Re: [Dev-C++] newbie

[Michael D. S. <for...@hi...>]

Library is the first place to look. No, they don't really let you keep it 
long enough to learn a programming language (unless you're awful fast) but 
if you see one you like, you can always buy it later and knowing the ones 
you don't like is a help as well. Sometimes they sell used books for as 
little as a quarter. I've built my personal library up quite a bit that 
way. Just this week I bought four for a buck and half ( one thousand page 
$60 to $80 books). One still had the shrink wrap on it.

The guy at my library ordered and just "gave" me a brand new PERL 
programming book. I say, "gave," I've had it for years but he did say if he 
ever needs to explain where it is he knows where it is, and I would give it 
back if I had to, but after all this time, I don't think that's going to 
happen. Admittedly, it's unlikely everyone will find quite such an 
accommodating librarian but build a relationship with them and you WILL 
benefit.

Call a local college/university that teaches the course you're interested 
in, and ask what book they use for the first beginning level class. They 
usually use good "long explaining" beginning level books, and if you ever 
do decide to take the course, any reading you've done in the book will put 
you up on your future classmates. Also, You're just not ready for the 1000 
page complete works type book yet. You will eventually have to buy one 
though. You'll probably never read that one but they are useful for looking 
up what you need as you need it -- After you learn how.

Be sure to check prices at Amazon.com, and the College bookstore. You'll 
probably find them $10 to $20 cheaper online. I did.

Of course a teacher is best and if you plan to be good, you will eventually 
have to take some classes. There is just no substitute for back and forth 
exchange of talking to a person when you're lost and confused.

This approach helped me save quite a bit of money and make A's when I did 
take the courses. It never hurts if you're going to do something to look 
good doing it:)

As for is Dev-C++ right for you, my opinion (everybody has one) is if you 
are command line oriented, probably not. If you're Windows oriented, yes. 
I've heard some say it's to hard for beginners but I opened it right up and 
started within minutes -- of course I have considerable windows experience 
(I bought '95 in '95). If Windows still baffles you sometimes, you may have 
some trouble. About that I really couldn't say, but I fear you might.

In any case, good luck:)

ms





At 07:48 AM 7/29/03, you wrote:

>I'm looking to teach myself C.  I have basic to intermediate experience in 
>HTML, PHP, CSS, ActionScript and JavaScript.  Is Dev-C++ the right tool 
>for me to start with?  Also, can anyone recommend a good beginner's book on C.
>Thanks
>
>
>
>
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