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programming question for Dave

 
 


wizzle
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Jan 31, 2010, 10:15 PM

Post #1 of 4 (14352 views)
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programming question for Dave Can't Post
this is definitely an "off topic" and personal question for Dave or any of the interactivetools crew ... feel free to keep your reply short, I understand that time is critical.

Dave. I currently teach high school physics and calculus, but I'm looking to change careers in the next couple of years. I also do freelance web design and I've used your products on 5 or 6 of my websites.

I really enjoy programming and I'd like to possibly learn a lot more and eventually build a software company like you guys have (possibly web products, but not necessarily). I've dabbled in programming (even taught a semester of C++ a couple of years ago having never learned C++), but I just don't know where to get started.

What programming language would you recommend investing my time to learn and get good at? I know that the fundamentals of programming stay basically the same throughout the languages, but certainly there are some real differences as well.

Anyways, thanks in advance for any response.


Dave
Staff / Moderator


Feb 1, 2010, 9:06 AM

Post #2 of 4 (14330 views)
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Re: [wizzle] programming question for Dave [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi wizzle,

It really depends on what you like. There are many many different types of programming and they all require different specialized skills. You could be writing physics engines for video games, iphone applications, web apps, assembly code for embedded systems, or something else.

If you're already doing web design then a web language might be more of a easy transition. Lots of web programmers are self taught (myself included) and you could just start doing more programming with your development and eventually switch to just doing the programming.

If you like working with CMS software you could start specializing in doing CMS integration for clients and other web developers.

PHP is probably the most common web language, and there's tons of articles online on learning it. You can also go straight to php.net and read the docs. If you decide to do that and want some tips on setting up a web server and development environment on your desktop just let me know.

The nice thing about being a web programmer is you can get work just about anywhere in the world.

That said, if you teach physics and calculus you might enjoy writing algorithms and more technically challenging programming then web (which is mostly UI, usability, and database calls but still, I think, very enjoyable).

And then of course there's running a software company. It requires a whole different set of skills then being a programmer. It's a common story among entrepreneurs that they start a business to do something they love and often find they end up doing more of "running the business" then the original part that they loved.

So there's a quick overview. My short answer to the what language questions would be whatever language seems natural and fun to learn. Try a few out and see what you like. Also I'd recommend starting with a high level language because you'll be able to get more done and develop marketable skills quicker.

I know a lot of people will tell you there's a certain way or order you should do things. But in general anytime I've needed to learn a new technology (and that happens frequently) I just get one of those 2" books from Oreilly and read it on the train for a month while I've going to and from work. http://oreilly.com/store/

Anyways, hope that helps! Any other questions just let me know. :)

Dave Edis - Senior Developer
interactivetools.com
 


wizzle
User

Feb 1, 2010, 5:59 PM

Post #3 of 4 (14314 views)
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Re: [Dave] programming question for Dave [In reply to] Can't Post
thanks Dave. awesome reply.

I've done some php sporatically for different web applications I've done over the year. None of it has been frequent enough to remember it, I just relearn it and google for code if I think I can get something done.

as far as running the business, I know exactly what you mean. I mentioned that I am teaching, but I didn't mention that I'm also a business owner already. I have a pc and xbox lan gaming center www.lansharx.com Been open for 5 years ... lots and lots of learning curve for running a business. (fyi the website is not representative of the work I do for clients... it's the old story about the plumber having the house with the most leaky pipes)

web-based programming interest me somewhat, but I also like the idea of being able to write some small application locally for accomplishing tasks, etc. We'll see how things go.

thanks again


mbwallace4
New User

Nov 16, 2010, 12:31 AM

Post #4 of 4 (7009 views)
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Re: [wizzle] programming question for Dave [In reply to] Can't Post
How do you manage to teach and have your own business at the same time -- seems like a lot of work.

But I admire that -- I'd like that -- or seem to like that since I'm not doing it.

Thanks for this thread -- lots to think about and feel that I'm not thinking my idea (somewhat like what wizzle is doing) is not impossible.