Anonymous asked:
I'm currently teaching myself HTML and CSS. Honestly I think C++ was easier. [minus the whole "everything gets a semicolon EXCEPT these things. and if you use a semicolon on these exceptions you will fail at life (and receive an infinite loop)"]

hahaha! I get what you mean! I wish I could feel the same way about C++ :p

That’s great, anon! C++ is one of the most widely used languages out there.

Anonymous asked:
Do you have any tips for beginning coding?

I do~! :3

It depends, though. Where are you beginning from? Do you have a certain deadline? 

If you’re going to take classes at a university without experience, I recommend following the steps below, but focusing on Java, MATLAB, and C, since that’s what they usually start you off with.

But generally, I recommend that you take as much time as possible to understand the basic syntax of one language, so you could easily grasp the others. :D

Plus, if you’re learning through coding fun projects like Robocode or coding a game, you’ll definitely learn a lot quicker since it’s a more positive and motivational way to get into programming.

If you have time, I suggest going though languages in this order:

  1. Python
  2. C and PHP
  3. Java
  4. C++ and C#

I answered a similar question here, which also shows links to places where you can learn these languages.

Hope this helps! 

infiveyearstime- asked:
Hi there! I was hoping you could give me some advice on how to improve my programming skills for JAVA. I've only had a few months of experience coding, where I used python. I'll be going into my 2nd year of university for computer science and feel as though my programming skills are lacking. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks so much for your time :)

Hi! I know that java can take a while to learn. I haven’t mastered it, myself. XD;

Since you already have some familiarity with the language I highly recommend this e-book for Java. It’s free, too: http://www.mindview.net/Books/TIJ/

Python is a great introduction to programming! It makes it easier to get used to the syntax and how codes function.

I know what you mean. When I was in my intro compsci class last year, taking classes in languages weren’t enough. To feel confident in working with programs, I think there should definitely be some pleasure in it. Which means, the best way to improve in coding would be to do it at your own leisure, with little projects, then work your way up to more challenging exercises! :D

To improve in Java, I suggest watching this guy’s lectures. He’s an amazing professor and got me through my algorithms class: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkMDCCdjyW8&feature=list_related&playnext=1&list=SP84A56BC7F4A1F852

As for compiling the programs, it’s best to learn how to do it directly from the command line. For learning purposes, I’ve used Eclipse, which is great, because debug mode really helps you learn how to fix your code, imo.

For writing code in general, I use TextPad, since it’s aesthetically appealing to me with colorcoding parts of the code for you. It doesn’t reveal where your errors would be, though.

Anyways, sorry for the long response. I hope I’ve helped!

If anyone else has more suggestions on how to learn languages, feel free to submit your advice! I’ve learned so much from you guys. <3

Anonymous asked:
It makes me really happy that there are other people in this world who would rather use C/C++ than java.

It makes me really happy, too. <333

Anonymous asked:
It (C#) is almost identical to Java, but one major difference is the automatic generation of "getters and setters," so there's less typing. You can just create a property and the compiler will generate them for you. Enums are also completely different, but there is a C# equivalent to Java's. C# also has explicit pass-by-reference or -value :D

Ah, I see. Thanks, anon! *hugs*

backonamission-deactivated20130 asked:
Replying to the anon who's asking about C#, it's good if all you want is to develop for windows, it's most capable there. C++ is a good all round language, you can do whatever you want with it on any platform, it's only problem is being almost impossible to fully master, since it's crammed with features. A word of advice, stop comparing languages and technologies and start choosing the right tool for the job at hand.

Thank you. :3

backonamission-deactivated20130 asked:
For new programmers, I'd recommend Python, C is kind of hard because of pointers, so it'll just discourage absolute beginners, PHP encourages bad programming practices, and Java is too verbose like you just said.

That’s really good to know, thanks for telling us this! I’ve heard the same thing from other compsci bros in my classes.

Anon, go for Python first! :D

dragonswords asked:
least favourite code which you have learned?

Java. I didn’t really like it as much as C because you have to write so many lines and address so many classes to do the simplest things. ;_;

Anonymous asked:
where do you live?

I live in DC. :3

Anonymous asked:
How old were you when you started programming? Is 17 to late to start

Hm, it depends on how you define it.

I started teaching myself simple HTML/CSS code and basic Java when I was around 11 or 12 years old, since I was a huge Neopets fan. XD;

I honestly didn’t learn how to code anything higher than the basic level in Java or C until I was 18 when I took compsci classes at my university.

17 is definitely the right age to start, since you have plenty of time to play around with code! It’s never too late to start something. I’ve read a quote somewhere that it takes exactly 10 years for anyone to become novice at something. The best programmers I know started when they were like, 8-12 years old, but you still have plenty of time to learn!

I highly recommend that you start off with Python, C and PHP, then C++, then Java in order of what languages are the most common and simple to learn (and their concepts), but different things work for different people.

To learn, I really love watching lectures on youtube. They’re free and the professor teaching the course is a lot more clear about it than some of my own: http://cslibrary.stanford.edu/

Hope this helps! Good luck! :D