where do I start with computer programming?

Wyatt: where do I start with computer programming?
I am looking to go into either gaming or software(windows), and I don’t know what to start doing first. I’m 15 right now, so I obviously don’t know a lot of higher math, like geometry or trig. Also, I can’t pay for any programs/software because my parents think it’s a waste of time. Since I don’t know what exactly I want to do with programming, I just want to learn the basic stuff that is need for any programming.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Dru
Good place to start is C# for windows programming.
I would suggest PHP for web development as it is quite in demand these days.

You only need to know basic math.

You can download microsoft visual studio express for free from microsoft (for C#) and either buy a book or search for free ebooks and tutorials using google.

lynda.com is also a great resource

Answer by balplaya4404
Most high schools offer at least one computer programming class, usually java or C+. This is a great place to start. Yes you will need higher math, but for now just focus on graduating HS and getting into college. I’m a second year Computer Engineering student and have taken calc 1 and 2, currently taking differential equations, and will be taking calc 3 this up coming semester. Basically if you are good with basic algebra and basic geometry/trig you will pass calc.
Anyway, back to computers. If you do have a computer programming class go to the teacher, even if you’re not in the class, and ask him/her if they have copies of various programming software including C+, C++, and visual basic.

Answer by Daniel B
Check out Microsoft Visual Basic Express edition:

You can download it for free from that site. You will also find links there to a lot of tutorials and videos that will help you get started.

If you would like to try some game programming take a look at Microsoft’s XNA Studio for doing games. Again this is free and you will find lost of tutorials to get you started with it.

Answer by Joey T
I started getting into programming when I was 15 (and I’m very glad I did).

If you have good programming skills, you can make yourself an essential employee at whatever company you work at one day. I have seen this happen with my own career. Since everyone uses computers, everyone needs people that know how to fix them, and people that know how to make them do the things they want them to do.

If you’re interested in video game programming, then I suggest C++, but if you want to design business application, then I suggest Visual Basic. They’re both Microsoft languages, and because of that, you’re going to get a lot of opinions from people that either really love them or really hate them…(you know, those Bill Gates haters…lol). You’ll ultimately have to decide for yourself which programming languages you like the best, and which ones best fit your purpose.

I suggest you check out https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%2B%2B for C++, and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_Basic for Visual Basic. Message me if I can answer any questions for you.

Answer by bharvey47
May I suggest a good place to waste your time 🙂

Pull up www.nethercode.com. It is a FREE online game programming school. Start with the introduction to C++ module. One of the policies of the site is that all training modules must be written using open source software. For example, C++ is taught using Dev C++ which you can download for free. The characters are made with Blender 3D and SQL is taught with MySql.

You will not need a lot of math for the site because they use OpenGL for their game engine but of course you will want to take math as you progress in your studies at school. One of my children is interested in video production which I have no interest in but I am behind him 100%. He will do better in life if it is something he is interested in.

Good luck in your future endeavors!