How to Learn Programming

IntroductionThis is a memoir describing some of my adventures as a self taught programmer. I later worked as a programmer and an IT trainer and tutor. I am also a master chess player, chess having some things in common with programming. Who is this book for?Its for anyone learning or interested in learning about programming, or are simplycurious about what is involved with programming.

This is a story for anyone who had or used an Amiga, a Commodore 64, an Apple IIeor any other early PC. In short, anyone who is interested in retro computers.

The book talks about the BASIC and C/C++ languages. While BASIC may not be an important language these days, there are many ideas from BASIC that apply to other programming languages.

One of the themes of the book is developing the art of thinking abstractly.

C is an important language because is the descendant of many modern languages: C++JavaJavaScriptPythonActionscriptto name a few. Many likes are designed to look like C to make them easier to learn.

This book will give many ideas and coding examples about programming.

Its also for experienced programmers who are interested in stories about programming.

In fact, the most important thing about this book are the stories.

The image on the front cover is part of a Mandelbrot which is type of computer generated image. This Mandelbrot was generated on an Amiga computer which was popular in the late 80s and early 90s.