Simple programming tasks - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Hektore · 07-17-2009, 05:47 AM

So, I thought in my free time I would teach myself a programming language. I'm not totally new at this - I've programmed (if you can call it that) various odds and ends on some graphing calculators and this weird 'kiddie computer' I had growing up. Nothing special, things to do math problems for me (I had my whole high school geometry book in there) or word/trivia/number guessing games.

The 'real' language I've decided to start with is python. I was hoping some of you could help me out with it though, I need tasks to try. I know one of the best ways to learn is to keep attempting things just outside your current ability.

What I'm looking for from all of you are ideas for programs to write that vary from very simple to relatively complex but can still be completed by a single person in a reasonable amount of time - say 30-40 hours. If anyone knows of a good book or resource that does this too I'd like to know about it.

/PS: If I stick it out with this, I was hoping maybe I could post some code here and have you all look at it for tips suggestions, and maybe even someone could bounce some code back and forth with me so I can learn how to jump in and leave in the middle of something while keeping it workable the whole time. I'll cross that bridge when I get there though.

Rekna · 07-18-2009, 08:39 AM

Just google online for beginner programming problems and do them.

However, I have to say python probably isn't the best language to learn. One clear thing about programming is for most people the first language you learn (i mean really learn) is your strongest language. Thus pick a language that will give you the most value to learn on. For this I would say C++ first and then Java.

If you learn C++ you basically know C++, C, and Java which gives you a lot of value. I suggest learning C++ first because then you learn about pointers and memory which is something you don't learn in Java. I have taught many students who started out with C and many who started out with Java. I have found that Java students tend to be at a sever disadvantage when it comes to memory management.

Xerxys · 07-18-2009, 11:14 AM

^^ What she said. You will get tons of sample code for C++ and a full out offline tutorial for java here.

The thing with C++ is it's very much unlike it's subsidiaries. You have to understand what the code does otherwise you will never exceed you abilities. With Java you can copy and paste an entire project.

07-17-2009, 05:47 AM	#1 (permalink)
Hektore Junkie Location: Greater Harrisburg Area	Simple programming tasks So, I thought in my free time I would teach myself a programming language. I'm not totally new at this - I've programmed (if you can call it that) various odds and ends on some graphing calculators and this weird 'kiddie computer' I had growing up. Nothing special, things to do math problems for me (I had my whole high school geometry book in there) or word/trivia/number guessing games. The 'real' language I've decided to start with is python. I was hoping some of you could help me out with it though, I need tasks to try. I know one of the best ways to learn is to keep attempting things just outside your current ability. What I'm looking for from all of you are ideas for programs to write that vary from very simple to relatively complex but can still be completed by a single person in a reasonable amount of time - say 30-40 hours. If anyone knows of a good book or resource that does this too I'd like to know about it. /PS: If I stick it out with this, I was hoping maybe I could post some code here and have you all look at it for tips suggestions, and maybe even someone could bounce some code back and forth with me so I can learn how to jump in and leave in the middle of something while keeping it workable the whole time. I'll cross that bridge when I get there though. __________________ The advantage law is the best law in rugby, because it lets you ignore all the others for the good of the game.

07-18-2009, 08:39 AM	#2 (permalink)
Rekna Junkie	Just google online for beginner programming problems and do them. However, I have to say python probably isn't the best language to learn. One clear thing about programming is for most people the first language you learn (i mean really learn) is your strongest language. Thus pick a language that will give you the most value to learn on. For this I would say C++ first and then Java. If you learn C++ you basically know C++, C, and Java which gives you a lot of value. I suggest learning C++ first because then you learn about pointers and memory which is something you don't learn in Java. I have taught many students who started out with C and many who started out with Java. I have found that Java students tend to be at a sever disadvantage when it comes to memory management.

07-18-2009, 11:14 AM	#3 (permalink)
Xerxys Junkie Location: My head.	^^ What she said. You will get tons of sample code for C++ and a full out offline tutorial for java here. The thing with C++ is it's very much unlike it's subsidiaries. You have to understand what the code does otherwise you will never exceed you abilities. With Java you can copy and paste an entire project.