03/02/2024
IF you really want to learn to program, pick up Kernighan & Ritchie "The C Programming Language" 1st or 2nd edition. Turn to page 5,
Chapter 1 A Tutorial Introduction.
1.1 Getting Started
The only way to learn a new programming language is by writing programs in it. The first program to write is the same for all languages:
print the words
hello, world.
This is the big hurdle; to leap over it you have to be able to create the program text somewhere, compile it successfully, load it, run it, and find out where your output went. With these mechanical details mastered everything else is comparatively easy.
"The C Programming Language" is a classic published in 1983 that has rarely been bettered. It is available for free download if you look in the right places, or for cheap in many secondhand stores. Expect to pay $5-$20 tops. The C language is still prominent in computers everywhere, from Linux to microwave ovens and engine controls, running the world. Understanding *how* to program a little in C gives you the insight to grasp how to use other scripting and compiled languages considered "popular" today. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_C_Programming_Language
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About John D Nash: Nash started programming in machine (binary) code at Purdue University as a Sophomore in Digital Lab (267) using the Prompt 80. His first job involved programming Motorola embedded (Smoke Signal Broadcasting 6800) systems in Basic, and his second job involved developing full authority digital engine controls, test systems, and supporting software development tools (automation process files, de-compilers, and so forth). Developing FADECs involved changing individual memory locations in binary while debugging, as well as assembly language, macro assembly language, and higher level languages. Nash can program in FORTRAN, COBOL, PASCAL, C, ADA, and related languages but his love is pseudo-C work on microcomputer devices such as the Arduino and Raspberry Pi but dabbles in CISCO too.