Help for programming newbie

[Tobster]

I need to learn how to write Javascript, ASP code, and more, but I have no experience in any programming language. There is so much out there. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to start? Which language to learn first? Some books to read or courses to take?
thanks Grant

[Ian]

Hi grant,
You might like to begin by searching these sections of 123webmaster.com for some tutorials and online courses.
http://www.123webmaster.com/Learning_Center/Training_Courses/ http://www.123webmaster.com/Learning_Center/Tutorials/

I would also down load a few scripts and have a play with them and see how they work by changing parts of them. (nothing like a bit of practical). Then try writing a few simple scripts yourself. I would recommend that you download the "Debugger" script found on A1 JavaScripts ( http://www.a1javascripts.com ) . It is a very handy script that will help you solve javascript errors when you are writing or modifying them.
I hope this is a small start for you anyway, and I'm sure a few other will contribute to help you further.
Good Luck.



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Ian
Web Development - BIG Resources Inc
ian@123webmaster.com
BIG Resources.com (http://www.bigresources.com)
ICQ: 25828668

[ivonnieda]

Dear Grant,

Good for you learning a programming language. It is always helpfull in the long run.

I would suggest that you follow Ian advice, and look at a few of our tutorials. Then you need to decide what language you want to learn first. (if you try to learn more then one at once you can get mixed up.)
Then give all of you efforts to the language untill you have a good understanding of it. Write scripts as you go along, and have people who know the scriping languages evaluate them.
Learn from the advice of others, and enjoy yourself.
Never take programming to seriouly.

Good Luck! :-)


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Isaac
123Webmaster (http://www.123webmaster.com)
Big Resources Network
isaac@123webmaster.com
ICQ# 71401549

[Amok]

Tobster,
I would probably start with getting yourself familiar with ASP first. Then you can tackle Javascript. The reason for this is because ASP allows you to dynamically code HTML pages. ASP allows you to use your Javascripting. You should try and gain a good understanding of ASP first and then build on that knowledge with Javascript. For ASP, I would recommend reading: "Active Server Pages: the comprehensive solutions package UNLEASHED" by SAMS. It's a big book, but reads fast. Furthermore, the key chapters to concentrate on first would be 13 through 17, 22 through 24, and chapter 8. These chapters are great introductions and have excellent samples. This should get you up to speed to begin learning Javascript.

[dan]

My recommendation is to get acquainted with your OS first. If you are wanting to do web stuff go for NT/2000 and Unix. An easy way to get more familiar with Unix is to get a cheap second system and put Linux on it. Then use it as a trial and error station for your stuff.

A good series of intro books is the for dummies books. They are a good functional start to many subjects. They kind of ease you in. Then I would consider going to a local college book store and find out what the courseload wants Computer science students to do and then follow along. The good thing about this is that you can seel the books back to the book store the following semester and use the money to help buy more books. It actually makes a big difference. But you may find some you want to keep.

If ya want to know more just e-mail me. I review programming books for a web site professionally, and no it isn't one listed below. :-)

[Tobster]

Thanks everyone for your advice!
Grant