Coding for Beginners - 2021 edition - Discover how to turn your ideas into code! Starting to learn to code isn’t easy but we’re here to help you get going. In the pages of this book you can learn how to start coding using Python, C++, Linux scripting and Windows batch files. We also cover the common pitfalls and mistakes every coder falls into and ways to avoid them in the future; also where you can find help and how to experiment with your code. We’ve put together a great collection of tutorials and step-by-step guides to help you understand how to start coding and what you need to turn your ideas into ones and zeros that will help you become a better coder. Learning how to code is an on-going experience, where you learn something new every day and every time you run your code. Come with us and let’s start coding!
Master Your Tech • From Beginner to Expert
Coding for Beginners • Discover how to turn your ideas into code!
Welcome, Future Coder
Being a Programmer • Programmer, developer, coder, they’re all titles for the same occupation, someone who creates code. What they’re creating the code for can be anything from a video game to a critical element on board the International Space Station. How do you become a programmer though?
A Brief History of Coding • It’s easy to think that programming a machine to automate a process or calculate a value is a modern concept that’s only really happened in the last fifty years or so. However, that assumption is quite wrong, coding has actually been around for quite some time.
Choosing a Programming Language • It would be impossible to properly explain every programming language in a single book of this size. New languages and ways in which to ‘talk’ to a computer or device and set it instructions are being invented almost daily; and with the onset of quantum computing, even more complex methods are being born. Here is a list of the more common languages along with their key features.
Creating a Coding Platform • The term ‘Coding Platform’ can signify: a type of hardware on which you can code, a particular operating system, or even a custom environment that’s pre-built and designed for easy game creation. In truth it’s quite a loose term, as a Coding Platform can be a mixture of all of these ingredients, it’s simply down to which programming language you intend to code in and what your end goals are.
Introducing C++
Why C++? • C++ is one of the most popular programming languages available today. Originally called C with Classes, the language was renamed to C++ in 1983. It’s an extension of the original C language, and is a general purpose object-oriented (OOP) environment.
C++ Facts & Figures • C++ is one of the top programming languages in the industry. It’s quick, powerful, and used by nearly every major tech and gaming company in the world. Here’s some interesting facts about the rather wonderful C++.
Equipment You Will Need • You don’t need to invest a huge amount of money in order to learn C++, and you don’t need an entire computing lab at your disposal either. Providing you have a fairly modern computer, everything else is freely available.
Structure of C++ Code • C++ is an amazing programming language to learn. If your dream is to become a games designer, or work at the cutting edge of science or engineering technology, then being able to code in C++ is a must. Remember, you’re never too old to learn how to code.
How to Set Up C++ in Windows • Windows users have a wealth of choice when it comes to programming in C++. There are loads of IDEs and compilers available, including Visual Studio from Microsoft. However, in our opinion, the best C++ IDE to begin with is Code::Blocks.
How to Set Up C++ on a Mac • To begin C++ coding on a Mac you can use Apple’s own developer platform: Xcode. This...
