Hi everyone, My apologies if this isn't the right sub-forum for this question! I'm looking into learning how to program. I've been using HTML and CSS for over a decade now but I've never moved passed that. My question is where should I begin? I'm currently reading up on PHP and MySQL but I'd like to do this right. Here's what I would like to accomplish. As a seasoned web designer I'd like to be able to design more than just the front-end of a website with HTML and CSS. In this case I assume that I should look into PHP, MySQL, Javascript, ASP and more. Additionally I'd like to move beyond just websites and learn how to create applications and games. Whether they be for the web, or mobile devices like Android and iOS. Where should I start? Is there a programming language I should learn first that will assist me in learning others? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
It all depends on what platforms you want to be able to program on. You don't need to be looking at PHP and ASP.Net as these both achieve the same goals and you'd be better off being a master of one than OK at several. If your wanting to go for offline programming then .Net may be an option as you can use this for both websites in the form of ASP.Net or desktop/ server applications. The downside of cause is that they are restricted to the Windows platform (predominately, Mono partially allows you to use .Net on other platforms). Some other desktop languages can be partially moved online like Ruby (RoR). You need to decide what your ultimate goals are. If your wanting to be a web developer or website owner then go for the mass market PHP as you'll get the most free code & examples. If you want to be employed by blue chip companies in the future (eg Banks) then .Net or Java will be more useful to you.
Have you thought about mobile programming? Android is open, and all the resources are free.. and you learn the Java programming language.. and there are many distribution options.. meaning you can sell your wares right away.. a lot of apps are small.. most projects are manageable by one person.. Then you can move on to more complex things..
Hey bro my advice for you is pretty simple. Go find your self a problem or something to create. And on your case begin with simple project. Like, creating a Message board or online guest book. Learn how to add, edit, delete and update data on a MySQL database using PHP and I bet you already how to design a user interface, adding textbox, buttons and etc... So where can you learn php programming? Google or here http://www.w3schools.com/php/default.asp With this kind a project you learn so many things with a real life flavor. just my 2 cents..... Goodluck bro... and happy coding......
Try this tutorial before you go through w3schools: http://devzone.zend.com/article/625 It will get you doing some cool stuff right off the bat.
@AstarothSolutions At my job we use classic ASP, but soon we're moving to .NET. I'm the frontend developer, but I'd like to have a basic understanding of .NET so that I can contribute with the backend developers. However, in my free time as a freelancer I think I'm going to focus on learning Javascript first and then move onto PHP and MySQL. @webbmaster I was actually looking at developing for iOS, but Android is of course right up there. I'm not too keen on learning Java or Objective-C right now though because I feel it might box me in and limit me. Whereas Javascript and PHP have a much wider range of use. At least that's what I've gathered. Ultimately though I'd live to develop apps for mobile. @real_skinner and @SamT Thanks for the helpful links! I'll give them a look.
why do not you start here http://www.w3schools.com/js/default.asp first to learn JavaScript? and then here http://www.w3schools.com/php/default.asp to learn php ? My advice is that you start with Javascript and learn it first as you're going to be bored if you just jump from xhtml/css to php Regards
hi, First learn html. And then move on to php. Since php is nothing without general logics and html designing.
buddy, you are on right track with php and mysql. its easy compared to object oriented languages and its market remains unfazed even in crisis.
I think java is a good choice. The object-oriented programming is popular,and java is easy to study, you can develop android when you master it.so i think mobile develop is so cool and wonderful.
agree with quazi, learn JAVA or PHP You will find a lot of tutorials/books/templates on the net to start with MySQL is essential for mid-to-large size projects, so, you will have to learn it too. Everything looks complicated when you start, but it's a matter of practice, be patient good luck
Learning any Object Orientated Design languages would be good. Once you know one, you tend to pick up the others really quick. I learnt C first, then Java and now learning Python and C# as I work.
I like to comment on the "box in" part. I remember when I was in my undergraduate years, the introduction of programming was taught in "Pascal". Do you know what that is? Yes, a very ancient functional programming language. Then Object-Oriented is all the rage. Now, we have Design by Pattern, Agile programming (or fast prototyping)... What I tried to say is, it does not matter what language you choose, you will learn the programming principle, and art of software design, which is very much the same. Android uses Java, which is standard in many undergraduate computer science. It was C/C++. C++ still widely taught. Then C#.. I simply can not keep up with all the new trends. So in the web client side, PHP/AJAX, on the mobile device, Java and iPhone Object-C. I see Android programmer is highly sought after.. $90k-$100k / yr jobs posted all the time!
Hi..... I think first you should decide that which platform you want to learn. and you are familiar with HTML and CSS, For that I suggest you .Net Platfrom..which is very good to begin. Web Designer | Real Estate Web Design
It's actually very impractical to just read several books and dozens of web tutorials on PHP, MySQL and Javascript and hope you'll be an expert. The best way is to learn is to actually do an hands-on project and work while you learn. My advice to you would be to try to create a web app you have in mind and learn as you go. This will not only help you get hands-on experience in actual programming but will also teach you the do's and do-not's of programming.