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

[FuZion]

I have always wanted to get programming but.... Didn't.

I've had ideas constantly but could never get anything on the go.

Can anyone point me towards some references & suggest software for the Amiga so I can have a crack at it.

Thanks, FuZion.

[DaveP]

If you have never programmed before then you
should consider using a scripting language to
start with  ( like perl or arexx ) simply because
understanding compiler messages that come back
from coding errors with C or C++ would kill
your enthusiasm real quick.

Once you have got used to the idea of variables,
conditionals and all that gubbis go straight to C,
do not pass BASIC and do not collect PASCAL.

Why?

Because the cross reference for programming Amiga OS calls using any other language than C ( or
C++ if you like to live wild ) sucks.

In fact play with AREXX given it is probably shipped
with your OS. And you might have a manual too....

[lorddef]

DaveP is right C will drive you nuts if you've never touched it before.

If you have a PC I would recommend you have a crack at learning Java, get one of the Sams Learn Java in 31 days books or something.  Although java isn't very powerfull it will get you used to programming techniques (although some say it encourages bad programming practices) and then once you have the grips of it, get a book on C, an IDE and have a crack at C.

[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.

[DaveP]

I don't think its fair to call scripting languages
the kiddy pool. No need to give a new programmer
a complex or feel that they won't be respected
until they use a certain language.

Scripting languages are just a bit more accessable.

[Hardboy]

If your starting programming on amiga, go for Arexx. It´s pretty simple to programand to run.

[Hardboy]

Then again... Here comes the UNDOUBTLY best way to start learn ANY programming language:

Visit a freind of yours, who have two computers and know how to program. Then you let him introduce you to the language, and when that´s done,  you´ll begin yourself. When you encounter problems, you´ll have your freind to help you solve the problems. Every language have a set of typical programming errors, which are difficult to solve for newcommers of the language, but your freind has been through all these, and can therefore help you to overcome them. Also, experienced programmers will more easily give you some inspiration which is needed allway.

Happy programming!!

[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.

[DaveP]

@sidewinder

Im sorry. I guess Im a bit protective of people that
start out programming - Id hate to feel that they
felt second class citizens whilst they are using
scripting languages.

[FuZion]

I have had a little experience with AMOS & Blitz in my time but nothing really worth talking about.

The two programs seemed to crash too often for me to really stick with & feel comfortable with.

I think I'm a "thrown in at the deep end" type of person so I'd bully myself into taking a look at C/C++

Is Storm the tool of choice on the Amiga or should I look elsewhere?

[DaveP]

I strongly advise you to buy Hisoft C++ rather
than Storm.

[Themamboman]

Why would you consider Hisoft C++ better than the latest Storm C?  

How advanced is the editor/debugger?  Does Hisoft C++ come with something like the StormWizard GUI RAD?

[ikepgh]

I've begun an MUI and GCC tutorial.  Check it out here:

http://www.ezcyberspace.com/gcc/

I'd be interested in any feedback anyone can provide.  

Thanks,
IKE

[iamaboringperson]

i would definently start with C/C++
and i can certainly reccomend Sidewinder's page
it is VERY good!

i used to muck around with blitz basic years ago and i was just wating my time,

just remember that when you learn a language take it step by step, it does start off quite difficult
and its more important to learn the techniques and algorithms than learn a number of languages
stick with one or two languages, but practice your algorithms

[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.