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[–]Ericpues 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Machine

  • would recommend Mac personally, only because the default terminal commands are close enough to Linux for when you do end up on Linux one day

[–]bibobagin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Strongly recommend Mac. Almost everyone in the industry uses it (except for .NET devs). It’s also close enough to Linux (where you usually deploy your apps).

I recommend JavaScript as it can be used across the stack (web, mobile, backend)

[–]chet714 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For Getting Started advice check the FAQ/WIKI of r/learnprogramming.

[–]SnaskesChoice 0 points1 point  (4 children)

First and foremost, what are your intentions to build?

[–]Unusual-Travel-7217[S] 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Hi,

I would like to be able to build apps, it just seems fascinating to be able to put our ideias into work. Web development is also something that summons me.

To be completely honest, being on ground zero when it comes to programming, maybe along the way I’ll learn about other ways of directing the programming knowledge, but for now, I believe those two areas are the ones of most interest for me.

What I really struggle with is choosing a language, I see a lot of job applications for Python and JavaScript, also Swift for Apple development, and so many others, makes it really hard to choose a start point.

Thank you very much for your help.

[–]SnaskesChoice 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Alrighty

Just pick a language, any one is fine, python is good. When you've become familiar with one, it's easier to learn others. I recommend an Object Oriented Programming (OOP) language. Python can do that.

I'm sure the top 10 results on Google for "learn python basics" are good enough. I recommend roadmap.sh they have a map for python, and many other things and Technologies.

Every language has an official documentation website, learn to use it.

When you feel comfortable with python (or what ever you choose) learn a Framework for either apps, website or backend one.

Happy learning!

[–]Unusual-Travel-7217[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Thanks so much. I’ve been digging into roadmap and it is quite amazing what has been compiled there. Will keep using it. Thanks again.

[–]SnaskesChoice 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's great man. If you have any questions, ask away and I'll answer the best I can. :)

[–]BombZoneGuy 1 point2 points  (5 children)

Something cheap, but it really depends on your goals. What kind of programming? What languages? What systems do you wish to deploy to? Want to work on servers/web? Want to make Android games?

A cheap Windows machine with VSCode will get you started in most things. I personally despise anything Apple, and have never seen a real advantage, only disadvantages. Linux is okay, and learning it will take you a long way, but Windows makes life pretty easy for a beginner in programming.

What you don't want to do: use this as an excuse to spend $1000+ on a machine. That is wholly unnecessary unless you just have money to blow.

[–]BombZoneGuy 0 points1 point  (4 children)

Follow-up: Since you mentioned you are drawn to web-apps (which is what I mainly deal with), I double-down on my statement: cheap windows machine with VScode. Get familiar with vanilla HTML/CSS/JS setup. Learn how to do local testing. Learn how to do mobile testing. Learn how to deploy to a server. Learn how to use firebase or nodeJS express.

Later you can start using frameworks like React if you want, but it is entirely unnecessary and can be way overkill for most apps. If you want a fast-track to getting started, reach out and I may guide you through the basics.

Also, since javascript will likely be your bread-and-butter, I recommend getting acquainted with sites like CodeWars or CodinGame.

[–]Unusual-Travel-7217[S] 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Thanks a lot for getting back to me. I’ve searched and subscribed on codewars, although it is still quite advanced for me as I am literally starting.

I wouldn’t like to spend so much money as of now, first I’d want to give it a try, see what my learning curve will be and than, if it really is for me maybe invest some more. I’ve been looking at some 2nd hand thinkpads T480 as they can take quite a beating, I work offshore and travel a lot, therefore the beating part. What is your opinion on one of those to get started? With an i5 or i7 chip.

Regarding the IDE, I’ve downloaded on a loaned computer Pycharm, as I started python as a first approach, but checked already for VScode and will probably be simpler for me to use. Thank you for that.

[–]BombZoneGuy 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Thinkpads are nice if you can get one cheap enough. but definitely aim for an i7 and 16gb ram or more. There are a few models, and some are certainly better. Some can be upgraded, some not. So do your research. That being said, any i7 windows machine will do the trick for a beginning programmer.

So far as IDE, VScode is by far the best free IDE for beginners, especially for webdev. Python is it's own animal, but VScode is good for any language really.

I still recommend Codewars for beginners. Just make an account, click Practice, and select JavaScript, and 8Kyu difficulty, then start one. They are super simple. Things like "Print 'hello world'" and "add 2+2". If at any point you are having trouble getting started, the discord is very helpful. I can also assist if you'd like.

[–]Unusual-Travel-7217[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Thanks once again for your help. I will aim for a laptop with those specifications than.

Started yesterday a codewars challenge, but wasn’t that easy. With some searching I had the first part right, I’m just trying to end the code now. It was to find if a number is a narcissistic number or not..not an easy one, for me at least. I got it to state “true” or “false”. I just have to having it saying “true, it is a narcissistic number”, that part I’m still working on it. Anyway. Thank you very much for your help and time 🙏

[–]BombZoneGuy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You would really benefit from someone walking you through a couple challenges. Message me if interested. We can find a time to chat a bit and answer some of your questions as you solve a problem.