Any Programmers on NT?

[capital sb]

I work from 7-4 Monday-Thursday , 7-3 on Friday with every other Friday off (9/80 schedule). I still have time to pursue my other passions.

6-7hour days means that you aren't working full time, so I guess if you can find a part time gig you will be fine.

 

[riverdale road]

I graduated with a CS degree in Dec 2003. I got through it by like someone else said pairing with classmates. Not copying but they helped me alot with understanding things I didn't know. Collaborative effort helped alot

 

[sharpshooter718]

There are a couple apps for that...

 

[istatefacts]

I'm a CS major myself, about to graduate in a couple of months. I tried learning c++ as my first language but kinda got confused and quit. When my major classes kicked in they had us doing a lot of C at first and that's a terrible way to start in my opinion.

If I were you I'd do what I wish I had done; learn java to start out. I picked it up on my own and now it's my best language. Learning that and c++ are both equally valuable, most employers generally require you to know one of the two.

I highly recommend the book Introduction to Java Programming by Y. Daniel Liang. It's really simple to understand and teaches you very well. It starts basic but gets into really advanced concepts that go beyond just language and encompasses the science behind software development as a whole. It pretty much summed up everything I learned in CS in 4 years conceptually. I couldn't possibly recommend this book enough. I have the 9th edition which I think is the most current. I torrented my copy which I won't recommend because it's illegal but I believe the book can be had for no more than $10, but that's a guess.

I also recommend googling problems you can work on based on the most recent subject you learned. And when you get the language down pretty well try and pick up Android dev. That will all be a great resume booster. 

If you have any CS related questions I'll be glad to help.

 

[tay1]

Thanks for the response.

If you could explain, what made C++ difficult and Java easier for you? Whenever I read on what's best to learn first, people would say either one.

 

[istatefacts]

Well it wasn't so much C++ was hard than it was Java was easier. C++ used to be refered to by some people as C with objects (not to be confused with objective C, two different things) because it was built upon C with added functionality. You can create classes and use the code objectively instead of relying upon structs like in C

The problem is C is kind of cryptic because it's so old. People like my mom and uncle who are also software engineers learned C first because it was cutting edge in their time. Then they learned C++ and that became their primary language. When Java came out they learned that but because it has the same use as C++ they didn't focus on it too much. Those are usually the people that say you can learn either, the old head coders.

For me Java just seemed simpler and I could pick it up faster. That also seems to be the case with most people I've taken classes with. In order to be a programmer in today's world you have to use the object oriented methodology if you want to get a job in the field. Java made that process easier for me because its so natural to code that way in Java.

In short I can't really explain it. It just seems more straight forward, more modern, and I've noticed among young coders they usually feel the same as I do. Oh yeah and using an IDE like eclipse made the process of learning to code 100x easier. You don't have to worry about making syntax errors then spending hours trying to find a misplaced character like I did learning C++. There are IDEs for C++ too but everyone starts out with Java and eclipse. I recommend that.

 

[capital sb]

I have to agree. Java is much more intuitive than C++. IMO once you learn Java you can easily learn any other language it is mainly just different syntax.

One thing I have noticed is that people that learn C++ first have a hard time understanding/learning Java and other programming languages.

 

[luckyluchiano]

Not sure if off topic but thoughts on junping into The new Swift language vs doing ObjectiveC? I would assume since swift will replace objective c for ios app dev it would be most beneficial to be ahead of the pack

 

[tay1]

Not sure if off topic but thoughts on junping into The new Swift language vs doing ObjectiveC? I would assume since swift will replace objective c for ios app dev it would be most beneficial to be ahead of the pack

Something i read from a blog on the matter

"Are you pursuing iOS development as a hobby or out of curiosity then drop Objective-C and switch to Swift. Are you pursuing iOS Development as a career? If so, then there are at least 1 million apps out there written in Objective-C"

http://blog.teamtreehouse.com/learning-swift-vs-objective-c

 

[tay1]

Well it wasn't so much C++ was hard than it was Java was easier. C++ used to be refered to by some people as C with objects (not to be confused with objective C, two different things) because it was built upon C with added functionality. You can create classes and use the code objectively instead of relying upon structs like in C

The problem is C is kind of cryptic because it's so old. People like my mom and uncle who are also software engineers learned C first because it was cutting edge in their time. Then they learned C++ and that became their primary language. When Java came out they learned that but because it has the same use as C++ they didn't focus on it too much. Those are usually the people that say you can learn either, the old head coders.

For me Java just seemed simpler and I could pick it up faster. That also seems to be the case with most people I've taken classes with. In order to be a programmer in today's world you have to use the object oriented methodology if you want to get a job in the field. Java made that process easier for me because its so natural to code that way in Java.

In short I can't really explain it. It just seems more straight forward, more modern, and I've noticed among young coders they usually feel the same as I do. Oh yeah and using an IDE like eclipse made the process of learning to code 100x easier. You don't have to worry about making syntax errors then spending hours trying to find a misplaced character like I did learning C++. There are IDEs for C++ too but everyone starts out with Java and eclipse. I recommend that.

I have to agree. Java is much more intuitive than C++. IMO once you learn Java you can easily learn any other language it is mainly just different syntax.

One thing I have noticed is that people that learn C++ first have a hard time understanding/learning Java and other programming languages.

I could understand if that were the case. I want to learn to create Android apps, and I'll be working on Java soon, but everytime I asked or read, it was recommended for either, but I found more recommendations for c++. Also, I think it depends on how you're learning the material as well. Some books and teachers are better than others, which is what I'm finding out now.

 

[Top Boy]

For those of you that plan on starting on Java, I highly recommend InfiniteSkills video tutorials.

I'm taking a Java course concurrently as I self-teach and ive been killing it. The videos are thorough in their explanations and the concepts they introduce you to are built upon with multiple working files towards the end of its specified chapter.

They have a Basic Java video course, and an Advanced Java video course.

Good luck NT brethren

 

 

[fantastic4our]

I'm a CS major myself, about to graduate in a couple of months. I tried learning c++ as my first language but kinda got confused and quit. When my major classes kicked in they had us doing a lot of C at first and that's a terrible way to start in my opinion.

If I were you I'd do what I wish I had done; learn java to start out. I picked it up on my own and now it's my best language. Learning that and c++ are both equally valuable, most employers generally require you to know one of the two.

I highly recommend the book Introduction to Java Programming by Y. Daniel Liang. It's really simple to understand and teaches you very well. It starts basic but gets into really advanced concepts that go beyond just language and encompasses the science behind software development as a whole. It pretty much summed up everything I learned in CS in 4 years conceptually. I couldn't possibly recommend this book enough. I have the 9th edition which I think is the most current. I torrented my copy which I won't recommend because it's illegal but I believe the book can be had for no more than $10, but that's a guess.

I also recommend googling problems you can work on based on the most recent subject you learned. And when you get the language down pretty well try and pick up Android dev. That will all be a great resume booster. 

If you have any CS related questions I'll be glad to help.

Will have to check this out. Been thinking about learning a language. I took a C++ class in college but I didn't really get it.

 

[istatefacts]

I think the reason most people are recommending C++ is because there are still a lot of people out there who learned that first and you're always partial to your first language. My university tried to teach me C++ and it didn't really stick. Java was way easier.

You can always learn both though I wouldn't necessarily recommend that. They are both used for the same thing and it would probably be a better use of time to learn one then move on to languages with different applications. Whichever you pick there is no wrong answer. Personally I just think Java is easier.

For the objective C vs swift debate, I'm sure there will be a time when you need to know swift. But I just got a job with a company where I'll be doing iOS development so I'll be learning objective c soon. I'd sayif your really serious about iOS then learn both. If not then I'd lean towards swift but either works

 

[luckyluchiano]

I think the reason most people are recommending C++ is because there are still a lot of people out there who learned that first and you're always partial to your first language. My university tried to teach me C++ and it didn't really stick. Java was way easier.

You can always learn both though I wouldn't necessarily recommend that. They are both used for the same thing and it would probably be a better use of time to learn one then move on to languages with different applications. Whichever you pick there is no wrong answer. Personally I just think Java is easier.

For the objective C vs swift debate, I'm sure there will be a time when you need to know swift. But I just got a job with a company where I'll be doing iOS development so I'll be learning objective c soon. I'd sayif your really serious about iOS then learn both. If not then I'd lean towards swift but either works

I hear that when you learn swift you will have more confidence to go back and learn objective c, the thing is objective c will he obsolete in the future as swift is meant to replace it

 

[tay1]

They may share fundamental concepts, but I'm not sure if learning one will help with the other. Employers now will most likely require Objective C. Over time, swift may take over.

 

[capital sb]

Go with Objective C first then learn Swift. Companies will not starting coding everything in Swift just yet.

 

[HankHill]

Is C++ even used widely across industry?

I personally would recommend you learn Java instead. The other option is to look at the curriculum for whatever school you plan to attend and see what languages their classes are in. The only languages I learned in school were Python for intro, and the higher level courses were in Java and C.

 

[capital sb]

A lot of teams still use C++. Almost every position I applied for used C++ as the main language.

At my current position we use C++ for embedded systems programming.

To me it seems like it is better to learn Java first, but you will most likely be using C++ in the real world. Definitely learn both !

 

[tay1]

Is C++ even used widely across industry?

I personally would recommend you learn Java instead. The other option is to look at the curriculum for whatever school you plan to attend and see what languages their classes are in. The only languages I learned in school were Python for intro, and the higher level courses were in Java and C.

These are the most popular languages in order
1. C

2. Java

3. Objective C

4. C++

5. C#

I'm starting to think I should change since you guys are saying it's easier to learn first. I had problems learning certain aspects of c++ from this book I was using, along with several sites. Now, I'm watching these tutorials from this guy thenewbostom on youtube that someone pm'd me, and I'm understanding everything so far with no difficulty at all.

 

[luckyluchiano]

Go with Objective C first then learn Swift. Companies will not starting coding everything in Swift just yet.

This isn't for employment but more so a side thing I`m looking to do. I was thinking of getting into Java and Android Dev but iOS is way more polished, and from what I read Apple makes it less stressful for their devs. Also iOS dev is more profitable, while Android Dev will touch more people.

 

[tay1]

This isn't for employment but more so a side thing I`m looking to do. I was thinking of getting into Java and Android Dev but iOS is way more polished, and from what I read Apple makes it less stressful for their devs. Also iOS dev is more profitable, while Android Dev will touch more people.

In that link I posted, the authors said if it's for a hobby, learn Swift. And in that case It makes sense seeing how since it's a newer language, it may have more modern techniques and stuff like that.

 

[capital sb]

This isn't for employment but more so a side thing I`m looking to do. I was thinking of getting into Java and Android Dev but iOS is way more polished, and from what I read Apple makes it less stressful for their devs. Also iOS dev is more profitable, while Android Dev will touch more people.

My comment was directed towards Tay. I agree with you if you are doing strictly iOS dev though.

That app money is real goodluck man

 

[tay1]

How is Android more stressful? Is it because of the fragmentation?

And why  is Apple more profitable?

 

[istatefacts]

Android is easier to get started/less stressful. That said I wouldn't attempt it until you've got Java down well.

As far as older languages still being used, you can't just rewrite entire systems written in a language. You have to maintain what's already there.

 

[istatefacts]

The reason Apple is more profitable is kind of a more complex demographic thing and less to do with coding. Though it could also be that people tend to charge for apps more often on iTunes because Apple has a reoccurring cost to publish you app while Google play has a one time small fee