macOS Starting Place to Learn How to Program

I recommend checking out Python, its a great starting place for learning how to program.

this comes up about once a week. Click my username or that of a lot of other frequent posters and you'll find lots of responses to threads like this.

-Lee

if you want to get into C/ObjC/Cocoa then go to http://www.cocoalab.com/ and go through their becomeanxcoder tutorial. It assumes you don't know how to program, and it's a great tutorial besides. From there you can find online resources of which there are many, you can get cocoa programming for mac os x (3rd edition), you can get information out of the apple documentation, tutorials, and examples. You can also always ask questions here.

C is probably the most common language, it's a great base language, learning a bit of it will put you in a better position to learn other languages. If you're interested in really getting into C and/or C++, go to http://www.cprogramming.com/. I used cprogramming.com before I found cocoalab and it turned out to be a great place to learn C. It's a few years out of date but it's still valid. You will have to figure out how to compile a C program in xcode though, or find another editor/compiler.

If you go the Python route this is a good free book:

How to Think Like a Computer Scientist : Learning with Python

Learning something simple, such as Python or TIBASIC (I learned how to code by fiddling around with that in Algebra), to get you thinking like a programmer is always a good route. Then you can dive into simple, base languages, such as C, at which point moving into modern Object-Oriented languages, such as Obj-C, C++, or Java, will be much easier.

But remember, don't rush things. Take it slow and make sure you learn how to do things right. There is nothing more difficult than unlearning crappy coding practices you picked up when you were first getting started.

ham_man said:

at which point moving into modern Object-Oriented languages, such as Obj-C, C++, or Java, will be much easier.

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Python is a modern object orientated language. Certainly more modern than C++ and Obj-C anyway.

I think it will help to drive you through the learning process if you have something in mind that you want to program, something that you will find interesting and fascinating enough to keep your interest up. For example you may want to create a simple game, or tool. It will also help in your selection of a language and development environment from the endless number out there. If you're good at maths then you might find the area of graphics and/or physics interesting. You could try writing a simple lunar lander game, or a fractal generator for example. The most important thing though is to have fun.

b e n

Dmac77 said:

Hey another question guys. What Should I use to write my code in? Can I use xcode, to code in Python? I was reading another thread that said that Coding in xcode can be complicated because of libraries or something like that. Some clarification on that subject would be appreciated!

Don

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I'd use IDLE if you are coding in Python. But you will need to install Xcode anyway.

Dmac77 said:

Thanks!

My eventual goal is to end up working on OS development for Apple (I can dream can't I). But for know I'm really interested in programing some dashboard widgets, and maybe working on some iPhone/iTouch apps. I picked up a book on Python today (Learning Python, By:Mark Lutz) and so far I am finding it pretty easy. Thanks for all your help!

Don

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Sounds like you need to get hold of Apple's Dashboard IDE and learn JavaScript.

JavaScript would be quite a good thing to learn anyway. Have a look at this link https://www.squarefree.com/bookmarklets/webdevel.html. Shell and jsenv are really useful and will let you play around and experiment with JavaScript easily.

b e n

Dmac77 said:

Thanks! I'll play around with Python first though, because so far I'm having very few difficulties with it, and try Javascript later on.

Don

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Hi I'm happy your doing so well. Were the same age and apparently interested in the exact same thing. And we both have the same dreams. Just a question, where can I find this book?

Cromulent said:

Python is a modern object orientated language. Certainly more modern than C++ and Obj-C anyway.

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I realize this, but I mainly suggested it because the learning curve for Python is much less steep than for C++ or Obj-C, and much easier for a beginner to tackle.