Starting over... 1

[LFI]

Hello. I took some programming classes in college, but went on to become a civil, then environmental health engineer. I would like to return to the world of computers and have begun to teach myself C.<br>
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I'm looking for advice, syllabii, anything on what direction to take. I enjoy programming, testing, and debugging. I am very conscientious about writing my code such that anyone can read it, etc.<br>
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I would prefer to NOT have to return to school (at least not more than for a few classes), so any tips anyone has would be really appreciated!<br>
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Thanks!<br>
<br>
--LookingForInfo (David)

 

[MikeLacey]

David,<br>
<br>
Welcome back to IT! Especially if you're going to be programming in a proper big boys language like C.<br>
<br>
The Nutshell series of books is particuarly good - have a look at "Practical C Programming".<br>
<br>
There seems to be a high level demand for Perl programmmers and web developers - that could also be worth a thought. (Perl is another programming language - a bit like C -- but you probably knew that)<br>
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I started in computing a bit late; my biggest problem was getting someone to take a chance on me and give me my first job -- I got 'round that by going freelance for a while and eventually one of my customers offered me a job.<br>
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Good Luck.<br>
<br>
Mike<br>

 

[LFI]

Mike,<br>
<br>
Thanks for your response! I actually did not know what Perl was. I haven't been paying attention to this field in a long time! I've been using the Sam's "Teach Yourself C in 21 Days" text and I'm finding it particularly useful. I've recently become an UN-fan of the "...for Dummies" series. They seem to be good for some things, but not for others, and it's difficult to tell if the book you're picking up is going to be a hit or miss.<br>
<br>
Anyway, thanks again for the advice!<br>
<br>
--David

 

[MikeLacey]

I forgot the "Dummies" books, they're almost always a good starting point for something you're unfamiliar with; I've got several now.

 

[Gargan]

I greatly dislike the dummies books. Sams books are almost as bad. O'Reilly and Addison/Wesley are the best you'll find.

 

[MikeLacey]

Fair comment - different styles for different people.<br>
-ml<br>

 

[prateek1234]

Well i have just joined a C and C++ progaming class and i have also tried using "How To" books, but they are very complicated at first but if you try your best, the worst book can become the best, the problem is that at the start it is very confusing and you start to mess and slowly you loose intrest, so i suggest that you join a class and also read the books at the same time then you will find it challing and fun and soon EASY!!!!

 

[derekludwig]

Never thought about an "Intro to C" book -- I used K&R.<br>
But then, I was running UNIX System 3. And I still think that Kerhigan and Richie wrote one of the better C books.<br>
<br>
There are a lot of good C books out there, get one that fits your style. But don't forget the "good programming practice" books like "Writing Solid Code" from Microsoft Press. You may not like the company, but yuo cannot argue with their success, eh?<br>
<br>
As far as C++ goes (out of forum, I realize), I have been very pleased with Bruce Eckels "Thinking in C++". I also like his "Thinking in Java" as well. [see

http://www.bruceeckels.com

for the PDFs of the books].<br>
<br>
Regards,<br>
<br>
-- Derek Ludwig<br>