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Re:Ask HN: Okay okay, I'll learn to program...now what? by dpcan on Tuesday August 17, 2010 @12:53AM (#1610308)
Pick a project first, something that you would love to FINISH. Then research the best language to use to reach that goal.

That being said, when I started, I made due with what I had. QBasic. Then a borland C compiler. Then Java. And then I just started experimenting.

It didn't matter to me, I just loved to create things.

Bottom line... you have to love building a complicated puzzle and you have to be able to drive yourself to finish a project.

This "okay okay" business basically says to me.... you're in trouble already.

Re:Ask HN: Okay okay, I'll learn to program...now what? by danilocampos on Tuesday August 17, 2010 @03:49AM (#1610534)
Yes, yes, yes! This is exactly it. Reading through programming books and tutorials gets really dull. You need a reason, a cause, a mission. Come up with a project that excites you and learn around that. This makes the tough slog worth it and drives you toward interesting challenges you might not otherwise pick up.
Re:Ask HN: Okay okay, I'll learn to program...now what? by weaksauce on Tuesday August 17, 2010 @01:11AM (#1610333)
Damn iPad and my fat fingers voted you down. Sorry mate. Good advice otherwise. Once I get off my iPad I'll search for the python tetris project that is pretty good for people in his situation. I agree a project is essential.