How do you learn how to code?

[Nunchuck *BANNED*]

im fairly good with everything else computer related.. but i cant figure out where to start or what coding really is. i know this is a big task to ask of somebody but if anyone could tell me how they learned or help me in any way it would be much appreciated. im a fast learner!

[matt_sells]

Depends completely on what you want to do, It's not something you can say "oh I'll just learn that today". Decide what it is you like about computers and then learn how to do that.

For example, I was always interested in the web so I learnt html, css, php and a bit of .net. That's enabled me to do what I want, but if for example you want to make games, it's a completely different side of programming. You can make games in php, but if you ever want a job you'll need to be sufficient in many different programming languages.

To finish off, your best bet is taking a look at the subsections of this forum to see what languages are used, then think of a program that would be useful to you and make it. Even if it's a simple calculator it will give you a good understanding of coding.

Also, Google is your friend not your enemy.

Just pick a language and just start making stuff. Coming up with ideas for little projects is the hardest part. I started with Java so I am very biased and am going to say start with that. Just making a simple hello world program work is a good start.

[iJava *BANNED*]

As SuF said the best way to learn is to start projects and learn how to do different things when you are required to do so. E.g making a text editor... learn how to save to file and this skill can be used in many other projects.

Go with Java, as it uses a C syntax and will work on most OS.

[Nunchuck *BANNED*]

your all very helpful and bear with me and remember i havent ever touched coding before.. but how to i even start coding something simple? how do i learn the language and what programs do i need?

[matt_sells]

We can't tell you how to code something simple, because you've not told us what language you wish to code the program in. Use Google and search for something like "what programming languages are best for beginners", then pick a language that suits you then ask us again.

[Chrisdothtml]

Originally Posted by Chrisdothtml

Well do you want to code for the web or for programs?

Web
Start with HTML, move to CSS, then go from there. By then you'll have learned about more languages that you can pursue. Start with http://w3schools.com They will give you the basics, but they won't teach you as in-depth as you need. You're gonna have to look around and find coded scripts to mess around with.

Programs
Start with C. It's a good language for starting off programming, and it's not too complex. It'll get you started on the basics, and it'll give you the expertise needed to understand other programming languages. From there you can go to C++, or Java, the possibilities are endless.

I just posted this in another thread. It'll be helpful to you too.