3.1 Individual Approaches to Programming

What's the best way to learn programming? The answer depends on what you hope to accomplish. There are several ways to get started. You can:

• Take classes of many different kinds

• Read a tutorial book like this one

• Get the programming manuals and plunge in

• Be tutored by a programmer

• Identify a program you need

• Try any and all of the above until you've managed to write the program

The answer also depends on how you choose to learn. Some people prefer classes, because the information is often presented in a well-organized way, and questions can be answered by the teacher. Others learn best with self-paced study.

Some things about learning to program are common to all these approaches. If you've never programmed at all, the information in the following sections is a "heads-up" about what's ahead.