[WEB4LIB] How to learn programming

[Johnson Darryl]

It would seem to me that the answer to your question on the best way to
learn programming is to evaluate how _you_ learn. Some people are print
oriented, some people learn best by doing, some learn by copying examples,
etc. 

Obviously, some guidance will be desirable, but whether that is from books,
working examples, or instructors, depends on your personal style. Some
people love CBT; others hate it.

A lot depends on the abilities and knowledge of the instructor/author as
well. So once you decide on the best method, your next need to search for
the best example of that method: the best books, the best courses, the best
working samples...

I don't know what sort of educational options/opportunities you get at
Athabaska Univ., or from other sources around your area, but it's worth
checking them out carefully before investing your time and money. Quality
tends to vary widely!

HTH,
--
    Darryl Johnson                    Darryl.Johnson at nlc-bnc.ca
    National Library of Canada


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Cory Stier [mailto:corys at athabascau.ca]
> Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2000 2:49 PM
> To: Multiple recipients of list
> Subject: [WEB4LIB] How to learn programming
> 
> 
> In recent months, it's become more and more apparent to me 
> that the ability
> to program using Perl and other scripting languages will be 
> of benefit to
> me. It's also an area I'm interested in learning more about. 
> I've read many
> different books lately on Perl (including Learning Perl and 
> Programming
> Perl). I find that I'm able to understand how Perl works, but 
> I run into
> trouble when I try to apply my understanding of Perl to 
> create a program. I
> don't have any formal training in programming, so that's a 
> big part of the
> problem. I am a web designer, so I do have experience with HTML, SQL
> databases, and ColdFusion, but I would like to add some CGI 
> programming to
> my list of skills.
> I would like to hear your opinions regarding the following questions:
> 1.) What is the best way to learn "how to program"? Classroom 
> instruction?
> Books?
> 2.) Can anyone recommend a good book on "how to program" for 
> the complete
> beginner?
> 3.) Any other advice for a beginner who's interested in 
> learning how to
> program?
> 
> Thanks in advance for your advice!
> 
> Cory Stier
> Electronic Resources Librarian
> Athabasca University Library
> 1 University Drive
> Athabasca, Alberta, Canada
> T9S 3A3
> 
> Phone: (780) 675-6486
> Toll-free: (800) 788-9041 ext. 6486
> In Calgary: 263-6465 ext. 6486
> In Edmonton: 421-8700 ext. 6486
> Fax: (780) 675-6477
> E-mail: corys at athabascau.ca
> 
>