If I were setting out today to learn the art of programming, I would start with C. After that, I would graduate to either C++ or Java. Somewhere along the way, I would make sure to get schooled in Database theory as well. IMO, programming does not mean much if you don't have a good grasp of the "data problem".

From an eductional standpoint - I would tell anybody who wants to go into software development - to get a good background in comp sci - with a minor in business. In terms of analytical skills, you either have them or you don't. I don't believe you can really learn that. i.e., I think there is some innate ability that has to exist.

Long term, I think this is the best appraoch. And, if I had to do it all over again - I would have taken post-graduate work in comp sci. Speaking for myself, I know there are a lot of theorhetical foundational stuff I am missing that would make me a better developer. The fact that I have 13 years in the business, an MBA, and a law degree in 8 months - I would not bother with the effort today. But if I were in this game long term and was pondering educational possibilties - something more formal and more strategic than what you would find in an MSPress book would be in order. In my latest project - I have seen "the other side". i.e., guys with a more traditional theorhetical background along with good analytical skills and a sense of the business. These guys develop on Mac G4's, work with Linux, Python, Java, Torque, Turbine, Apache, Oracle, etc. In terms of quality and methodology - I am VERY impressed by what these guys do and what they bring to the table as well as their approach. I think their skill set, their background, and their approach is what will be seeing the sharpest growth for some time to come. And in the longterm - it is a skill set that will take you a long way.


< JVP >


>One of my support people asked me how to learn to program. I learned to program in 1970 and learned it from machine code up. I'm not sure that is still the best approach. Any ideas on the best tools/books to learn programming?