Roadmap to Learning Software Development: A Beginners Guide(mcardleliam.tumblr.com)
mcardleliam.tumblr.com
Roadmap to Learning Software Development: A Beginners Guide
http://mcardleliam.tumblr.com/
11 comments
"java or c#...are also syntactically much easier [than Ruby] for newbies."
Wait, what?
Wait, what?
Yes. Ruby reminds me of perl. Too many #@$ characters with special meaning.
the syntax is much more regular and more verbose, but that can be a good thing. The regularity means that it's easier to remember what's supposed to come next/how to do something, and the verbosity means that there's less obfuscated phrases.
Granted, ruby and python aren't as bad as perl, but they definitely aren't as regular as java either.
Of course, once you start getting into advanced topics, all that can go out the window, but at that point we aren't talking about a newbie anymore, so what we/they will expect from a language will be different.
Granted, ruby and python aren't as bad as perl, but they definitely aren't as regular as java either.
Of course, once you start getting into advanced topics, all that can go out the window, but at that point we aren't talking about a newbie anymore, so what we/they will expect from a language will be different.
> Granted, ruby and python aren't as bad as perl, but they definitely aren't as regular as java either.
I wouldn't mix those two when making a comparison to Perl.
As an example, there are like four different ways to write a simple 'if' statement in Ruby, with some blurring the difference between that statement and conditional expression (ternary operator in C-like languages). In Python, there is just one 'if' statement which is also clearly distinct from 'if-else' conditional expression.
I wouldn't mix those two when making a comparison to Perl.
As an example, there are like four different ways to write a simple 'if' statement in Ruby, with some blurring the difference between that statement and conditional expression (ternary operator in C-like languages). In Python, there is just one 'if' statement which is also clearly distinct from 'if-else' conditional expression.
My only problem with Java and C# as beginner languages that starting off takes so much understanding or glossing over of details. In Java, it's a class with "public static main void" before anything will work.
PHP or Python are a better way to start because "hello world" is literally a line or two of code.
That said, I always recommend Python over PHP because it enforces good a habits from day one. Once you learn the skills and concepts, working in the much looser PHP environment is safer.
PHP or Python are a better way to start because "hello world" is literally a line or two of code.
That said, I always recommend Python over PHP because it enforces good a habits from day one. Once you learn the skills and concepts, working in the much looser PHP environment is safer.
This is a great list/discussion of resources. I am also helping someone get started learning software development but I have taken a slightly different approach. I am focusing on the computer science fundamentals first and afterwards focusing on web development. I have found that the Coursera courses as a great starting point. There is the Algorithms I and II with two introduction to programming courses using Python.
I also believe the Stanford courses (such as CS106A) is a great resource. I also would not discount the Oreilly Technology School.
The danger with starting with web development is that unless the person is very keen on learning, gaps in knowledge can develop and bad coding practices can be learned.
I also believe the Stanford courses (such as CS106A) is a great resource. I also would not discount the Oreilly Technology School.
The danger with starting with web development is that unless the person is very keen on learning, gaps in knowledge can develop and bad coding practices can be learned.
It would have been nice if Coursera offered an Algorithms class in Python..
Here's a resource that you might find useful:
http://interactivepython.org/courselib/static/pythonds/index...
It's not Coursera but it's well put together.
http://interactivepython.org/courselib/static/pythonds/index...
It's not Coursera but it's well put together.
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> Regardless of whether you are looking to become an iOS developer, a Mac developer or a Web Developer [...]
Yes, because those are the only three types of developers. iOS, Mac or Web.
Yes, because those are the only three types of developers. iOS, Mac or Web.
That said, I congratulate you on your new found love of programming and your willingness to share the knowledge.