Programming and you! #1: Getting started

Programming is the act of telling a computer how to get things done.

A simple definition by all means, for an act which is simple in concept, but can become overwhelming if you don't exactly know where to get started. With so many people telling you what to do, how to do it, and what to do it with, it becomes difficult to discern where to take information from and where to leave it. I'd like this guide series to cut through the fluff, and provide you with an easy-to-understand guide on how to program.

Choosing a language

When choosing a language, you should consider why you want to be programming in the first place. Do you want to make standalone applications? Then you would want to use a compiled programming language (such as Delphi or C#). Otherwise, you can use an interpreted language (such as Python). Other than that, most programming languages do basically the same thing. They translate language code to machine code, which is the only language the CPU understands. The difference lies in what "key words" in the language is called, and how the language is translated.

Compiled

A compiled language is a programming language where, when the program is run, a program called the compiler checks for any and all programming errors. If found, it will give you a detailed list on where and what exactly is going wrong with your code, and when all errors are fixed, or there is no errors, it creates (in windows) an executable file (a .exe file, which, by-the-bye, is irritatingly enough always misinterpreted as a spookdy dooky evil malware, while all programs on a PC are, in fact, .exe files!)

Interpreted

Interpreted languages, however, are programming languages where, when the program is run, a program called the interpreter (shocking, I know) translates the program line by line into machine code. Once it encounters an error in the coding, the program will crash. These languages DO NOT create a standalone application, though there are community work arounds to get that sweet, sweet exe!

My first programming language was Python, a relatively easy and beginner friendly langauge, since it is easily readable, but when it comes to choosing your specific starting language, however, is entirely up to you. It doesn't matter what you start with, as long as you start somewhere!

Tips and conclusion

Lastly, here are 3 of my go-to tips for starting out

Your second language will always be easier than your first. Your first language teaches you how to THINK like a computer, and from then on out, each language is just a variation of the next. 

Know your math. Programming requires a surprising amount of simple math 

Failure is good when you use it as a learning tool. Look up your errors to catch them next time you make one.

So that's that! I hope this blog has piqued your interest, as I plan on following this one up with more programming knowledge. The next blog will be about the basic components that make up a programming language (such as variables, loops and procedures and functions) but until then! 

Take care!