RE: Jumpstart a programming ability

[Arlen -dot- P -dot- Walker -at- jci -dot- com]

So many languages, so little time.....

>From a TW perspective, I'd really start with Javascript and Perl, no
specific order. And don't let any knock javascript; it's not javascript
that causes problems between browsers, it's the Document Object Model. I
can recommend Steve Champeon's book on Dynamic HTML GUIs as a good
reference work on resolving a lot of those issues.

I'd start with those two, not from any pretense of superiority (though
don't let anyone snow you with "C++ is better because it's a *real*
langauge;" that assertion is open to virulent debate in programming
circles) but rather because those two will be the most useful to you as a
TW if nothing else comes from it. Javascript is a necessary part of making
engaging interactive web pages, assuming your job takes you in that
direction, and Perl is the flat-out most useful language in the history of
the universe, *especially* for someone who processes text for a living.

Since I've listed a book for javascript, I'll toss in two for Perl:
Programming Perl, by Wall (creator of the language) and Learning Perl by
Schwarz et al.

All three are OReilly books, which means they have a side effect. Their
mere presence on your desk will make you more worthy of respect in the eyes
of your company's developers. You don't have to understand why; it just
does. ;{>}

Have fun,
Arlen
Chief Managing Director In Charge, Department of Redundancy Department
DNRC 224

Arlen -dot- P -dot- Walker -at- JCI -dot- Com
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Opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.
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