How to learn programming

Programming and its languages

Programming is writing a code, that is, a set of commands, which is translated and implemented by a computer or any other electronic device. A computer program consists of a set of commands, which in turn determine the behavior of the program and its working mechanism. What are known as programming languages are used in the programming process, which is a special language used by programmers to develop software, scripts, or anything else that can be executed on a computer. Examples of programming languages are C, Java, and Python.

Classification of programming languages by level

Programming languages can be divided into two parts: high-level programming languages (in English: High-level) and low-level programming languages (in English: Low-level). Both types differ from each other in that the former is more abstract than the latter in terms of the tasks it provides, through easier syntax, as high-level programming languages are considered more accessible than lower-level languages, so it is advisable to start with them when Learn programming.

Low-level programming languages usually provide greater ability to control a computer, such as the ability to manage memory and data. Machine code, in addition to assembly language, are the two lowest-level languages among other programming languages. They are based on passing commands directly to the computer.

Classification of programming languages according to purpose of use

Programming languages can be divided according to the purpose of their use. You will find programming languages dedicated to programming websites. These languages are among the easiest and simplest programming languages, so they are suitable for beginners. Among these languages is the Hypertext Markup Language (in English: HTML) in addition to the Compact Style Sheet language (HTML). In English: CSS), these two languages are used to program web pages. There are also other languages such as JavaScript, which is used to program web browsers and modify pages continuously and directly. In addition to these languages, there is Python, which can be used in server programming, and the hypertext preprocessor language (PHP) can also be used.

There are programming languages that can be used in programming mobile phone applications, including Java, which is the primary language for programming applications for the Android operating system, and its counterpart, Swift, developed by Apple, which is used to program iOS operating system applications (in English: iOS). JavaScript can also be used to program mobile applications.

Office applications can be programmed using several languages, including Java, one of the advantages of which is the possibility of using the same application on multiple operating systems. There is also the C# language, which enables the programmer to develop applications that contain interfaces and windows for the Windows operating system. :Windows). The Swift language can also be used to program desktop applications for the Mac operating system.

For programming video games, some languages can be used, such as the C# language, which is supported by the Unity game engine, which supports the development of 2D and 3D games. This engine also allows the possibility of developing games for different operating systems. The Java language has some libraries that can be used to program games, such as the open source “LibGDX” library. The Haxe language can also be used to program two-player games quickly and easily, as this language can be integrated into other programming languages such as C++ and Java. JavaScript can also be used to program games that can be played on web browsers.

How to learn programming

When starting to learn programming, a person should learn the language that serves his goals. For example, if a person wants to learn programming to build websites, he must learn one of the languages designated for that. It is also recommended to start learning simple, high-level programming languages, and Python and Ruby are considered languages. (in English: Ruby) is one of the two simple object-oriented programming languages, and these two languages can also be used in developing web applications.

It is recommended to read some simple lessons for different programming languages, and then choose the most convincing language, after which the person tests and experiments with this language. When starting to learn a programming language, the learner should focus on the basic principles of the programming language before learning more complex matters. Some of the basic principles in most programming languages are variables (in English: Variables), and conditional statements (in English: Conditional statements), the most famous of which is the “if-then” statement, and functions (in English: Functions) are among the important basic principles in programming, and can be considered They are small programs embedded in a large program, which can be used to build more complex programs.

Among the basics of programming languages are the methods of entering data (in English: data input) into the program in addition to outputting it (in English: data output). Examples of methods of entering data include the keyboard, or via a file, or many other means, and to output data so that Benefits the user, it can be printed on the screen.

After choosing the language you want to learn, any program that this language requires is installed on the programmer’s device, such as integrated development environments (IDEs), which are text editing programs that contain a translator (in English: Interpreter) or converter (in English: Compiler) for the programming language. After that, the first program begins to be written. The “Hello World” program is one of the most popular simple programs taught to beginners, as the program simply prints the phrase “Hello World” on the screen.

Tips when learning programming

It is strongly recommended to continue programming on a daily basis, and it is also advisable to look at some examples presented on the Internet of the programming language that is being learned, and the learner must also examine the way in which the language is written, as each language differs from the way it is written from the other. The programmer can conduct experiments by modifying the source code of the program, and try to fix any errors that he may encounter during this, as this will be of great benefit to him when learning the language.

When facing any difficulties or problems, it is possible to seek help from experienced people or to read the codes to learn from them. One can resort to forums specialized in the programming language that is being learned and ask questions in them. Which may help to strengthen programming skills by learning logic and arithmetic, in addition to reading various programming books, and it is also possible to take educational courses at one of the institutes or universities.