How to teach a gut without no computer major experience to program

08
2014-07
  • ubuntu

    I have a friend who is non - computer major.

    For example, he dose not know what is a bit,byte and etc.

    Now he want to program .

    So I wonder which language is better? C,JAVA or something else?

    • Answers
  • spuder

    Goal

    The most important part to programming, is just to start. Once you feel the satisfaction from creating a 'Hello World' it will motivate you to keep going.

    Language

    The language really doesn't matter as long as you learn the principles. Most classes start with either Python, Javascript, or Java. Once you understand the principles of for loops, functions, and bitwise operators, you can then move on to a language like Java, C, C++ which require a deeper understanding of garbage collection, object oriented programming, pointers, interfaces, Generics, ect..

    Tutorials There are many resources for people new to programming. Here are my favorites.

    Scratch - A fun visual approach to programing, created by MIT

    CodeAcdemy.com - An interactive website with many different languages (Python, Ruby, ect..)

    Code.org - Another online interactive tutorial.

    Additional Info

    Here is a collection of many more online apps.

    http://mashable.com/2013/03/13/learn-to-code-free/

    Lastly, some people learn better in a group environment, if so then they should enroll in a community college.

  • Taylor Flores

    Depends, what is your friend interested in? Why does he or she want to program?

    If he or she wants to know programming in and out, I recommend C. C teaches you everything memory-related that the higher level languages don't. You will learn much more about computers by learning C than any other language (other than assembly, but that isn't generally recommended as a first language).

    If he or she wants to learn programming without having to know what happens behind the scenes (sounds like this may be what your friend is looking for), then I recommend a higher level language, such as:

    • Javascript: is probably the most widely applicable programming language there is. You can run this on webpages as well as a standard application. I recommend Javascript to your friend.
    • Python: generally simpler than Javascript and Java, but runs slower.
    • Visual Basic
    • C#: see comment by DanielRHicks
    • Java: expected to run faster than Python and Javascript, but with more code.

    • Related Question

    Books for understanding how computers work
  • webworm

    I have been listening to a Podcast called "Security Now" and one of the shows presenters, "Steve Gibson" has been covering the basics of of how computers work. Topics include the basics from logic gates, registers, and stacks to hyper threading and multi-core processors. Though I think Mr. Gibson is knowledgeable I find it hard to follow his instruction due to a lot of pausing, repeated words, and the use of "uhh" and "ummm". My intention is not to criticize Mr. Gibson, as I think him to be very knowledgeable, rather I am just looking for an alternative source of instruction on these topics.

    Can anyone recommend any books or better yet any audiobooks that cover the basics of computer hardware? I am looking to understand topics so I can get a better understanding of how computers actually work. I am not an engineer (rather a biochemist) so I do not have the engineering background, however I am fairly good at understanding topics that are presented in a defined and structured manner.

    Please note I am not looking for a "Coffee Table" book which offers a 10,000 ft view of computers rather, something that can really describe the details on how computers function. That being said I would like something at a "higher level" that an engineers schematic.

    Thanks for any assistance.


    • Related Answers
  • 8088

    "The Elements of Computing Systems: Building a Modern Computer from First Principles" explains you how to build a computer from buttom up (yes, i mean the lowest possible bottom possible).

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  • nicorellius

    I found a really neat book a while back called Code by Charles Petzold. It takes you through from the beginning, how Morse and Braille and telegraph switches, eventually led way to how RAM works and how complex computers use logic to compute. Very good book. Great read and recommended to all. I got my copy at Goodwill for $5. I think you can find them used at bookstores like Powell's in Portland for around $12.

  • vtest

    These ones are some of my favourite:

    Scott Mueller - Upgrading and Repairing PCs

    Andrew S Tanenbaum - Operating Systems Design and Implementation

    And the networking bible:

    W. Richard Stevens - TCP/IP Illustrated: Protocols v. 1: The Protocols

  • rybl

    The textbook Computer Systems is really good. It goes from the very basic to quite advanced. It might be a bit too detailed for you, but if you are really interested in learning the nuts and bolts of how computers function I would highly recommend it. It covers everything from logical gates to machine language and everything in between.

  • RonWhite

    You won't find anything better than "How Computers Work, 9th Ed." from Que Publishing. It's a coffee table book in that the illustrations in it are fascinating. But the text with the art work is nitty-gritty in getting down to specific details that at the same time can be understood by layman and appreciated by technical types.

    I wrote it.

    Ron White