Thread: how to start

  1. #1
    Registered User iprecious's Avatar
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    how to start

    Hi to everyone out there!!!


    a couple of days ago I decided to start programming.

    I'm using a Mac+iPhone, therefore that's where I'm aiming at.

    BUT: up to now I'm quite at loss, where to start.

    Should I start with bash-scripting? Should I start with C in order to get into Objective-C?

    Up to now I got into MatLab-programming, I had to deal with prolog and also a bit of AppleScript.

    Now I need some advice!!!

    What would you recommend?

    Basically I know how vars, functions etc. work, I've got a VERY rough clue how programming works in general, now I should get an idea where to start.

    I hope, I posted that thread to the right board, if not: could an admin please move the thread to the most suitable one?


    All the best

    joh

  2. #2
    spurious conceit MK27's Avatar
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    I would go straight to obj-C if you can find a beginner book on it (there must be such a thing). Unfortunately we don't deal with that here, but there are Mac programming forums around.
    C programming resources:
    GNU C Function and Macro Index -- glibc reference manual
    The C Book -- nice online learner guide
    Current ISO draft standard
    CCAN -- new CPAN like open source library repository
    3 (different) GNU debugger tutorials: #1 -- #2 -- #3
    cpwiki -- our wiki on sourceforge

  3. #3
    Registered User iprecious's Avatar
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    hi mk27!!!

    1st of all: thanks for the VERY quick reply!!!

    I'm just in doubt, because the message I caught up across the net was, that obj-c is heavily based on c, so it's very useful to get a bit into the latter.

    Basically I've git the problem that I dont really know WHERE to start. I know that I can get into a "language" quite quickly but what I miss are some very useful essentials.

    For example: What's the difference (from a structural point of view) between bash-scripting and writing some code in c/obj-c?

    Actually I need a lot of VERY basics combined with the right language.

    Up to now I got the "programming in c" book by Richie and Kernighan, just as a little starter. After that I've got some video-tutorials in the iphone-sdk etc.

    I'm just looking for the most ... "productive" way to start that whole thing.


    Thanks again

    joh

  4. #4
    (?<!re)tired Mario F.'s Avatar
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    As MK says.

    Avoid trying to learn Objective-C through an initial apprenticeship in C. It will probably get you confused; once you get a little more comfortable with C you will want to switch to Objective-C and this is something that only someone more experienced should do. Instead, if you dive in straight to Objective-C you will not have to go through this lengthier process.

    Besides, Obj-C is really the programming language going big in the Apple platform. When you feel the need to use C on generic applications, you will probably already be well advanced in your knowledge of Objective-C and it will come much more naturally to you.

    Of course, I wouldn't end this post without telling you not to develop for Apple. Go for a platform that actually lets you use your programming languages of choice and doesn't force you to use their APIs if you want to sell your software on the App Store. But hey, have fun and good luck.
    Originally Posted by brewbuck:
    Reimplementing a large system in another language to get a 25% performance boost is nonsense. It would be cheaper to just get a computer which is 25% faster.

  5. #5
    Registered User iprecious's Avatar
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    aaaaalright, number 2 pointing me in (the right) direction?

    I will never programm to earn money. All I do is and will be completely free to use.

    Therefore: I dont give a ........ what Apple's planing me to do. Apps can find their war to an iphone circumpassing the appstore so that shouldnt be a problem.

    My mayor aim is as follows: do what I want. Meaning programming thingies that do things I need. If anyone else can use them: everything will be given as a present

    I was/am just a bit thoughtful becuase I dont know where my way might go to.

    I wil certainly stick to OSX as - to my opinion - there's no OS that's so intuitive AND custimziable as that one.

    Thanks VERY much for your help!!!!!

    I'll try to get an obj-c-book noow and start getting throught that. But of course: only if noone else has some point against it. I'm still a bit afraif of waisting time, simply cause that's one of the most precious things I have ...

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