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Good Books For a Beginning Programmer
Written By bloglily on Apr. 28, 2007.
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My kids decided this weekend that it's time to figure out how to make their computer DO something more interesting than what it's doing now.
When did you start programming? How did you figure stuff out?
They got a book at the library called something like Game Programming for Teens (nevermind that they've got a few years before they're officially teens) -- but if there's something better out there, I'd love to hear about it.
seanrox
Written Apr. 28, 2007 / Report /
I started programming when I was 9 or 10 years old (I'm now 35) using my Commodore 64.
I use to program in basic, complete with sprite graphics and sound. It was a lot of fun.
I still own the same machine to this day and it still works.
An older book but full of basic game programming, I would recommend "Basic Computer Games" by David H. Ahl.
For some really good information on programming for both adults and kids alike, I would recommend "The Art of Computer Programming" by Donald E. Knuth.
Always an easy but informative read would be "Beginning Programming for Dummies". Stupid name but a good book to learn the basics.
Hope that gets you going. Good luck.
bloglily
Written Apr. 28, 2007 / Report /
SeanRox -- That's a lot of wonderful information. Thank you from my boys. I can't believe you started programming so young! That's very cool.
seanrox
Written Apr. 28, 2007 / Report /
Glad to be of help bloglily. Tell your boys "You're welcome" from me.
Most of the above books can be found on Amazon.com or maybe in your local library.
As for how I've learned over the years... a lot of trial and error. Books are good but nothing beats just getting out and trying things.
How old are your boys?
bloglily
Written Apr. 29, 2007 / Report /
Yes, I think you're right on target Sean -- you have to get in there and do stuff and see what happens. It's very quiet upstairs right now. I think they must be thinking about what to do first!
My three are eleven, eleven and seven, the oldest two being twins. I love boy energy, which cracks me up, because I really didnt think it was possible for me to reproduce a human being who wasn't exactly like me: a girl.