Python, books, logic and more

303 Views 4 Replies 4 Participants Last post by ar3f, Mar 31, 2014

15130

Discussion Starter · Mar 20, 2014

Hey guys,
I've been poking with computers for a few years and attempted a few times to fully learn a few programming languages, but it never really worked.
I feel like somehow the way I think doesn't work that well with the logic needed for it, I wouldn't call myself stupid, can learn quickly and like to solve problems however it just don't work.
Maybe it is just too abstract, or maybe I'm not taking it the way I should, anyway I'm back for another attempt and like a few advices.

First is there anyone else having the previously said trouble with programming ? Or is it the same for everybody ? I know it must always be difficult to start of course, but to what extent ?

What would you recommend me to do that would help me see it from a new angle ? I'm sure it is just a matter of unlocking a few things for me to at least start getting into it.

Also I love to read about computer science so to go with my assembly books I got myself the Violent Python book. I haven't received it yet but it sounds pretty good, do you have any other books suggestions ? I'd like to some day be able to code in C, assembly and Python, anything that you consider a good read (paper or website) is welcome.

I might have other things to ask but I'll just add it below when it comes to mind, thanks in advance !

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poroboszcz

· #2 · Mar 20, 2014

I can recommend two books, which explain programming from two different angles. You may find one or the other more approachable. The books are "Programming from the ground up" (available free) and "How to think like a programmer?". The first one starts at the very low level of how computers work and explains most concepts using simple examples in assembly. The second one takes the opposite approach and starts with abstract high-level concepts, which are then explained in detail in a language agnostic way. It's like ELI5: programming. Both books assume no prior exposure to programming.

Also some people are naturally better at programming, just like some are better at math, while others are better at writing essays. Apparently some people can never be taught how to program, so it may take you some time before you feel like you know what you're doing.

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15130

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 20, 2014

Hey, thanks for the reply,

both books sound interesting, especially since one is free (I'll check this one out the minute I'm back to my place),
the link you provide is great too but the sentence "most people can't learn to program" seems a bit extreme. I certainly hope I'm not among them, but since I can easily read code or understand or a certain language is constructed I think there is hope, all I really need is that extra bit of light... At least thats what I'm hoping.

I tend not to understand things that are considered "basic" but go through a lot of abstraction whith the help of gui and shortcuts while more "advanced" but realistic demonstrations works a lot better with me. Thats something I've only recently realized and I'm now trying to change my methodology according to that.

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liezelB

· #4 · Mar 24, 2014

I love reading books. It is one of the useful source of information before internet was in.

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ar3f

· #5 · Mar 31, 2014

Maybe try watching MIT Open Courses Lectures videos, maybe better than just raw reading.
Anyways, it's like learning a language vs writing poetry in that language... you just have to do it.
In other words, start writing code for some purpose and expand from there.
There are websites with programming problems, also, if you don't have any purpose to code for.

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