, and a few other things that ive forgotten since then xD

~Cody