PROGRAMMING, LIKE IT OR LUMP IT
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   This article is not dealing with any specific programming language but
 rather it's just a quick overview of programming in general. Hopefully,
 things I discuss in this article should give people who are thinking of
 trying their hand at programming or have just started playing around with
 some language the idea of what this is all about.


   What language is best for me?
   Of course not everyone has the ability (nor the time) to write a piece
 of software which is out of this world. But for those who are willing to
 learn and are seriously interested in trying to see if they can get some-
 thing working I have only one piece of advice and that is to enjoy
 yourself.

   Of course this is easier said than done. The very first time when you
 try programming is usually the most frustrating time. You can't seem to
 get even the simplest of programs to work and you feel not only stupid
 after many hours of trying but angry and frustrated. But don't let this
 deter you. If you keep at it by taking long, relaxing breaks between
 frustrating sessions on the computer you will eventually pick things up
 and before you know it you will be writing software which may bring you
 fame and fortune. For instance take Anders Bjerin who wrote that fabulous
 C manual. He spent many weeks trying to get a simple C program to work
 which was probably as frustrating to him as it would be to any one trying
 something similar. But he stuck with it and know he's passing all his
 knowledge on to everyone and anyone.

   Ok, I'm interested!! Where do I start?
   If you've never tried a language before it's best to start where
 everyone (I think) started and that is with BASIC. See how difficult you
 find it to roll numbers down the screen, to ask for someones name and then
 greet that person etc. Of course there may be some initial frustration but
 once that is overcome things start falling in place, sooner than you may
 think possible!!

   BASIC stands for Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instrunctional Code
 which when used for a few weeks (or more) gives the beginner a very good
 idea of what programming is all about. It may seem pretty pathetic at first
 using BASIC (in some peoples eyes) but it's only intended to give you an
 idea of what programming is all about and hopefully teach you some
 important programming techniques which can really only be achieved through
 experimenting.

   Ok, I find BASIC very simple and I'd like to try something else
   in the hope that it will lead me onto writing usable software!
   What next?
   Of course this questions hinges on what sort of software you want to
 write and WHO you ask! By this I mean that depending on what language
 someone has used in the majority (or all) of their programs they will un-
 doubtly be biased to their particular language.

   In general I think that for someone wanting to write software which
 looks professional and dosen't really require super speed (ie, it's not to
 importrant that you can't rotate 32 cubes simultaneously) I would suggest
 C, AMOS or some sort of compiled BASIC. For example, if you're interested
 in writing a multi-tasking piece, something along the lines of rich-text
 adventure (no graphics) you'd be wise to choose one of the 3 languages
 mentioned in this paragraph.

   But if you're after speed such as you'd like to write a complex graphical
 game which has lots of moving objects you'd be wise to choose assembler.
 Assembler is fast (compared to C or a compiled BASIC) and you can create
 some amazing effects and animations. But to code in assembler (or learn it
 for that matter) is not to easy and it requires a lot of concentration.

   The best idea is to weigh up all your possibilities and decide in which
 direction you should proceed. A good idea for someone who is not sure of
 what language to use for an uncoming project is to examine a couple of
 couple of languages and think about the following:

   a) How long will it take me to learn this language?
   b) How long before I can start my project?
   c) Do I need the capibilities of this language?
   d) Is this language too complication for what I'm going to use it for?

   Of course you should try and come to your own conclusions and try not
 let anyone else effect your judgement. For example you could examine the
 code (lots of programs in the public domain have the source) and the end
 product. So this way you can see how complicated it is to create something
 in one language (or how simple) and what can be achieved.

   But of course the main objective is to enjoy yourself and experiment
 in whatever direction you feel inclined.

                                                     Jason Lowe, 1993


   ¿? 35 ¿*? 35 ¿*? 35 ¿*? 35 ¿*? 35 ¿*? 35 ¿*? 35 ¿*? 35 ¿*? 35 ¿*? 35 ¿?