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Where does a wannabe hacker begin?

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Re: Where does a wannabe hacker begin?

#11

Post by LostInTheWoods »

Assuming knowledge of basic computing, I would say the progression for a beginner is as follows: html, css, javascript, backend language of your choice (php,asp,etc.), databases/SQL. You can stop here if all you want to do is build a website, just keep in mind that web programming is only one branch on the massive tree of computer programming.

It should also be noted that building a website is also an exercise in graphic design, writing, and user interaction design. Anyone of those other facets can be equally difficult to learn and master.

Re: Where does a wannabe hacker begin?

#13

Post by blender »

Not everyone needs to code in a startup. It's good to have someone that is more inclined to bizdev than hacking.

You should however be familiar with the hacker's arsenal of tools like Trac, Subversion, Eclipse, etc.

The first order of business in a startup is to build something that people want (after PG). More and more that something should solve some real business problem - not just another me-too social network .

I'd think your economics background could be put to good use in today's climate. Do feel that you have to be a coder - but find someone that can. You'll have a good team.

Cheers

Re: Where does a wannabe hacker begin?

#14

Post by blender »

blender wrote: post #13

Not everyone needs to code in a startup. It's good to have someone that is more inclined to bizdev than hacking. You should however be familiar with the hacker's arsenal of tools like Trac, Subversion, Eclipse, etc. The first order of business in a startup is to build something that people want (after PG). More and more that something should solve some real business problem - not just another me-too social network .…

s/Do/Don't

Re: Where does a wannabe hacker begin?

#15

Post by pauek »

If you want to get a taste of the whole thing:

1. Install Ubuntu.

2. Start using emacs (maybe with "Learning Emacs", O'Reilly, as mechanical_fish suggests).

3. Learn some Python (maybe with "Learning Python", O'Reilly too).

4. Use webpy (http://webpy.org) to develop a simple web application.

5. Learn how to program SQLite (and thus basic SQL) using Python and make your web application use a database.

6. Make your application public (http://vpslink.com might be enough, $7.95/month).

The 4th and 5th are "minimalistic" (for a web framework and a DB engine), least "complication", because the goal should be (I think) completing a simple project in a few months. From this you might get a glimpse of "the forest", or "connect the dots" (of web programming).

After that, if you want more, you can now go learn all of what others have very appropriately suggested: SICP, some system administration, PostgreSQL, Ruby (+ on Rails), git (or Bazaar), Data Structures, Algorithms, Test Driven Development, PHP, etc.

Re: Where does a wannabe hacker begin?

#16

Post by illicium »

mechanical_fish wrote: post #3

Your first challenge: take a generic PC (or a Mac, for that matter). Install Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP. Get Wordpress running and put up a simple blog. Make a post or two. Smile. Bonus points for using Drupal instead of Wordpress. You might prefer to do this exercise using a webhost like Slicehost. They'll hand you a VPS for $20 a month. The advantage here is that, when you're done, you'll have a public website i…

Two more keywords: vim. mercurial.

;)

Re: Where does a wannabe hacker begin?

#17

Post by webframp »

uruzseven wrote: post #2

I think putting together a startup and becoming a hacker are completely different things. A hacker is someone who likes to play with the world around them. I don't even know if it's possible to become a hacker. If you've never been inclined to take apart your VCR or walkman then I'm not sure if hacking is for you. If you just want to start something up, learn PHP and MySQL. It's easy and can run on just about any hos…

i agree. being a hacker is more of an attitude toward the world than any one set of skills. skills can be learned easily, adjusting your entire outlook on life takes alot more work.

Re: Where does a wannabe hacker begin?

#18

Post by webframp »

LostInTheWoods wrote: post #11

Assuming knowledge of basic computing, I would say the progression for a beginner is as follows: html, css, javascript, backend language of your choice (php,asp,etc.), databases/SQL. You can stop here if all you want to do is build a website, just keep in mind that web programming is only one branch on the massive tree of computer programming. It should also be noted that building a website is also an exercise in gra…

Not sure I agree with that order. I personally know people who have learned SQL before php or other backend language. You make a good point about the other elements in website building. It can be invaluable to have a good designer/user interface expert type on your team. In my experience _most_ hacker types are weaker in those areas, myself included.

Re: Where does a wannabe hacker begin?

#19

Post by [deleted] »

Tichy wrote: post #9

I am usually a Java developer, with years of experience, so my outlook might be different. But I just started a Ruby On Rails project, and my impression is that "Programming Ruby" and "Agile Web Development With Rails" should be sufficient to get you going (OK, and maybe some HTML tutorial somewhere, don't know which ones are good in english). I think "Agile Web Development With Rails" has been dissed by the "rails c…

[deleted]
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