With Codecademy I'll be looking at getting familiar, no matter how long it takes, with python and other systems.
Where are the best places to get python, C++ or java to download to my MacBook Air M1? I'm 47 and so far have only looked at the start of Codecademy. Also, besides Codecademy where should I look for free lessons? I'm looking into Khan as well.
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 13.3
Python: Harvard has a free intro Python course. There are other classes around.
Without intending offense, I would defer learning C++ until you’re a little further along, as that’s the deep end of the proverbial pool. I use C and C++, too.
C++ is part of Xcode, and also part of the Apple command line tools. Also included in Xcode and in the Apple command line tools are C, Objective C, Objective C++, and Apple’s newest favorite language, Swift. Apple has free Swift training, as does Stanford.
One of the handier tools for learning and using Swift is the (free) Apple Swift Playgrounds app. Playgrounds is available for iPadOS and macOS, and allows you to avoid having to learn the Xcode app while also learning about whatever language you are using. Xcode is very capable. And complex.
Swift is primarily targeting Apple platforms, and is not particularly widely used beyond Apple.
Google would want us to mention Go language, here. If you’re considering or in the Google sphere, it’s an option. Given Google too often seemingly has the organizational attention span of a fruit fly, I’m not sure I’d bet on that language.
Like deferring C++, I’d tend to defer learning Rust. Both are very capable choices, but not what I would consider to be good early programming languages when first starting out learning programming.
Java is provided by Oracle. Be very careful with the licensing for whichever JDK is selected, lest you meet some expensive licensing choices available from Oracle. The OpenJDK bits are what you likely want to use. Java is probably closest to COBOL for the current era. And very much tied to Oracle. Eclipse, and JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA, are common IDE choices.
If the platform portability of Java interests (“write once, debug everywhere”), also see Kotlin. Kotlin is built on the JVM, but is otherwise independent of Oracle. IntelliJ IDEA supports Kotlin.
Other intro languages can include Lua and Crystal. Lua is common in embedded, widely portable, and is a very nice language. Crystal is akin to a better C.
Oh, and yes, you’ll absolutely be overwhelmed by all of this and by the rest of programming, as it’s a massive and ever-changing endeavor. I’ve been at this for a while, and there’s always new stuff to learn. Languages and tools and paradigms (and we’re even not using that word as often nowadays) come and go, too.
PS: Welcome
Python: Harvard has a free intro Python course. There are other classes around.
Without intending offense, I would defer learning C++ until you’re a little further along, as that’s the deep end of the proverbial pool. I use C and C++, too.
C++ is part of Xcode, and also part of the Apple command line tools. Also included in Xcode and in the Apple command line tools are C, Objective C, Objective C++, and Apple’s newest favorite language, Swift. Apple has free Swift training, as does Stanford.
One of the handier tools for learning and using Swift is the (free) Apple Swift Playgrounds app. Playgrounds is available for iPadOS and macOS, and allows you to avoid having to learn the Xcode app while also learning about whatever language you are using. Xcode is very capable. And complex.
Swift is primarily targeting Apple platforms, and is not particularly widely used beyond Apple.
Google would want us to mention Go language, here. If you’re considering or in the Google sphere, it’s an option. Given Google too often seemingly has the organizational attention span of a fruit fly, I’m not sure I’d bet on that language.
Like deferring C++, I’d tend to defer learning Rust. Both are very capable choices, but not what I would consider to be good early programming languages when first starting out learning programming.
Java is provided by Oracle. Be very careful with the licensing for whichever JDK is selected, lest you meet some expensive licensing choices available from Oracle. The OpenJDK bits are what you likely want to use. Java is probably closest to COBOL for the current era. And very much tied to Oracle. Eclipse, and JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA, are common IDE choices.
If the platform portability of Java interests (“write once, debug everywhere”), also see Kotlin. Kotlin is built on the JVM, but is otherwise independent of Oracle. IntelliJ IDEA supports Kotlin.
Other intro languages can include Lua and Crystal. Lua is common in embedded, widely portable, and is a very nice language. Crystal is akin to a better C.
Oh, and yes, you’ll absolutely be overwhelmed by all of this and by the rest of programming, as it’s a massive and ever-changing endeavor. I’ve been at this for a while, and there’s always new stuff to learn. Languages and tools and paradigms (and we’re even not using that word as often nowadays) come and go, too.
PS: Welcome
Python.org for python.
XCode is free on the Mac, and is the Mac main development system, but it is focused on swift, though C++ may also be available.
I am not sure where Java is now. Eclipse is the java based ide.
Thanks MrHoffman. That’s an awesome run down. I was just looking at swift on some website references. Couldn’t not comment on your answer. Cheers.
I will be Mac oriented. I have downloaded and installed Xcode. I’ll leave it for now and check out the playground you’ve mentioned.
Thanks Keith. Very helpful mate
I'm just starting out coding/programming
