How useful is this if I want to begin programming?

[SleipnirTheHorse]

TL;DR Summary

Old Video Game that teaches Programming in Basic, it's from Interplay (Defunct)

https://archive.org/details/Interplays_Learn_to_Program_Basic_CD-C95-357-0

I have memorized programming with multiple apps, yet really got it down, would this work?

 

[jack action]

Maybe you should check it out for yourself:

​

 

[berkeman]

Welcome to PF.

I have memorized programming with multiple apps,

Sorry, what does that mean? I'm not sure what "memorizing" has to do with the concept of programming. Do you mean memorizing the syntax of a particular language? Which language(s)? Or do you mean something else? Thanks.

 

[jedishrfu]

If you want to have fun with programming check out the Processing.org site. Processing is java based but gives you full control of the screen for drawing and full access to the mouse and keyboard for interacting with your program.

With only a few lines of code you can do some amazing things.

 

[Hornbein]

I would stay away from obsolete Basic. I don't know what is best for beginners. Python is ok and popular.

 

[jedishrfu]

Processing is best for beginners!

There, I said it. Now, go out and learn it.

Here's my Joy of Processing insight article:

https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/the-joy-of-processing/

www.processing.org

Welcome to Processing!​

Processing is a flexible software sketchbook and a language for learning how to code. Since 2001, Processing has promoted software literacy within the visual arts and visual literacy within technology. There are tens of thousands of students, artists, designers, researchers, and hobbyists who use Processing for learning and prototyping.

 

[SleipnirTheHorse]

Maybe you should check it out for yourself:

​

I actually played it as a child. So technically I have?

 

[SleipnirTheHorse]

Most programs which teach Python or other such languages use quizzes and memorization. This has been my experience.

 

[bryantcl]

While Basic can teach you certain fundamentals of programming practice and style, I wouldn't stop at just learning one language. Why? because when you're a hammer, everything is a nail. If all you know is one language, you'll try to make that language fit every paradigm/problem. Also, memorization is not learning to program. Think of it like this memorizing a recipe isn't the same as learning to cook.

Here are my recommendations:

1. Basic - just to get fundamentals down.
2. C language - it's good to know fundamentals of pointers and memory management as well as implementing data structures.
3. C++ or Java - best for teaching Object Oriented Programming, wide use in industry.
4. Python - Widely used today in industry.

Best of luck,
bryantcl

 

[Mark44]

Most programs which teach Python or other such languages use quizzes and memorization.

Quizzes are OK when you're first learning the syntax of a programming language, and a certain amount of memorization is necessary, but to really learn to program, you need to write a few simple programs to see what the various programming elements do and how they work.