macOS Starting Point on the programming journey

[szolr]

I am really completely new to programming.

I mean I've built websites and used PHP a little, but wouldn't describe myself as knowing PHP. I've written stuff in C but it was basically following step by step instructions. I've also followed the Xcode basic tutorials and built the hello world app and converter app. But frankly, I didn't understand what I was doing most of the time at all. It was a miracle I managed to get the end result I did.

But I want to learn how to work in Xcode with familiarity. That uses the Cocoa API right? However I guess Objective C isn't the best language to dive into as a starting point. I hear Python's a recommended starting point nowadays. And Objective C is a derivative of C, so I'd maybe need a bit more knowledge of C too?

So where on earth do I start? Any book recommendation to start my programming learning curve. A not massively steep learning curve would be lovely but I recognise effort is needed and am willing to put that in.

 

[lee1210]

Objective-C is a fine place to start. I think C skills are important, but there are books that teach you what you need as they teach Objective-C. A popular choice is Programming in Objective 2.0 by Stephen Kochan. There are others, a list is in the "Getting Started..." link at the top of the forum. Just pick something and start. The sooner you start the better, you won't be irreparably damaged by any sane choice.

-Lee

 

[Shawnpk]

Personally, I started with the Apress books on C and Objective-C and the Big Nerd Ranch books. I thought both series were great for a beginner.

 

[balamw]

Objective-C is a fine place to start. I think C skills are important, but there are books that teach you what you need as they teach Objective-C. A popular choice is Programming in Objective 2.0 by Stephen Kochan.

Aaron Hillegass' new book on Objective-C http://www.amazon.com/Objective-C-Programming-Ranch-Guide-Guides/dp/0321706285 follows the more traditional C then Objective-C approach, but condenses it all down to only ~80 pages of C.

I like the depth of Kochan better, but if that doesn't resonate with you for one reason or another try Hillegass and if that doesn't work fall back to "Learn C on the Mac".

B

 

[szolr]

Thanks for all the advice. Looks like I'll start straight off with Objective C then. I'll check out the recommended books.

 

[larswik]

If Objective C is to hard start off with this C book that was great for me, Learn C on the Mac.