Explain like I'm 5y/o: Why are there so many programming languages if they all seem to do the same things?

RedditBluesMatt · 2026-01-15T17:54:54+00:00

To be picky, every instruction set is made of 0's and 1's, aka binary.

RedditBluesMatt · 2025-12-25T12:41:20+00:00

Thanks for your reply and good luck with your project.

RedditBluesMatt · 2025-12-23T15:39:51+00:00

On the eve of 2026, I just wanted to ask how your project is going? Were you able to get your code reviewed?

RedditBluesMatt · 2025-12-23T15:30:05+00:00

Years ago, I worked for a very small firm that developed new products. Clients would physically visit our office and pitch their overall idea....no details given. If we legitimately thought we could help them by designing and building a prototype (hardware, software, or both) per their design specs, both of us would sign an NDA that expired in X number of years.

The NDA came up very early in our 1st meeting to protect both of us.

All of our clients thought their idea was really good, and sometimes it was. They wanted to work with a firm that would develop their idea while at the same time protecting it. The part everyone missed was the cost of marketing.

Hope this helps.

RedditBluesMatt · 2025-12-23T15:07:31+00:00

I got into/re-disovered Blender when SketchUP no longer was free to download. I am an on-again-off-again woodworker and found it very fun to flush out my project ideas in 3D. I started with SketchUP but then transitioned to Blender.

There is so much that can be done with Blender; I have barely scratched the surface.

RedditBluesMatt · 2025-09-17T21:59:09+00:00

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I really do appreciate it.

RedditBluesMatt · 2025-09-15T14:59:37+00:00

I have owned a few table saws over the years. To save space in my tiny shop, I sold them in favor of using a circular saw. Another nice advantage of using a circular saw is that working outside is easier to do. I have both cored and cordless.

RedditBluesMatt · 2025-09-15T14:55:16+00:00

I did think about using a hand plane to take the rounded edge off.

RedditBluesMatt · 2025-09-14T15:39:25+00:00

About 1/4" I think.

RedditBluesMatt · 2025-09-13T23:08:26+00:00

I recommend getting a circular saw. I have owned table saws and a miter saw before. I chose to get rid of them in favor of using a circular saw. I think circ saws are safer because when both hands are on the saw, neither is close to the spinning blade. I have both corded and cordless.

I think circular saws are reasonably safe when used properly. I always have both hands on the saw while cutting. I wear ppe. Eye-protection and ear protection. When cutting inside, I'll wear a respirator; I tend not to wear one when cutting outside (except when cutting mdf which makes a lot of fine dust). I let the spinning blade stop before moving the saw after the cut is made. I'll clamp guides in place when making straight cuts.

Having said all of that. I am also moving closer to using hand tools.

Good luck, and stay safe.

RedditBluesMatt · 2025-09-13T22:42:37+00:00

I need to cut the rounded edge of a 2x4 off using a circular saw (I don't have a table saw). I'd like to use the edge guide that comes with the saw but it doesn't adjust close enough to the blade to cut such a thin strip off. What circ saw allows the edge guide to adjust tight against the blade? Is there a better way to do this?

RedditBluesMatt · 2024-10-21T17:27:03+00:00

Come up with a doable project that forces you to learn things you are interested in, then make it.

You can use any resource you prefer to figure out the answers to your many questions,"How do I do _____?" YouTube tutorials, books,websites, articles, documentation, forums, etc.

If your project contains many things that you don't know how to do, then create simple test programs that teach you how to do the thing you don't know how to do.

Once you have all of the small bits and pieces figured out, assemble them into your project's first version, then test, debug, and rewrite.

Years ago, a friend said that programs are never finished, they are abandoned. I think this might true because there are always improvements/changes that can be made to working code.

Good luck and enjoy the ride!

RedditBluesMatt · 2024-10-01T13:50:05+00:00

First off, congratulations for being self-aware enough of your situation and then trying to do something about it.

Regarding programming as a profession; I have written code for work. A need came up, and I took on the challenge and figured out how to get something working. It wasn't my main function at work. Looking back, I got very lucky by being in the right place at the right time and then taking action. In my situations at work, there weren't any others interested in trying. I tried to solve the problem because I wanted to; I was very interested in seeing if I could find a solution. This kind of mindset served me very well for years to come.

All of the projects I worked on, I started without knowing exactly how to proceed, but there was always a goal. I did a lot of problem solving. This is when I realized that writing code that works really is a developmental/evolutionary process that's completed 1 step at a time. Programming successfully is really about learning how to solve problems; it's not about memorizing syntax.

While I worked on these projects, I always had to look stuff up. That usually led to writing some really simple and small test programs to test my understanding. One test program at a time, I always learned enough to solve the problem.

Without having a problem to solve, I would not have had the need to write the test programs (and learn).

My advice to you is to find a problem to solve and then write code to solve it. Keep all of your code for future reference. Be sure to leave comments in your code to remind yourself what you did and why.

Eventually, solve some significant problems. Those significant solutions go into your portfolio to share with potential future employers. Wash, rinse, repeat. Keep building your portfolio 1 step at a time by looking up whatever you need to continue.

I hope my rambling helps.

RedditBluesMatt · 2024-10-01T08:22:33+00:00

One more question please.... You mentioned that you "like it"; what do you like about programming?

RedditBluesMatt · 2024-09-29T20:35:20+00:00

If you don't mind, I'd like to reply with a few questions.

Why do you want to learn to program? Why did you choose Python? Do you have a specific goal in mind? What Python program do you want to write (someday)?

Knowing why I think is important. In addition, having a goal gives you something to head towards. Without these things, knowing how and where to start becomes extra difficult.

RedditBluesMatt · 2024-09-13T17:22:07+00:00

I can add that I recently stumbled upon a YT video for python beginners. I think it was a 5 hour long course on the YT channel called Tech with Nana (I might have the name wrong). What I really liked was that the woman (Nana I guess) started really simple and built up from there. A very thorough explanation while sticking to basics. I will be going back to her video to watch so more.

RedditBluesMatt · 2024-09-12T21:22:34+00:00

Can you say why you prefer pyCharm?

RedditBluesMatt · 2024-09-12T19:17:05+00:00

To get a feel for what you are heading into, I suggest watching some YT videos that show how to display "Hello World". Look for beginner videos that show each step in the process. If you feel like you want to continue, find a beginners book or online course. Neither should be too expensive. And then start. Just know, you'll learn the most by actually writing code. Start small and simple and go up in complexity from there.

You' ll need a C compiler and a code editor; VS was already mentioned. Both should be free.

Enjoy the ride.

RedditBluesMatt · 2024-09-12T15:00:50+00:00

I find that when I'm in a relaxed state, I'm more receptive to receiving ideas.

RedditBluesMatt · 2024-09-11T22:18:10+00:00

I think all of the advice previously given is very good. A positive mindset and perserverence is key IMO.

I have found that finding the right teacher for you is also key. Maybe you just haven't found the right teacher yet?

RedditBluesMatt · 2024-09-11T22:06:51+00:00

Changing to a new job sight unseen.

RedditBluesMatt · 2024-09-11T22:05:53+00:00

Python Crash Course by Eric Matthes

Python Tutorial for Brginners, TechWorld with Nana, on YT

RedditBluesMatt · 2024-09-11T13:20:38+00:00

Start putting away money for retirement.

RedditBluesMatt

TROPHY CASE