Would like to start programming

[sharpnova]

I'd like to start programming.

I'm fluent in JavaScript as well as Klingon.

Where do I go from here?

[Jon-86]

Klingon? This isn't the 90s thats just sad...

If you know Javascript then make some Javascript apps. Gmail, Google Docs, Maps etc are all Javascript based programs.

[LLGames]

If you want to see some nifty JavaScript stuff check out Chrome Experiments. Everything there is JavaScript designed to push Google's Chrome browser to the limit, but most of it works in Firefox too.

[Ragnadox]

A good place to start is to learn one of the major languages. C++, Java, Python are good starting languages. They work on almost anything. A good book, website, tutorial, or class can help you a lot. Most people will start with console applications. No fancy graphics, just text on a screen.

A good plan might be to learn in this order:

Lesson 1: Display text on a screen. "Hello World" is the usual first program.
Lesson 2: Get user input and do stuff with it. The obvious next step :)
Lesson 3: Do some operations. Most classes will have you make a calculator at this point.
Lesson 4: Read and write to files. This is very useful.

Then learn how to use abstractions. Finally, learn algorithms, theory, and how to make your code more efficient.

The problem I see with most new coders is that they want to create huge games right away. In reality, most programmers stay with console apps for a while. Getting into visual stuff is a big leap, it's best to wait until you fully understand the low end. Then you'll be ready to go big.

[CaptinChu]

If you're truly fluent in Javascript and your interested in programming exclusively on the web, now is probably the best time for Javascript than any other time in the past. It's faster than ever, there are more libraries for it than ever, and it's easier to code than in previous times.

I would suggest you figure out some neat game ideas you might want to figure out and then program them on the web. Or, you could also learn how to design fancy websites. If you don't have a website already, make one. If you do have a website, experiment and check out some code blogs for cool tips and tricks.

[generationi]

I've been programming as a hobby for 30 years. I started on the Atari 800XL and "graduated" to Visual Basic, Shockwave Lingo, and Flash Action Script... admittedly all pretty lightweight stuff. But I was never serious about it until now. I think the next language I'm going to take a crack at is Objective C. It's what programmers use to make iPhone games, and from what I hear, Objective C programmers are in high demand.

And if I'm not mistaken, C++ and Objective C share a lot in common with Javascript... although for a beginner like me, it sure looks intimidating. (Can you still be a beginner after 30 years?)

Christopher Kelly
Generation i Studios