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Can anyone suggest a good source for learning programming? Any basic language, because I know nothing, but I would love to learn.

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The replies already cover a wide range of starter routes: points toward a functional/academic approach, highlights web basics, and recommend learning from an introductory book and using C#/Java, mentions VB.NET, and suggests J. For a complete beginner the single biggest help is a simple, goal-driven plan that turns abstract advice into small, repeatable steps.

First, pick a concrete first goal (a simple web page, an automation script, a tiny desktop app, or data exploration). Match the goal to a language for the first 2–3 months: beginner-friendly general use (Python or JavaScript), business/desktop with strong tooling (C# or Java, as noted), or functional study (Scheme/J as others suggested). Choosing one language and sticking with it short-term beats hopping between many languages.

A practical learning path: 1) install a lightweight environment and run a “first program”; 2) learn variables, control flow, functions, and basic data structures using short exercises; 3) build three tiny projects that combine input, processing and output (for example: calculator, to-do list, simple web page or script); 4) learn to read error messages and use a debugger/REPL for quick feedback; 5) start simple version control and save iterations. Prioritize typing and running real code over long passive reading.

Common pitfalls to avoid: trying to memorize large APIs before fundamentals, swapping languages too quickly, and following only polished tutorials without making original code. Pair a clear beginner resource (book or guided course) with tiny, meaningful projects and steady practice. The suggestions in this thread point in useful directions—combine one resource, the debugger/tooling advice from , and a small project to get real progress.

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Member Avatar for majestic0110

I would recommend choosing a language (I personally found c# easiest to learn of the languages I know) and purchasing a good book on that language. For C# I bought "head first C#" and learnt a great deal from it, so I would recomend the Head First series to anybody. There is Head First C, Java, C# and so forth...

Member Avatar for Jens

The head - first series is incredibly easy to learn from. All books of O'Reilly actually in my opinion. As for starting language, try java (easiest in my opinion due to active debugger) or C#, and start slowly.

Also digging through the documentation for your language can prove helpfull, but you will need the basics first to understand these docs. These are msdn for microsoft and javadoc for java.

Good luck to you.

Member Avatar for Jx_Man

Visual basic.net
learn for Visual basic.net step by step book

Member Avatar for DevonMcC++

Try J at jsoftware.com - it's interactive and the forum is very helpful.

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