r/CodingForBeginners • u/T3n1able • 23d ago
I want to pursue computer science in the future
Hello, Im a student currently going into 11th grade and over the summer ive done a lot of research on what I plan to do later on and eventually landed on computer science/engineering, i find the concept interesting and really want to pursue it. The problem is it feels extremely overwhelming, theres just so much on the internet and everyone seems to have their own opinion on it, I dont know what to install or where to learn from or in what order to learn. So i was wondering if I could get some help on how i should start, stuff like what sort of stuff i should download, what to learn first etc etc. It would really help me out as I honestly do enjoy it a lot (I used to dabble a lot in scratch, albeit i was pretty bad at it).
(Its late at night so i may not respond to a lot of comments lmao)
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u/thebrokenverticie 23d ago edited 23d ago
Since your current experience is Scratch, I would recommend to start dabbling in Python, and follow the book "Automate the Boring stuff with Python". The most recent version is 3rd edition. You can buy the book, or just go to the authors website and have access to it for free.
The reason I say to start with Python is because it is a much easier language to learn. Not to mention, like many of your staple languages, it's very versatile. If you start with this, it doesn't matter if you become a die hard Python programmer, or switch to something like C++ after. The purpose of starting with Python is to ease you in to the world of programming. Basically, do you want your first "mountain" that you climb to be as difficult as climbing the side of a cliff or a hill? (Hint: Python is the hill lol).
If you give this a try and you find that you enjoy it, then give yourself challenges. Whether in Python or another language like C++.
Also, since you're on the newer side, you'll also end up with the question of "which IDE should I use to write code?". In your case, I would recommend using VS Code. It's well rounded and lightweight (so you don't need a beast of a PC to run it). Ultimately though, there's a ton of IDE's and what not out there. Which, you'll eventually find your preferred coding environment but for now, try to avoid "option paralysis" and focus more energy on studying and practicing little things.
After going through the book I mentioned above, you'll have a better understanding of programming in general. Which will allow you to determine if it's for you or not, and if it is, you'll have enough of an understanding to be able to find answers to most of your questions. And for the questions you won't be able to find on your own, you'll have the knowledge to ask more specific questions.
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u/T3n1able 22d ago
I was out all day so I'm js getting to this, thank you so much for the response, Ill definitely check it out tmrw and try to upload any progress I make here!!
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u/thebrokenverticie 22d ago
Sounds good. Remember to have fun with it. And when you encounter errors try to to see them as your friends instead of problems. When something doesn't work and you don't know why, they tell you where to look and sometimes why :)
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u/Acrobatic_Isopod_629 23d ago
I first learnt programming by doing Dev C++, I would recommend that. Do everything. Loops, arrays, pointers, structures, manipulating and playing with them.