Collage Class Question.

[kingarabian]

Well I'm going to finish high school pretty damn soon so I got a question!

I want to learn another language that's a bit more advanced. I know there are tutorials around the interwebs but I always have it easier with a teacher guiding me thru...

So is it worth it to take a class on Java, C, or C++? Or is it just better to learn them online or thru a book. How long do these classes usually take. I just wanna take it for personal uses pretty much.

Thanks!

[i luffs yeww]

How I feel is that programming classes are usually a waste of a period. Then again, I'm only in highschool.

The reason I don't like them most of the time is a lot of people aren't as advanced as some and the range of skills/help needed varies a lot. With a personal teacher/tut/book/google/friends/whatever, you can go at the speed you think is best. I'd suggest getting a written book, maybe a .pdf/html tut online, and find a community that can help (one thing I like about this one is the range of languages people know).

I'd say no to programming classes.

[HarryJames]

I'm not saying take a class, but I'd definitely recommend Java. That's not coming from any RS point of view, but I did C++ for around two years (Granted, it was when I was 14-16) but I never got a lot done with it. I've done Java for around 6 months, and I've been able to get a lot done with that.

I've never done C, but some people would suggest C over everything. I've looked at some source code, it looks to me like C++ but not so advanced. I also hear if you know C++, C will be easier. On the other hand, If you learn C and then try to learn C++, you will fail.

Just my twenty pence. (I didn't want to use two cents) :3

[NxTitle]

Well, for collage class you shouldn't be programming anyways - you should be getting a bunch of photos and putting them on a board.

However, for college classes, in my experience you'll most likely be going for Java and C. Though from what I've heard there are also select schools that teach Python as well. The thing is, once you get the hang of 2 or 3 programming languages, learning new ones are very easy, so I'd recommend going with Java and C. With those as a base it will be easy to learn just about any other language out there (except for brainfuck, because that language is just awesome)

[cause]

^this. But also, you aren't going to be learning ANYTHING advanced until 2nd year courses, so, maybe try and demonstrate that you are already more advanced than the 1st year courses and they will let you take it? Or maybe challenge the finals for a class? My structured programming for C++ is retardedly easy. I mean, 2 nested loops is blowing the TEACHER's mind.

[i luffs yeww]

^this. Teachers I've had generally just read everything straight out of a book and don't know how to teach a language.

(I guess they don't really know a lot about the language they teach some/most of the time either.)

[autoerforlife]

Hmm i'm studying computer sciences and we had to learn C#, how come i never hear people about C# around here? :P
For me personally classes don't help with learning a programming language, but it depends on how you like to study.
Maybe you can take a demo class or something?

[Smartzkid]

I'd reccomend a managed language. Specifically C# because it is easy to learn and is a very capable language. You can accomplish just about anything you need to with it.

C is good to know and is very easy to learn, but I'm not sure what it's like to use on pc's. I use it on embedded devices; it's a joy.

C++ gets pretty complicated when you get into templates, etc; also, there is no reflection.

[Brandon]

C++ why just because its kinda more advanced/hard and u can do every single thing. Gets fairly easy when u get the hang of it.. except when ur learning API programming, ur gunna go NUTS!!! .Net is so damn easy.. and console programming is easy.. MFC is ok but API omg..

[Nava2]

C/C++. It is the most useful language in today's world. Plus, there are LOTS of tutorials available. Check out K&R for learning C and www.cplusplus.com for learning C++.

No question. If you are looking for a pascal-like language to try out, check out python though. Python is *excellent*.

[i luffs yeww]

I'm falling into liking statically typed languages more than dynamically typed. Personal preference (speed and ease of debugging (debatable)).

Ruby is an interesting language. Not a huge fan of it really, but just putting it out there.

I've been liking C++ a lot. C is good as well, I just chose C++ because.. well I dunno. :p Just because. Some people say C -> C++ is easy, and C++ -> C is impossible, but I don't see why. As long as you know the differences and know what/how to do the things in C that you did in C++ it's not a huge change. Much lesser than, say, Ruby -> Java or something.

[Nava2]

Ruby is an interesting language. Not a huge fan of it really, but just putting it out there.

Slightly off topic, but nice read: http://c2.com/cgi/wiki?PythonVsRuby

[kingarabian]

Thank you guys, appreciate the comments :). I am looking to get into the medical field in collage, but computers will always be my thing... Im definitely going to take Java now since I'm into Rs. I also want to take C++ or C but i'm not sure which ah!

[anonymity]

Here's the thing.

Programming Logic > any of the languages that have been listed.

If you can learn any language, and you actually learn the language and how and why it works... you can switch around from C -> C++ -> Java -> Go -> whatever.

It all really depends if you work better as a visual learner or if you can just pick up a book and go. Personally, I am a visual learner. Yea, sometimes I can do the book. Because some books are real good at explaining the what why and how.

If you are interested in C++ here are a few website references (in no particular order):
http://www.cplusplus.com/
http://www.cprogramming.com/
http://www.learncpp.com/
http://www.barcodesinc.com/articles/learn-cpp.htm

Personally, I started with C and moved to C++. I believe C is able to be much more efficient in how it handles computer memory and processing. I believe C++ can be easier to write in, it also is super simple to create apps and programs with the .NET.

Whatever you decide to learn, there are plenty of resources available on the internet, along with a number of people at this community who have an understanding of many different languages.

Best of luck to your learning. =]

[i luffs yeww]

I shall read. Mostly because I like stuff like this (if it is what I think it is), and also because you posted it. ;3

I don't like how Ruby functions though. I just think it's a cool idea. Stupid for a legitimate program language imo, but still a cool idea. :p

/offtopic.

@king, l2internals. :) And learn how languages work. It's interesting/fun/useful.

[Ogre]

If you're thinking of learning C++, I recommend http://www.learncpp.com/ over CProgramming and CPlusPlus. I've tried all three and liked learncpp much more than the others.

[i luffs yeww]

I use learncpp.com and http://www.cplusplus.com/files/tutorial.pdf. I find it useful to have some cross-examination while learning. ;) Sometimes one or another will make something not entirely clear or completely skip over something. Those two tuts grouped with Google/IRC/MSN/forums will solve everything. :p

[noidea]

I go to a small charter school with only about 500 students. My java programming course last years was pretty good. I think the difference between the course at my school and all of your schools is that I had a legit programmer as a teacher. He is in his 60s and programmed in C until the late 1990s. He then switched to J as his main language. He is truly brilliant and isn't just one of those programmers that sit behind a desk all day everyday. The course was pretty fast paced, but assignments we're never 'late.' He knew that everyone learned to solve the problems he gave us at a different rate.

When I got frustrated with a problem, I could go to the next and come back to the one I was having issues with. It was a good class.

[i luffs yeww]

I go to a small charter school with only about 500 students. My java programming course last years was pretty good. I think the difference between the course at my school and all of your schools is that I had a legit programmer as a teacher. He is in his 60s and programmed in C until the late 1990s. He then switched to J as his main language. He is truly brilliant and isn't just one of those programmers that sit behind a desk all day everyday. The course was pretty fast paced, but assignments we're never 'late.' He knew that everyone learned to solve the problems he gave us at a different rate.

When I got frustrated with a problem, I could go to the next and come back to the one I was having issues with. It was a good class.

He sounds like the kind of teacher I'd like. But keep in mind most teachers aren't like that.

[Wanted]

I learned how to make my own collages out of paper, idk why you would need a class. Just joking bro calm down haah

[Nose Smasher]

Only take the required classes for your major, but take the programming classes for stuff you jus cbf'ed to learn on your own...

[Smartzkid]

Programming Logic > any of the languages that have been listed.

This. Learn to properly architect your programs before you actually start programming. If you don't, it's much harder to write real applications in the future.

[kingarabian]

This. Learn to properly architect your programs before you actually start programming. If you don't, it's much harder to write real applications in the future.

1000% true. I just wanna learn more languages to tryunderstand how a lot of programs work etc. Then maybe I can begin creating my own.

[i luffs yeww]

1000% true. I just wanna learn more languages to tryunderstand how a lot of programs work etc. Then maybe I can begin creating my own.

Create your own? wat. Why would you want to make your own language?

[kingarabian]

Create your own? wat. Why would you want to make your own language?

Programs bruh! Lol.

Sorry.

[Capricorn]

I go to a small charter school with only about 500 students. My java programming course last years was pretty good. I think the difference between the course at my school and all of your schools is that I had a legit programmer as a teacher. He is in his 60s and programmed in C until the late 1990s. He then switched to J as his main language. He is truly brilliant and isn't just one of those programmers that sit behind a desk all day everyday. The course was pretty fast paced, but assignments we're never 'late.' He knew that everyone learned to solve the problems he gave us at a different rate.

When I got frustrated with a problem, I could go to the next and come back to the one I was having issues with. It was a good class.

Is J really his main language or did you just shorten Java?

Sounds like a good experience though.

In my high school the computer science teacher didn't know ANYTHING. She never taught anything about inheritance, classes, objects etc etc[java]. I was basically kicked out of the class because I had like 45 absences.

The fondest memory I have of that class is when she told me that there isn't a difference between ++var and var++. It was funny for the next two weeks people had troubles with their code producing undesirable results because the teacher didn't know jack shit.

[Ogre]

Is J really his main language or did you just shorten Java?

Sounds like a good experience though.

In my high school the computer science teacher didn't know ANYTHING. She never taught anything about inheritance, classes, objects etc etc[java]. I was basically kicked out of the class because I had like 45 absences.

The fondest memory I have of that class is when she told me that there isn't a difference between ++var and var++. It was funny for the next two weeks people had troubles with their code producing undesirable results because the teacher didn't know jack shit.

J is his main language, he's talked about his teacher in IRC before, so I know. :p


There is only a programming I class for BASIC at my high school, and all they teach is like how to do mathematical operations, loops, conditionals and print stuff to the screen from what I've heard. Since it counts as a math credit for people who need one more to graduate, I think that's why it's so easy - all the idiots are taking it so they can graduate high school, because they couldn't pass their actual math classes.
There's a programming II on the class list, but I don't think it's ever actually happened because not enough people have ever signed up for it.

[R0b0t1]

Learn C, because it is the only language which reliably has a compiler for every architecture. Just in case you wanted to do something weird (specifically, gameboy and embedded device stuff is fun). And once you have played russian roulette with C, you'll be fine moving on to anything else.

Skip the classes unless they're required for what you have to do, if you've worked with programming before taking a class the classes are pointless, for the most part.

[Tlachtli]

I took an Intro to Java course as a freshman, but that's only because it is required for a MechE major and my only other option was a class in MatLab.

With no prior programming experience aside from a TI calculator, I came out of that class with a 96. I really doubt it would be a worthwhile use of your time if you already have some background in programming.

[Smartzkid]

Learn C, because it is the only language which reliably has a compiler for every architecture. Just in case you wanted to do something weird (specifically, gameboy and embedded device stuff is fun). And once you have played russian roulette with C, you'll be fine moving on to anything else.

Skip the classes unless they're required for what you have to do, if you've worked with programming before taking a class the classes are pointless, for the most part.

+1

And I'd strongly recommend playing around with embedded devices.

[Main]

If you have the option to pick from c or c++, definitely go for c++. In the beginning its pretty much the same as c, so but I dunno whats beyond that.