Where to start with learning programming?

Hi all.

I run several Wordpress and one Drupal site and I have been relying on developers for years now to develop themes, new elements, etc for them.

I have now decided to take up learning some of their skills as well.

But where to start? Should I start with learning HTML or right at PHP or something else?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

It sounds like you are a total beginner. If you're learning it just for fun, then start with basic HTML and CSS (and javascript if possible). After that, go with PHP+MYSQL. Best site to learn is http://www.w3schools.com/

But if you're serious of learning programming, whether it's web development, etc. then you should start with C/C++. Best book to read is this. And google your way through. If researching isn't your thing, it wouldn't be bad to consider taking a class.

 

Hi Rainulf. Thanks for the answer. I will start with the w3schools for now I guess.

C/C++ might be to heavy for now.

What else do I need other then an html editor on my mac? Any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

I started with PHP by examples, got interested, then read quite many tutorials, then a few books. Going for Python right now.

Text editor with syntax highlighting is just fine, ActiveState Komodo Edit (freeware) for example, in my opinion, it has the best autocompletion ever.

On Windows, my tools are Notepad++, Komodo Edit, Komodo IDE and phpDesigner - whichever I feel like using.

 

Excellent. Thanks for that iAreCow.

 

JavaScript is also going to be handy if you want to create client-side scripts. Don't get too stuck with html/css, have the basics well-learned then move on to JS, php, sql and the others.

 

Here is a preference order of web development programming languages you should follow,
HTML > CSS > PHP > SQL > C++ > Java > .NET

Some Tools:
Notepad++
w3schools.com
Eclipse PHP IDE
MS Visual Studio
NetBeans
Turbo C++

 

If you are a beginner you should start with C and it is also very interesting.
for your career wise also it is very useful. the main reason for backing c language over other is that the base of all language is "C" only. if you learn c, u can switch to any other language easily.

if you want to learn C.you can check below link

http://www.boundscheck.com/category/knowledge-base/c-cpp/

regards
harris

 

Excellent. Thanks everyone for the tips and the advice.

 

If I was really serious about learning programming I would just go to school for it.