(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); I'm a freshman in college and the most programming I have done is a Java class my junior year in high school which I still have a very basic knowledge of. As of right now I am doing all the requirement classes just to get them out the way and since I have basically no knowledge of programming is it too late for me to want to major in computer science? Should I have a decent amount of prior knowledge going into it or should I still be able to stay on par with most of the class? I have up to probably my second semester of my Sophomore year to make a decision. Let me know what you think! Thanks.

I'd personally learn C++ but it's up to you. Java would be good for you as whatever your write now, will be usable elsewhere.

I'll take the advice and go with C++ then. Since you said the PDFs you have won't work well, what would you recommend?

Finding PDFs that will teach you on your system. Mine require software that requires Windows, so to learn C++ using the PDF would be hard.

Of course he will have to focus on some language eventually. The key two words you said in your reply are long run. He just wants to start to learn programming.

Right now, when you're learning the basics, it won't really matter what language you choose to do. Learning basic data types, abstract data structures, and memory allocation is the same in most languages. After learning these basic things, it will be an easy transition into any language. But then again, what you do after that is beyond this post .

Any advice, i'll start snooping around tomorrow after class but when it comes to something like this I'd rather have your input as you have more knowledge in this area than I do and you know what basics I need to focus on to build up my programming skill.

My statement was rather an extension of yours. Aside that point, you can learn any language you wish and even make that the language of choice. My advice though is look into what you want to do. You may spend 3 years in one language learning it to find that it doesn't suit you for your needs. Even with basics, you will have to learn how things work from the beginning on up when learning a new language.

Try taking C# skills and program in Java. You can't, you have to relearn the language. The difficulty isn't as great but to memorize another language still takes time. If I asked to write write a C++ program using Java, you won't be able to do that either. The way you go about things in languages can be different as well and how the language handles things can be a deciding factor.

C++ and Java are two languages that I suggested he learn, you can start from the basics and still apply it to others. Why tell him to go learn some other language when he can instead start learning a language he will definitely be learning in the future. Gotta think ahead because he will be taking classes soon.

Any luck on finding something that you feel would be suitable for a Mac user trying to learn C++

I'm sorry I have none, and I have none to actually test upon to see if they are good or not.

Here is a YouTube tutorial series that I found that actually contains a good set of tutorials that you are looking for.

This will help get you started though a book will go into far better details.