(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.

It's not too late, what they expect when you first come in is to have basic knowledge of the computer. If you don't have that, there are classes for you to take to learn.

The intro classes to programming will go over some basic scripting languages as well as information regarding how a computer works. As you go through and move onto different languages, you will learn more and more about the computer and the world of computing. You will begin to refine your skills as you go through.

What school will do for you is give the ability to read in multiple languages as well as write to a basic to intermediate level. Some however may offer advanced courses where, if you like the language, you can move even farther ahead. When you go to choose the couple languages of choice, you will be in need of practicing those a whole hell of a lot.

What a lot of people I know do is learn Java and C++ as well as C. It's not too late, just practice every day for at least 1 hour. In 1 semester (4 months) with 1 hour a day, you can learn the basics of a language. Example, in 3-1/2 months, I plan to be done with a C++ book that introduces me to managed and unmanged C++ programming. You will end up doing the same eventually.

(Note, I'm not in Computer Science anymore, I had to drop the major due to expenses, :/)

Any sources you would recommend to learn those languages? Also, thanks for such a detailed response. Definitely just had me rethinking a little bit about my approach and your approach seemed a lot more logical than mine did.

Had to think this out myself when I was going through since when I started, the only language I really knew was C#. My advice, you need to buy the book. Don't learn off of references, only use references to help reassure what you are learned or to use as examples.

A good reference on YouTube is TheNewBoston but don't use his videos to learn. Some of what he teaches is now out of date as well, so keep that in mind as new standards have replaced some of what he taught with better methods.

For C++ I'm using these books. I'm starting with the 2010 as it teaches managed and unmanaged, the 2012 version is aimed more at Microsoft systems so by going through 2010 then to 2012, you get the best of both worlds.

You must login or register to view this content.
You must login or register to view this content.

If you want these, I can send you a DL as I have both in PDF. Keep in mind, you need to use a professional version of Visual Studios not the express, though Professional and Ultimate keys are all over the web, I even have the 2010/2012 keys if you need.

For C#:
You must login or register to view this content.
You must login or register to view this content.

I don't have the ebooks from these but these have been rated as very good books. You can go through and do the 2012 version if you like; you shouldn't get too many changes between versions except the new one being for the 2012 version and it will teach you what's new with it and the IDE.

I should have asked this prior to everything, but I'm running on a Mac. Won't that effect me learning Microsoft systems? Correct me if I'm wrong, and thanks again. If running on a Mac won't effect me on any of this I wouldn't mind if you PM'ed me, on your free time, with the things I need, including the PDFs, to be able to start to learn to languages.

This is why I don't like Mac; first of all, people have tried to bring in macs and unless you are planning on learning C, native C++, Python, or Java then it's ok. Large industry however does not use mac, most places don't use mac because they find it limited. If you were doing graphics, I'd see no issues with mac.

For a programmers purpose, linux and windows is what you are looking at. You will end up having to use Visual Studios for VB.NET, C#, C++, ASP.NET as well as when you get into SQL as they should teach you SQL and MYSQL with and without using Microsoft Access. Your school will have windows based computers, it's just to your advantage to use windows instead of Mac.

PDFs can be viewed on Mac, you just need the adobe viewer software. My advice, drop 350$ on a 15.6" laptop and get yourself a windows computer. It will last you through school and let you do as you wish. An i3 processor is enough to handle everything you need for school regarding programming; plus most come with a HD 4000 graphics card which is suitable for anything that might require graphics wise.

Don't focus too much on what language you're learning. At this stage, it really doesn't matter for you. Learn what programming is, some theory, and the general syntax of more modern languages. Then, later, you can move into object-oriented programming and learn about that.

Classes generally cover all of this, so if you have a basic understanding of computers, you will be fine.

Remember, it's never too late to start programming. It's a huge field that nobody can possibly completely know within their lifetime. If you learn the basics and work your way up from there, that's just fine.

I wouldn't be starting it this year unless I can change potentially change after this semester, but do you think if i tried to just get a basic understanding of any of these will be hindered by trying to use a Mac?

By any chance can you drop a link or two that involves some information based on what you just told me so that I can make sure we are on the same page?

He will have to choose what language he will prefer in the long run, though he will need to know how to write in a few others once he gets to the final year. Java and C++ are the two main languages now that people finish up with with a BS in CSP.

----



You can learn the basics and get an understanding of programming on a mac. You can even start learning Java, C++, Python on them if you wish. My advice for you, skip Python; it teaches you the basics but it really is a bit of a waste of time in my opinion. It is not an OOP language. You can install Java and Java JDK on your computer and learn to program in Java if you wish. C++ can be a lot harder to learn as there is much more to it, especially without the help of an advanced IDE.

You can use netbeans or, I think, Eclipse though when learning Java; you will want to just use notepad. Most programming books give instruction on what things do as well as basic information towards computer but what Master was referring to as for learning about computer is separate books from the programming books. They will teach you into further depth about what computers are and how things work under it all.

Knowing how to program will benefit you as you will not have to face that learning curve for the most part when learning some of the languages. You will also be able to communicate with the professor better if you are struggling. If you choose not to learn ahead of time, don't worry, they teach from the ground up.

When you start out your for your equivilence of an AA/AS they only teach entry level; meaning you should be able to enter the class not knowing anything. Once you are now working on classes with prereqs, that's when you will actually need to know the language.