Ask HN: A Book for Wannabe Programmer?

#1

Post by tmaly » Tue, Jan 05, 2021, 3:44 PM UTC

From time to time people ask me for advice on how to learn programming. This is mostly from people at work who are associates. They aspire to become a software engineer simply for a higher paycheck.

I am reluctant to tell them to go read SICP or Knuth's Art of Computer Programming. I would like them to understand what they are getting into before they commit to it.

I would like to recommend a book that really explains some philosophy or touches on the mindset needed to become a programmer.

What would you recommend to someone who aspires to become a programmer, but who has no understanding of what is required?

Re: Ask HN: A Book for Wannabe Programmer?

#2

Post by Bostonian » Tue, Jan 05, 2021, 4:07 PM UTC

Python is a beginner-friendly language with many books available.

If your associates use Excel, maybe they could be introduced to writing functions and subroutines in VBA? I know of non-programming financial traders who used Excel and picked up VBA without formal training.

Maybe someone can comment on entry points for web development.

Re: Ask HN: A Book for Wannabe Programmer?

#3

Post by notquitehere » Tue, Jan 05, 2021, 6:20 PM UTC

I switched into a computer science major after taking an intro class that used Python to make pictures and videos (CS1315 at Georgia Tech). I think this is the book from the professor:

https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0131176552/qi....

It's old, but it's like $8. You can also look up a more recent syllabus to see what book they're using now.