How to Get Addicted to Computer Programming: A Beginner's Guide
Starting your journey in computer programming can be both exciting and challenging. There's no formula for developing a passion; it either resonates with you or it doesn't. The only way to discover if programming is something you're passionate about is by giving it a try. Let's dive into the best practices and tools to help you start and stay motivated in your programming journey.
Choose the Right Teaching Language
Learning to program can be a complex process. To ease the burden, begin with a teaching language that is well-designed and easy to learn. A good teaching language should be both elegant and straightforward, making it easier for you to grasp the fundamental concepts before moving on to more advanced topics.
I highly recommend Smalltalk as a starting point. This language is beautifully simple and elegant, with a clear and intuitive syntax. Smalltalk was specifically created to teach programming to young people, so you can trust that it's beginner-friendly. Its design aims to minimize cognitive friction, making the learning process smoother and more enjoyable.
A Fun Programming Language for Motivation
Motivation is key when learning something as demanding as coding. You need to stay engaged and interested throughout the process. Among the many programming languages available, only a few stand out for their fun and engaging nature. Smalltalk, in particular, offers a unique combination of fun and practical utility.
Why Smalltalk? It's designed to be fun and easy to use. The Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is incredibly powerful and user-friendly, far surpassing traditional IDEs like Visual Studio, Eclipse, and Xcode. Despite its simplicity, Smalltalk's live coding capabilities make it a thrilling experience. Imagine coding and seeing the effects in real-time—an almost magical experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Live Coding and Cognitive Friction
One of the standout features of Smalltalk is its live coding capability. Unlike traditional languages that require you to write code, compile, and then see results, Smalltalk allows you to edit, run, and see the results in real-time. This reduces cognitive friction, making the programming experience more intuitive and enjoyable.
If you're interested in trying out Smalltalk, I highly recommend reading Richard Kenneth Engle's answer on Quora. His insights and experiences will provide you with valuable guidance and help you get started with this unique language.
Stress-Free Programming and Passion
The stress levels associated with different scientific disciplines can vary greatly. Compared to fields like biology, chemistry, and physics, programming is relatively stress-free. In biology, there's a risk of killing your organism through error. Chemistry can result in hazardous accidents or environmental damage. Physics may involve physical dangers such as high voltages or glass vacuum vessels.
Programming, on the other hand, is mostly about logic and syntax. The worst that can happen is the occasional system reboot. This stress-free environment allows you to focus on the enjoyment of problem-solving and creating functional solutions. The sense of accomplishment from writing elegant code, especially in a language like Smalltalk, is incredibly satisfying.
Passion for programming is innate. If you enjoy the process, you'll naturally want to improve your skills. Keep practicing, and you'll fall in love with programming in no time. Whether you're a physicist who appreciates the beauty of code or someone looking to start a coding journey, remember that the key is to have fun and stay motivated.
With its simplicity, elegance, and live coding capabilities, Smalltalk is the perfect companion for your programming journey. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself getting addicted to computer programming!