Friday, November 23, 2012

Chart for Learning a Programming Language

The previous chart helped beginners pick a language, this one shows them what resources to use to learn it. It's better to spend time doing things than to passively read or watch content, so I selected interactive websites, books and courses. Start by going through an online tutorial, and then either read through some of a book or watch an online course. Personally I think a book is better than a video since they're more concise and easier to reference, but most videos below are short and to the point. The chart is based on these posts: Picking a Language, General Tips, Java and Python, Web: HTML Javascript and PHP, Learning Ruby and Rails

Free Resources For Learning a Programming Language






























































JavaPythonRubyJavascript
Good For Kids / Game ProgrammingGreenfootInvent Your Own Computer Games Hackety-Hack, Games: Ruby4KidsCodeAvengers
Interactive Tutorial - Codecademy?No, You can try ProgramrYesYes, there’s also
TryRuby		Yes
More Practice and HelpCodingBat ProblemsVisualize Python executing
(also CodingBat)		RubyMonk*
(1st part is free)		Use Firebug or Developer Tools.
(See Waterbear for visual coding)
Good Free Book for Teaching ProgrammingHow to Think Like a Computer ScientistHow to Think Like a Computer ScientistLearn to Program
Humble Little Ruby Book		Eloquent Javascript
Interactive Video CourseIntro to CompSci -
Programming methodology
(Warning: full Stanford course)		Udacity - Intro to CompSci - Building a Search EngineCodeSchool’s RubyBits*.AppendTo Javascript 101
Advanced BookEffective Java*Dive Into Python 3Pickaxe Guide*JavaScript: The Definitive Guide*
More Training / BootcampsSee Local / Online collegesSee online courses or corporate PythonTrainingMost Bootcamps are for Ruby on RailsCatalyst.
For kids: CodeHS.com


* Not free. Update: added affiliate code to Amazon links.



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23 comments:

  1. Ariel KrakowskiNovember 23, 2012 at 1:13 PM

    Please upvote on Hacker News: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4822907

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ariel KrakowskiNovember 23, 2012 at 1:29 PM

    already 800+ views

    ReplyDelete
  3. Josh BroydeNovember 23, 2012 at 2:16 PM

    perl?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ariel KrakowskiNovember 23, 2012 at 2:36 PM

    i tried to stick to languages still used. ~

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ariel KrakowskiNovember 23, 2012 at 3:48 PM

    34 upvotes on Hacker News, 4300 page views so far. good shabbos.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Jack O'ConnorNovember 24, 2012 at 2:53 AM

    How to Think Like a Computer Scientist is a fantastic book. That's how I got started, and I recommend it to everyone.

    ReplyDelete
  7. thomasNovember 24, 2012 at 4:41 AM

    title -> *language

    ReplyDelete
  8. jamoiNovember 24, 2012 at 5:16 AM

    A really great compilation. I am bookmarking this.

    ReplyDelete
  9. MikeNovember 24, 2012 at 6:32 AM

    Thanks for the mention of my site! The CodeAvengers courses target the total beginner. Yes, we have put a focus on making the lessons fun for high school kids... but our main focus is on delivering high quality effective lessons. We have been getting lots of fantastic feedback from people who have struggled with all sorts of approaches to learning (including trying CodeCademy) but finally feel they are learning with CodeAvengers. It may look like a CodeCademy clone, but trust me there are hundreds of hours of careful thought that has gone into the design of the course material and framework.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Jordon_PhillipsNovember 24, 2012 at 9:23 AM

    A tad surprised you didn't mention Ruby Koans up there. http://www.rubykoans.com/

    ReplyDelete
  11. Learn Programming in Java, Python, Ruby or Javascript | My BlogNovember 24, 2012 at 9:34 AM

    [...] Learn Programming in Java, Python, Ruby or Javascript (zappable.com) [...]

    ReplyDelete
  12. domoNovember 24, 2012 at 9:38 AM

    Looks great, thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  13. adminNovember 24, 2012 at 3:38 PM

    Thanks everyone for all the visits, feedback and votes! The post reached the front page of Hacker News and Reddit.
    http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4822907
    http://www.reddit.com/r/programming/comments/13oj4t/learn_programming_in_java_python_ruby_or/
    1.5 days after posting, I figured I should add some Amazon affiliate links, but I hope that won't bias me!

    ReplyDelete
  14. ChrisNovember 24, 2012 at 5:35 PM

    This is a very cool list. I'd suggest adding Learn Python the Hard Way by Zed A. Shaw, I believe he also has Learn Ruby the Hard Way and I vaguely remember reading something about the possibility of a Learn Java the Hard Way book. All of the Code the Hard Way books are freely accessible for the HTML versions, I think some/all have PDFs you can buy. You can access the books through learncodethehardway.org

    ReplyDelete
  15. Ariel KrakowskiNovember 24, 2012 at 5:54 PM

    Josh, there's someone else who uses Perl: http://www.zappable.com/2012/11/picking-a-programming-language-chart/#comments

    ReplyDelete
  16. adminNovember 24, 2012 at 6:44 PM

    Title Fixed. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  17. adminNovember 24, 2012 at 6:45 PM

    I thought it might be slightly confusing for a beginner, and that they should get experience creating more code at once.

    ReplyDelete
  18. adminNovember 24, 2012 at 6:48 PM

    Thanks! As I commented on Hacker News, I think the books I put offer a more interactive approach.
    http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4822907

    ReplyDelete
  19. Writing with Less Writing | ZappableNovember 25, 2012 at 1:06 PM

    [...] Post navigation ← Previous [...]

    ReplyDelete
  20. Programming Learning Chart » iProf.netNovember 26, 2012 at 5:41 AM

    [...] of good helpful information, especially for JavaScript at http://www.zappable.com/2012/11/chart-for-learning-a-programming-langauge/ Start by going through an online tutorial, and then either read through some of a book or watch [...]

    ReplyDelete
  21. IshanNovember 29, 2012 at 7:21 AM

    I really love the information you've shared with us. I am planning for a venture to start teaching Programming Languages online. This chart is gonna be a real boon for me.

    ReplyDelete
  22. MikeNovember 29, 2012 at 8:45 AM

    Would love to hear your ideas for what you plan to do... send me a message mike at codeavengers dot com! If there is anything I can do to help would love to.

    ReplyDelete
  23. A Map of Resources for Learning Ruby | ZappableDecember 5, 2012 at 11:05 AM

    [...] previous chart of resources to learn programming was well-received, but some people suggested additional resources. I decided I would try a new [...]

    ReplyDelete

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