Re: Intro to API (Was: YOWZA--struck a nerve: Was Help API Docume ntation?)

Subject: Re: Intro to API (Was: YOWZA--struck a nerve: Was Help API Docume ntation?)
From: Chris Gooch <Chris -at- lightwork -dot- co -dot- uk>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com>
Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2001 13:08:47 +0100



Kelly wrote:

> Obviously I need to understand code on a fairly high
> level but how high? And which program to start? C++?
> Visual Basic? Java? I took C as a requirement for my
> TW graduate program (it was either that or Pascal),
> and I found it fascinating---even fun---but I had to
> learn it in < 20 hours, and on only one night a week.

Kelly -

I'd thoroughly recommend you get hold of
"Writing Solid Code" by Steve Maguire;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1556155514/qid%3D988627338/026-8484
471-8834806
(or in the US)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1556155514/qid%3D988632052/102-766399
6-8189735

The book is (pretty much) aimed at teaching novice programmers
straight out of univeristy/college about the real issues
involved in writing code in a work environment, on large
projects and in teams. As such it will also probably be useful
to an aspiring API tech writer who knows a little programming,
as it will introduce many ideas not covered in short
prorgramming courses at college. Although intended for C
programmers, many of the lessons will be useful in other
languages. Also I'd recommend you get read a couple of
general software engineering text books, not so much for
the technical details but for the discussions of various
work flows, engineering paradigms, etc.

HTH

Christopher Gooch, Technical Author,
LightWork Design Ltd., Sheffield, England.
chris -at- lightwork -dot- co -dot- uk www.lightwork.com




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