Tempted to learn how to program..

[FutureBillionaire]

I have always wanted to learn how to program. I know XHTMl, CSS, and some javascript. But I have always want to learn c and c++. The thing is, I am starting my own business, so I don't need to waste time with that. Since I would be new to programming, it would be a long time before i could actually create any value with c++.

Also, if I needed to have a program created I would just use elance.com or something.

I really think I would enjoy learning to program, and eventually trying to create my own os. But, as of now it would take time from what i should be doing, building business skills.....


What do you guys think? Is it a good choice to wait?

[Trustme]

You could start with an easier language like for example Java or even VB. You see results faster and this motivates to keep on going

Think about some programs you would like to write and ask experienced people about them. In most cases their answer will be that you don't need C++ for it.

[FutureBillionaire]

That's not the point... the point is, should I even bother to learn how to program right now?

[Zach]

Why not learn to program now? If you ever need to use it in the future, you'll know how and you won't have to pay an arm and a leg for someone else to do it.

Go for it!

[FutureBillionaire]

that someone else would be able to do a better job than i. And right now it would take away time from what my primary focus should be: business.

[moltar]

Don't learn C or C++ if you are going to be doing web development for the rest of your life. Learn Perl, PHP or Python. Personally I am a big fan of Perl.

[geekchic9]

I think you're right, FutureBillionaire. Business should be your #1 focus at work, while programming should be a hobby at most.

[mister_mojorisin]

FutureBillionaire....

If I can make a suggestion, learn to program relational databases. Structured Query Language (SQL or sequel, depends who you talk to), is easy to learn and is essential in developing other software applications. If you are not familiar with relational databases, examples include: MS Access, MS SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL. MySQL is open source, and, Oracle and Microsoft offer express editions which are also free. FileMaker Pro is also a relational database but is based on scripting language, ScriptMaker, and not SQL. If you are new to databases (or not), I recommend two books by the same author, Michael J. Hernandez, Database Design for Mere Mortals and SQL Queries for Mere Mortals.

Both books are applicable to most relational databases and helped me immensely while learning about databases

I hope this helps with your decision.

[Kiba]

From what I heard from a lot of programmers; avoid VB at all cost. It is terrible language and people speak about how horrible at it. I don't know have any experience with the language so I don't if it is bad.

Learn a powerful language like Python and Ruby. Lot of programmers say they are great beginner programmers. They are also very powerful programming language. So when you master them, you will have lot of power available at your fingertip.

If you learn one language, you will be able to pick up other programming languages much easier and faster. After all, it is programming. It not like you have to learn programming all over again when learning a new language.

Programming languages are like tools. Use the right tool for the job. If you're looking at web development, you might be looking at the PHP language or the Ruby on Rails Framework which is for Ruby programmers. If you're looking at something that require speed, C might be the job and so on.

[Andrew Russell]

As a programmer who has used all these languages, I can safely say that, if you're thinking about starting with C, C++, Java or Visual Basic (or really any "general purpose" language), that you start out with C# instead. You can get an excellent free C# compiler and IDE from Microsoft (although you could get the same for C++ or VB).

I say C# because a beginner can very quickly put together something half-useful with the form designer and such. And it's a very nice, intuitive language (as opposed to, say, VB). As I mentioned, the free IDE is first-rate.

Of course, you won't become brilliant overnight. It takes years of dedication to become a great programmer. My rough estimate is that it takes about 5 years to become really good at it.

As far as business-vs-programming goes - it's really up to you as to where you take this. You can do both, if you want. Steve did. Although most people who take this route start out with programming and learn business skills later. Programmers seem to be an entrepreneurial bunch. Or you could just do it on the side as a hobby.

The bottom line is - you can become as good at each of them as you find you need to be.

[RT Wolf]

Whether to wait now or learn later is your own choice.

I learned programming in my teens and I still notice the positive effects it had on my thinking. It taught me to think more rationally and logically work through problems, and helped me understand math better. So, I would highly recommend programming if just to learn how to think like a programmer which I've found to be fairly useful when tackling real world problems such as in business.

I know you said you know how to write XHTML, CSS and a little Javascript. Javascript is the closest thing to a "real" programming language on that list. I would suggest learning VB (it's not that good for making actual programs, but it's great to begin with) C#, Java, PHP or Perl to begin with. The beauty of programming languages is that once you understand most of the basic concepts, you can learn other languages fairly quickly because most of the basics are similar but just use different syntax.

[Minsc]

You'd have less opportunities to use it if you waited...

So if you're going to learn it, I'd learn it now unless you have little free time and will have more in the future or something.

You don't have to be a great programmer to be a useful one(you could still write some stuff and save money by not having someone else do it; they'd write something similar to what you wrote if it's simple)...