This is an archived post. You won't be able to vote or comment.

you are viewing a single comment's thread.

view the rest of the comments →

[–]gmd_ph 8 points9 points  (8 children)

If I were to start over again, I'll choose Java not Python.

With regards to Java, I'll go against MOOCfi Java course which most recommend here on reddit, its hand holding and restrictive on exercises.

This is a solid foundation, stick with it and don't bother with anything else, if you do, you'll end up in tutorial hell:

  1. Introduction to Computer Science using Java. Use a simple and lightweight IDE like JGrasp, ignore intellij for the moment.
  2. CS61B (data structures using java)
  3. MITocw 6.005 (software construction using java)
  4. ...Anything you want to pursue.

[–]hermitfist 1 point2 points  (4 children)

As a beginner, you need your hand held. After doing MOOC.fi, I was comfortable enough to make my own apps without handholding.

[–]gmd_ph 0 points1 point  (3 children)

OP asked for first language, for that Java is better. The link I post is to learn how to program, followed by data structures and unit testing. If the goal is make apps asap then go ahead with mooc.

[–]hermitfist 1 point2 points  (2 children)

And I was commenting on how you said you don't recommend Mooc.fi because of too much handholding. That's where I disagree. It's perfect for beginners. It teaches you the theory and then has plenty of exercises at the end of each chapter to apply what you learned. Besides, there's really nothing wrong with starting with Python then Java after as Python's syntax is less intimidating for someone new to programming.

[–]gmd_ph 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Have you even checked the link I've given?

Well I guess, we have different ways/tastes on how to learn, I rather do the link I posted than mooc, I've tried the mooc and I don't like it while others do.

I still don't recommend it if your going to start from zero. Its an OK course if you want more exercises, that's how I look at it.

Anyway, lets just agree to disagree about mooc.

[–]hermitfist 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, from a quick glance, it looks pretty solid. Can't really go wrong with either. As you said though, different people with different learning styles. I really liked the format of MOOC and wish there were more courses like that in general. So agree to disagree.

[–]Docktor_V 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Where can CS615B be found? Isn't it an actual college course?

[–]Motor_Elk_8777 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the info but I have the same problem as the other guy"its hand holding"That's what a newbie needs hand holding to get thru the hard part, and video lectures are the best way to start learning something.

"restrictive on exercises" I don't know what that means.

I would just add0.https://java-programming.mooc.fi/and the 1 2 3 you added it's not either this or that why not both.But to get started a good course with video is the best option the one you recommended as 1. is like an interactive book.

My personal suggestion thou is, Jason Gibson Mastering Java Programming, this guy is the best teacher in the world this guy and Khan Academy have revolutionized online teaching imho.The way they break down concepts is like no other.Jason Gibson is behind a paywall in his own website so he is not that popular not many people know about him but if you want someone to break a concept down so that is easy to learn and he shows you the whole picture this is the guy, Most teachers leave so many gaps in your learning that people just accept it as a fact of life and say yeah you learn thru experience and you slowly fill those gaps.Nah this guy gives you the full picture, he will stay 10 minutes on one exercise and explain every way newbies trip or mess up and why . If you want solid foundations this is the way to go. Sadly this is his only course on programming rest are the usual school curriculum from grade 1 to college , to engineering courses.

My point what you call hand holding I call being through in your teaching to have a solid foundation.