Gettgin back into Programming

[The Borg]

Hi all,

I have been interested in programming on and off for about 25 years. I have messed around with LOGO, Pascal, GW Basic, Delphi, VB, VBA and a bit (very little) of C, Java and HTML. Never realing getting anywhere except maybe the VB(A) stuff. I can write a mean formula and macro in Excel.

I wish I could program something like Word or Excel, but I suppose that is just wishful thinking - many experienced programmers work together on something like that.

However, I really feel great being able to create and conquer challenges when programming, so want to try getting into it again.

To this end, any advice on where to start again? I seem to have missed the link in terms of the modern stuff like classes, OOP (in depth as I realise you do use it all the time) and the like. As you can see from my limited programming ability, it is all old school stuff. I have tried the VB.Net stuff and that just scares me compared to VB.

I would love to be able to write monitoring software for my DC rack, and link it to databases. I love the ideas of monitoring, storage (of the monitored stuff), analysis and trends.

Any comments would be highly appreciated.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Pick a language like C++ and implement a sorting algorithm. You can learn alot by doing so.

Actually, start with a Linked List and then move onto sorting algorithms. First write your own algorithm then learn alot of the other ones like bubble sort and red black trees.

Of course, how much you know now about C/C++ matters on where you go next.

 

[degibson]

Once you're familiar with coding again, download yourself your favorite Linux distribution, join an open source project that suits your interest, and blaze away some code.

 

[ObscureCaucasian]

If you're the type of person who can handle challenges without getting discouraged and giving up, go with C/C++, otherwise I would suggest Java or C# (quite similar). C# was my first language and it can be pretty easy to learn and it is well documented.

 

[Ken g6]

So, you're looking to make programs to monitor your DC herd? As a partially reformed DCer, I think I see what you're after.

The first thing you need to learn about is SQL. There are many ways to set up a database, inside the database's suite of programs; but just about the only way to use a database from another program is with SQL. I've used mostly MySQL as a personal database in the past; but MS Access might work too.

Next, I'd suggest learning a language that will let you display data from the database as a web page. There are a number of paths you can take here. There's the Microsoft ASP.NET path, but I don't know much about it. There's the Free Software path with Apache and PHP. There's also the Java path, with Apache Tomcat and JSP, which you might prefer if you know Java. The basic idea in each case is to write an HTML web page, but in some places fill in code in another language that writes part of the page. In general, it doesn't need to be Object-Oriented code; just code, in the proper language. All these languages also have relatively easy ways to access databases, with SQL of course, so it shouldn't be too hard to get up and running.

Finally, I have an example! This is something I wrote in college, for a DC program that no longer exists. It uses Perl to pull stats from a web page, and PHP and MySQL to serve personalized stats. I haven't looked at it in a long time, but I hope it's a good example.

 

[chronodekar]

Originally posted by: The Borg
I have tried the VB.Net stuff and that just scares me compared to VB.

If this is the state you are in, you'd better avoid C++ or OOP in general. Why not try Perl ? That language/script is sooo obnoxious (I mean that in a good way) it shouldn't scare you.

Another approach is to get into C. Seeing something familar should help you get your confidence back. After that, take a small introduction to OOP and then dive into C++. (or .NET or Java)

All the best to you! :beer:

 

[The Borg]

Guys,

Thanks for all the comments.

Looks like C++ looks like a route to follow. The verry little I learnt of it indicated it has a lot of power. Pascal seemed to be a toned down version in terms of 'restricting' features of use by beginners.

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

I would recommend an introductory book on C++, Java or C#. These types of books are great because they generally teach a language and OO principles. Flick through the contents to make sure there are chapters on inheritance, polymorphism and maybe encapsulation (although this could be in the Classes chapter). If those three subjects are covered in enough detail, chances are it's a good book to start learning both the language and the ideas behind OO.

 

[Rudy Toody]

For the application you have in mind, I would think Java would be perfect. If you want to monitor the health of each cruncher, you can use C/C++ modules called from Java.

 

[The Borg]

Hey Fred, fancy meeting you here.

 

[Rudy Toody]

Hi, Perry!

I seldom post here, but I do keep track of Linux.

Three languages that kept me grinning all the time I was learning them are C, Java, and Mathematica.

 

[The Borg]

Why?

 

[Rudy Toody]

C because it reminded me of the macro assembler on IBM mainframes. i can do anything in C that a computer can do.

Java because it reminded me of SmallTalk that I had briefly experimented with in the 80's.

Mathematica code is the most elegant that I have ever encountered since I started programming in 1963. It's very LISP-like without the parentheses.