First computer language

[David Walker]

Rajiv Vyas wrote:

>I am thinking about learning Perl (other possibilities are Python,
>Ruby and Lisp). This will be my first computer language. Any
>suggestions on which books I should buy for absolute beginners in
>programming and perl?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Rajiv
>
>  
>
No matter how many books you read, how many classes you take, there is 
only one way to learn.  Funny how it works like real languages.  Dive 
in.  Go download some Perl/Python/Ruby/PHP/C/C++, whatever, and just 
start reading it.  See how things fit together.  Why does an outcome 
happen when you get input.

I learned C when I was about 12 by downloading ROM, the mud(online text 
RPG), and just read the code.  Then I attempted to mimic what was there 
by making a command for the game.  I failed, first time seeing compiler 
errors.  So what do I do, figure out what it meant by "code.c: 232: 
Syntax error before ';'"  So my suggestion is just jump into something 
and fiddle with it until you see how the language works.  Once you 
understand how things fit, try adding something to it.  It will most 
likely not work, but figure out why.  The first time you see your work, 
working is a great feeling.

By all means if you have a question, I bet you will the first few weeks, 
ask.  Find a, your language learning here, message board and ask why 
something is broken, or wrong.  The only stupid question is the one not 
asked.

Just my 2cents.

--
Dave Walker