Elysian Shadows

I cant figure out how to program. Does this mean I have a low iq? I cant understand tutorials in books ( I checked out a visual c++ guide and a c++ for dummies book at my library) I also cant understand online tutorials. I heard falco just reads the books and learns how to program, why cant i do this?

I didn't even start off with C/++. I would choose another language to start with. My path was like HTML to Javascript to Perl to dabbling in a bit of BlitzPlus to C/++.

Any dumbass can learn HTML. I wasn't exactly smart either. I gradually worked my way up. I think starting with a scripting language is always easier than jumping into C or C++.

I've said this on these forums before, but - Programming is like Karate, you can't learn it from a book. :P

It sounds silly, but I honestly believe it. If you're serious about learning to program, take some classes. I SUCKED at programming for a long time, and it took a few classes before it really clicked. Even after my first programming class, I could program a little but I didn't "get it."

Books show you how to do one specific task, but the key is to understand programming concepts and being able to apply them.

I've you've got a passion for it, hang in there. The single reason I got into programming was because I wanted to make video games. And today, I work as a software engineer -- doing absolutely nothing related to video games... But I learned how to program in the process.

Check out Visual Basic (or any of the *Basics really)

No one ever understands anything at first, but you stick at it and you learn.

I dived right into C/C++(learned them both in parallel), there was a little detour in VB 6.0 (which lasted a week) that was just before the C/C++.

But thats just me.

i cant comment on your IQ, but you can go get it evaluated if you really are interested.

as for learning programming from books. well have you considered that you might have a language problem, it could be that its not that you dont have the capacity to learn, but perhaps that you dont understand what is being said as result of a linguistic lack.

not that im saying thats the cause.

programming is just putting down organized logical concepts to achieve a goal.
hang in there.

i agree with everyone else, choose a more simple language, i started with QBasic, funny thing about that though is that i actually had to teach the teacher so he could teach our class, i had never done any programming before that class either, now i'm helping another teacher learn C++, even though i don't know more advanced topics i know enough to give him a hand when somebody in his class has a question he can't answer. My jounrney through programming languages went QBasic, VB.net, C++, python, and now i'm back to C++ learning it with more advanced topics and integration with a scripting language for a game i'm making with TeamWASD. When i frist started C++ i had no clue as to what was going on either, i just copied from book cause i assumed it was always right, now i understand things and can do things on my own.

You can't figure out how to program..? I have to remember this one.

I don't really know anybody that figured how to program. But I know some people (#include <me>) that got a good guidance book or two, sat down every day for last couple of years and burnt a good part of my time keeping the chair and brains warm.

I like how trufun compared programming to karate. I agree with that. It's a mind karate, and you can't pass without practicing.

You say you don't know how to PROGRAM, perhaps you should try and understand what programming is, before you start using a language.

-Do you know why you want(or need) to program?
-are you interested in programming?
-what are your goals


Perhaps you need to gain an understanding of what it is to program, and how you combine a series of programming techniques to create methods of doing things (i.e. algorithms)

Once, you understand why you are programming, then maybe programming languages will become clearer.

Personally, I was self taught (initially), I went straight to C++ (after not understanding what programming was since I was about 12, and getting frustrated at Dark BASIC)

After I did I a little programming in my spare time, I learnt how to use variables, functions ,some logic and a little arithmetic, but I really started to understand programming properly when I got to college, as I was able to ask questions to my tutor, and expand my understanding of the subject.

I think you need a mix of book reading, and tutoring personally.

Programming is like sex. You start off with an uglier girl (a simple program), because you aren't very good at it. You're scared, nervous, and inexperienced. By starting off with the easier women, you can build up your skill and confidence for when the super hot babes (more challenging programs) come around.

Programming is like sex. You start off with an uglier girl (a simple program), because you aren't very good at it. You're scared, nervous, and inexperienced. By starting off with the easier women, you can build up your skill and confidence for when the super hot babes (more challenging programs) come around.

that is the best description I've ever heard for programming. lol!

GyroVorbis wrote:Programming is like sex. You start off with an uglier girl (a simple program), because you aren't very good at it. You're scared, nervous, and inexperienced. By starting off with the easier women, you can build up your skill and confidence for when the super hot babes (more challenging programs) come around.

Sure, 'Hello Worlds' can be fun, but you don't want to show them off to your friends...

I startet with HTML too. I dont know if it is a good way or not, but that was how i got into programming. One of my firends big brothers friend made a document with a table that me and my friend could put pictures and stuff into(and change the background color to some random hex value;)) :D

GyroVorbis wrote:Programming is like sex. You start off with an uglier girl (a simple program), because you aren't very good at it. You're scared, nervous, and inexperienced. By starting off with the easier women, you can build up your skill and confidence for when the super hot babes (more challenging programs) come around.

Falco is now surrounded by mannequins

Years are finally paying off..

GyroVorbis wrote:Programming is like sex. You start off with an uglier girl (a simple program), because you aren't very good at it. You're scared, nervous, and inexperienced. By starting off with the easier women, you can build up your skill and confidence for when the super hot babes (more challenging programs) come around.

dude my first time was with a 5'9 125 lbs babe. and not to brag but i had her begging for more. wish i could say the same for my programming endeavors.