How to program: In one easy step... Learn?

[Sidewinder]

If you are looking for a quick tutorial on starting Amiga sepcific programming in C you can stop by my tutorial and start reading.  C or C++ is really the only way to go on the Amiga right now if you want to get some serious work done.  Starting with a scripting language (as was already suggested) is also a good place to start.  It really depends on your style of learning.  If you want to jump into the deep end and learn to swim that way learn C.  If you're more comfortable in the kiddy pool at first then go the way of a scripting langauge.

[Sidewinder]

@DaveP

No need to take offense.  I did not mean to insult anyone using scriting languages.  It is true that scripting languages are very powerful and many things can be done with them much more quickly and easier than the same tasks can be programmed in C or assembly.

When I started programming I started with AREXX, then AmigaBASIC, then AMOS BASIC, and then to C/C++ and assembly.  These high level languages certainly did get me into programming quickly and I did some fun and interesting things with the scripting and BASIC languages.  But for me it was just as difficult to move from these languages to C as it is for many to start with C from the beginning.

I guess I'm trying to say that if you want to start programming quickly and learn the general concepts of programming you should start with a scripting language.  Initially it will be less frusterating than jumping right into C.  But, on the other hand, if you then want to move on to C  you will still have to suffer through the learning curve.

Some people learn better by jumping right in and thrashing around until it starts making sense.  Other people take simple, graduated steps.  It's all about learning style, not about good/bad languages.

I for one learn best by jumping right in.

[Sidewinder]

I would suggest that you take a look at StormC 4 from Haage & Partner.  Currently they are running a special when you can get StormC 4 for only 50 Euros (about $50).

HiSoft C++ is also a great package and in my opinion has a better IDE than StormC, but StormC has support for modern C++ development using the STL and other more advanced things that are not properly supported in HiSoft C++.  However, if you are only planning on programming in ANSI C then HiSoft has a more intuitive interface.

If you want a free package I would suggest looking into   Louise's GCC archive.

[Sidewinder]

@Atheist

It isn't a logical language.

 :roflmao:

As was already said, C is an EXTREAMLY logical language, and that's what makes it a pain in the ass sometimes.

 Your arguments about the problems with C are moot.  The simple fact remains that the grammar of C is one of the most elegant and powerful grammars around.  Its syntax is strange, I will grant you that, but its power and flexability is undeniable.  With a mere 32 keywords C is able tackle even the most difficult programming tasks.  AMOS and C represent the two fringes of the progrmaming language spectrum.  C is small and simple, no frills, no excess--anything you need you must make yourself or #include (which, by the way,  is the reason for the #include statment).  AMOS is at the other end of the spectrum and has hundreds of commands and a simple, yet not very flexable syntax.  AMOS has a more difficult time adapting to changes.

Lest you think that I am preaching the superiority of C over AMOS and other such languages, you may wish to note that liquido2.com  (which is my domain and where I host my C tutorial) is also the home of the AMOS Factory.   In addition I am in the process, even today, of attempting to port the AMOS grammer to the A1 and other systems.

My final statement is this:  AMOS and C are different approaches to programming, both have their pros and cons, and there is absolutely no reason why someone cannot learn C as a first programming language if they so choose.