Im 16 and I have decided to start makin a program from scratch off. I heard basic is the best lang. to start programming. if so whats the best way to learn it? enlighten me pls.

Learn C++.

I''m with Anonymous on C++

But the best way to learn will depend on how YOU learn best.

If you learn best in chunks, then something like "Teach Yourself C++ in 24 Hours" may be best.

If you''re starting from nothing--then maybe "C++ For Dummies" may be a good starting point!

If you know another language, you may be able to get by with something like "Practical C++ Programming"

thnax a lot. no i dont know anythin about programmin yet but im on my way buying a c++ for dummies now. :D

so i shouldnt start with basic or pascal or watever they say

I believe C++ is absolutely horrible for a beginner''s language and would recommend you to try Python[1] instead. Also read the free online book "How to think like a computer scientist"[2] which uses Python and check out the PyGame[3] game framework for Python.

[1]www.python.org
[2]http://www.ibiblio.org/obp/thinkCSpy/
[3]http://www.pygame.org/


I''ve looked at the source, and there are pieces that are good and pieces that are not ... My experience and some of my friends'' experience is that Linux is quite unreliable. Microsoft is really unreliable but Linux is worse. -- Ken Thompson

If you want to learn c++ I found ''Beginning Visual c++'' by Ivor Horton to be a very good book.

Java is a good language to start off with. The syntax is similar to C++ but doesn''t have the advanced features that could confuse someone just starting. Also with java the API is easy get around so making windows and getting something on screen is easy. Of course eventually you would want to upgrade to C++ but if you know Java the transition is easy.

http://java.sun.com/ for more information and the compiler.

quote: Original post by Arild Fines
I believe C++ is absolutely horrible for a beginner''s language

C++ was my first language. I new absolutely nothing about programming when I chose to learn it. Sure, you get a little frustrated when you go over and over a section of text and you just can''t make any sense of it.

But that was before I knew gamedev had forums.

So I''m with C++... definately. And because so many languages are related in it''s syntax and meaning, you won''t regret it. Also, I don''t think you''ll be making too many games with basic.

im currently learning c++ as my first language, not really had any problems that wasnt solved by reading a few pages again, or asking questions here.

quote: Original post by way_out_west
C++ was my first language.

That proves absolutely nothing.

quote:
Also, I don''t think you''ll be making too many games with basic.

Who mentioned "basic"?