(it's a code monkey !)
Anyone can program, it doesn’t take a high IQ, or a passion for math. It’s a skill just like riding a bicycle or juggling. It only requires a desire to learn (which we all have) and the patience and persistence to work hard. Time and practice is all that’s keeping anyone from becoming a master programmer, that’s why we hear of young kids writing programs. They’re not geniuses, they just have the time and aren’t afraid to fail along the way.
After we complete our section on programming, you will be able to choose the best language to use for your project, you will understand and have experience using the tools that programmers use, and you will be able to create programs for personal or commercial use.
Like most areas we cover in class, we will only barely scratch the surface on the subject of programming. I encourage you to do your own research into areas that interest you. You will never learn everything you need to know from a class or a book. Using technology is an on-going learning experience where you must be active in searching out answers for your questions. You must be the motivating factor to find the answers, as in life most answers are not spelled out to you in the sky in gold letters.
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Let’s get started into learning programming!
Learning Programming
Anyone can program, given enough practice, patience and caffeinated beverages. Computers may seem complex, but just like a car, we do not need to understand the inner workings in order to control (or drive) them.
Why should we learn computer programming?
- It’s fun! (Really it is) – Just like any other hobby, it’s a fun to control the computer how ever you’d like. You can create a joke program, or create a million-dollar program, but it will still remain fun.
- To accomplish a task. Many people start programming because they have found a need that isn’t met by any other program. They decide to create it themselves. No matter what your personal interests are, I encourage you to find a need that you can fill with your new programming skills.
- For a career. Computers are the wave of the future. If you have the skills to control them, you will have a much needed skill. From banks to medical companies, just about every business needs programs, many of which will need to be custom-built. **note- of course, choose a career because it’s what you love, not because you think it’ll make you rich, believe me!**
- As an intellectual challenge- Programming is like a great puzzle. Many people are attracted to programming as a challenge. When learning how the computer processes commands, we are often left with a deeper understanding of how our own minds work.
Programming is problem-solving
Larger problems are often made up of smaller problems. For instance, Mario brothers had to solve the smaller problems in order to solve the larger problem (creating a fun game)
- how far to move Mario for each key press
- detect what to do when Mario runs into a wall or other character
- avoid illegal moves
- draw the world around Mario
- determine when Mario has died
Simpler programs contain less individual problems.
Programming is not difficult, just time-consuming
Computers are completely stupid, so you must tell them exactly what to do. Every single step. It can be as aggravating as telling a little child (or a seventh grader) what to do.
What do you need to know to program a computer?
Desire (or a desire for a good grade) – don’t let anything get in the way of your goal.
Curiosity – continue to work on your own and experiment. You’ll learn more and enjoy it as well if you have curiosity.
Imagination- Use your creative skills to enhance your programming.
Take this Quiz . Results will be emailed to me, so be sure you're happy with your answers before hitting submit.