Thread: Beginners FAQ

  1. #1
    The Defective GRAPE Lurker's Avatar
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    Beginners FAQ

    I'm the new mod of a site a guy created for web and computer development. I created a basic C FAQ, but I think it's way too advanced for a beginner. Is it just me? What do you think? The FAQ is here. Thanks !
    Do not make direct eye contact with me.

  2. #2
    5|-|1+|-|34|) ober's Avatar
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    AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

    I can't take it anymore. Installing a bulletin board is NOT considered "creating a web site". And making a POST in that board should NOT be considered a good place for an FAQ either.

  3. #3
    Code Goddess Prelude's Avatar
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    >but I think it's way too advanced for a beginner
    The topic isn't, but the way you go about explaining it can be confusing. You use a lot of standard programming terminology without defining it. Remember that your target audience has no knowledge of programming, so you can't assume that they'll understand any words you take for granted (like 'parameter').

    >What do you think?
    Not bad.
    My best code is written with the delete key.

  4. #4
    & the hat of GPL slaying Thantos's Avatar
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    I can't take it anymore. Installing a bulletin board is NOT considered "creating a web site".
    Double that sentiment if its phpbb. But dude they have one page setup at the root directory.

  5. #5
    5|-|1+|-|34|) ober's Avatar
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    I hadn't even considered that part of the site because it's ****ing HIDEOUS and worthless to boot.

  6. #6
    & the hat of GPL slaying Thantos's Avatar
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    Sorry I used the wrong smiley. It should have been

    And I thought I was bad at webpage design. At least I know it and don't try to make it a business.

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    Well, the link didnt work for me, but assume your audience knows NOTHING...like it is someone that just bought their first computer, signed onto the intarweb with AOL and is reading this. On the flip side don't spend too much time teaching the basics of computer terms and what not so the programmer reading it for reference has a use for it.

    Second, the people you should first be asking is people that are not programmers, not for the material but if they can read a bit of it and understand what's going on because as confusing of a guide you may read we will tend to peice it together to understand what's going...afterall we already know the language and peice together more complicated stuff when we are given old code. So, perhaps you should head to a non programming forums and start posting...anyways I am rambling again so I will just finish this the way it is.

  8. #8
    The Defective GRAPE Lurker's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Prelude
    >but I think it's way too advanced for a beginner
    The topic isn't, but the way you go about explaining it can be confusing. You use a lot of standard programming terminology without defining it.
    That's what I meant.
    Quote Originally Posted by Prelude
    Remember that your target audience has no knowledge of programming, so you can't assume that they'll understand any words you take for granted (like 'parameter').
    You're right, but how can I add those without getting even more confusing?
    Quote Originally Posted by Prelude
    >What do you think?
    Not bad.
    Thanks.
    Do not make direct eye contact with me.

  9. #9
    The Defective GRAPE Lurker's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Thantos
    Sorry I used the wrong smiley. It should have been

    And I thought I was bad at webpage design. At least I know it and don't try to make it a business.
    I know - this guy's a little off his rocker. But hey, why pass up a chance for moderator? I said create a website because he signed up for a domain, paid money (I would think), and created a page and set up a forum.
    Do not make direct eye contact with me.

  10. #10
    Code Goddess Prelude's Avatar
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    >but how can I add those without getting even more confusing?
    You only use terminology that you have to, and then define it in terms that the target audience will understand before using it. For example:

    "A variable is a little box that holds things. Boxes are categorized by what they hold, called the type. So a box of int (short for integer) holds numbers. The boxes are called variables because you can take things out of a box and put other things of the same type in."
    My best code is written with the delete key.

  11. #11
    C++ Developer XSquared's Avatar
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    And typecasting is when you use a hammer to make something of another type go into the box.
    Naturally I didn't feel inspired enough to read all the links for you, since I already slaved away for long hours under a blistering sun pressing the search button after typing four whole words! - Quzah

    You. Fetch me my copy of the Wall Street Journal. You two, fight to the death - Stewie

  12. #12
    & the hat of GPL slaying Thantos's Avatar
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    I was thinking more along the lines of a weilding gun

  13. #13
    C++ Developer XSquared's Avatar
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    But how would you fit an 8-byte double into a 4-byte float with a welding torch? A plasma torch on the other hand...
    Naturally I didn't feel inspired enough to read all the links for you, since I already slaved away for long hours under a blistering sun pressing the search button after typing four whole words! - Quzah

    You. Fetch me my copy of the Wall Street Journal. You two, fight to the death - Stewie

  14. #14
    Redundantly Redundant RoD's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Thantos
    Double that sentiment if its phpbb. But dude they have one page setup at the root directory.
    hey you kiss my ass that smf really sucks. Real men dont use smf :P

  15. #15
    & the hat of GPL slaying Thantos's Avatar
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    Script kiddies use phpbb

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