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Computer Programming For Beginners, Kids, and Adults
This program aims to bring "fun" back to programming by using a small, easy to learn programming language for beginners.
If you have any interest in learning computer programming, this appplication is aimed at kids, adults, and beginners is a good place to start.
Small Basic is a programming language that is designed to make programming extremely easy, approachable and fun for beginners.
It encourages everyone, from kids to adults to take their first step into the world of programming.
Some information about Small Basic:
- Small Basic derives its inspiration from the original BASIC programming language, and is based on the Microsoft .Net platform. It is really small with just 15 keywords and uses minimal concepts to keep the barrier to entry as low as possible.
- The Small Basic development environment is simple, yet provides powerful modern environment features like Intellisense™ and instant context sensitive help.
- Small Basic allows third-party libraries to be plugged in with ease, making it possible for the community to extend the experience in fun and interesting ways.
You might want to grab the Getting Started Guide when you download the program, its a great resource.
Aimed at kids and beginners, its well written, well illustrated and easy to understand.
Computer Programming For Beginners, Kids, and Adults
To install Small Basic, you'll need Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7, and Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.
Addendum: Since this article was published we have created at Gizmo's Freeware a list of easy-to-learn programming languages.
Signing off,
Rhiannon
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Comments
Don't be scared by the big amount of programming languages. Apart from syntax differences, the rules are almost the same... variables, constants, control structures and so on. You could start with Visual Basic (you can download the Express free edition from the Microsoft website), you will find a lot of info on the net, many forums and expert people ready to help.
Some languages are better than others in doing specific things (PHP for wen programming and so on) but you can start (and stay) with Visual Basic and you'll be fine. I am a programmer (VBA, PHP, SQL) and I learn easily any new programming language because of (almost) the same logic under the hood.
Although I'm BCA 3rd year student but I'm learing Logo programming language..I think its the great and perfect language for learning programming language, there is pdf version of book 'the great logo adventure" which is very interactive and very easy to understand, I just recommend it first..the logo and book can be downloaded from the site htt://softronix.com have a try guys..
I'm looking for the simple and interactive c and java book just like "the great logo adventure"
i am beginner that knows nothing at all about programming, and i trying to learn, by looking through sites on the internet for tutorials. i have search most of the sites that deals with programming for beginner c++ e.t.c, but none of them seems to explain what i understand. they just say do this and do that, with code,which makes it difficult for to understand. can anybody teach me how to start from crash, but even getting to the code level. thanks
to learn programming you need to code.
the following text is an extract from a free online book called,
"Learn python the hard way"
This simple book is meant to get you started in programming. The title says it's the hard way to learn to write code; but it's actually not. It's only the "hard" way because it's the way people used to teach things. With the help of this book, you will do the incredibly simple things that all programmers need to do to learn a language:
1. Go through each exercise.
2. Type in each sample exactly.
3. Make it run.
and the link to the book
http://learnpythonthehardway.org/book/
@Nelly;
You can try here:
Google Code University
https://code.google.com/edu/
and here:
Free Harvard Course on Computers
https://www.techsupportalert.com/content/free-harvard-course-computers.htm
and both links here:
Microsoft Beginner Developer Learning Center
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/beginner/bb308754.aspx
The Beginner Developer Learning Center
Small Basic and Visual Studio Express:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/beginner/default.aspx
I owned the trs-80 in 1976.
I haven't had a new computer since
the R.S.COCO, IN 1987.
don't want a comp. Wouldn't know what to do with it.
I had fun programing in BASIC for 15years. If I buy a new computer , is it programable. Would I need to learn a new language?
Yes, you will have to learn a new programming language. Not only that, but the BASIC of 1987 that you used was most likely IBM BASICA or Microsoft GW-BASIC. GW-BASIC went up to version 3.1. So, even BASIC changed, for the better. As much as I like GW-BASIC, you can't use it in the Windows environment, unless you have an old version of Windows (Windows 98 or older) believe me, I tried. You COULD restart the computer under the C prompt, however, good luck finding the old BASIC program. It's near impossible to get. And, beware of pirated copies, because most of those are not BASIC but a virus. If you have no desire to program for the modern computer era, but only want to tinker, I suggest looking for a used computer that is like a 486DX266 or older. They are few and far between now, but you may be able to find one with all the old software. But, if you want to learn a new language, there is a plethora of free tutorials online. I suggest the following: www.guidetoprogramming.com
@bookjunky34; Thanks for the updated information. :)
I have to make a correction on myself: GW-BASIC went up to version 3.22. Sorry about that.
.thomas:
I don't know the answer to that one - I'm sure someone will know if you ask in the site forums:
Gizmo's Freeware Forum
Someone said:
"Structured programming never uses a GOTO statement, that is a fundamental precept of Computer Science. Languages that use break or return to force loop exits are also a no-no."
If you are a raw beginner, don't let statements like this scare you. Basic is a fine language to start out on. It will wet you're appetite. Just be aware that it is of limited use. But in my opinion, all languages have limitations!
I've been a professional business computer programmer for over 30 years and in the business world there are still situations that are solved by non-structured programming languages.
I suppose it would be scary for a beginner to think about how many different languages there are and trying to make a choice of what to study. Study as many as you can, and don't fret if you can't memorize them all. I use more languages in my line of work than I can possibly memorize, so I always have the instruction manuals handy under my favorites!
Pete
You are right, BASIC is limited. But certain claims about BASIC, such as, it does not support a mouse are not true. In QBASIC version 4.5 I found a freeware program on the now defunct website QBASIC.COM that used a mouse driver. It was great. I built a simple program around it. Unfortunately, I lost it to my Ex along with all the rest of my stuff. I also wrote a program in QBASIC that could "learn". I'm currently attempting to learn Java/JavaScript.
I aim to be like you in 30 years time. There are soooo many languages to pick to start with. Do I wanna be a programmer or web developer. If I program what do I want to program??? Some adice would be helpful on which language to start with.
To start and choose something that´s not very hard and you can use it professionally, choose VB.NET
You can download VisualBasic Express 2010 (the free Microsoft tool) from here:
http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/en-us/products/2010-editions/visual-basic-express
Is your training material available in spanish?
@Jorge Ruiz
You'll need to ask the people who run the website:
Small Basic | Development for Beginners | MSDN
-Rhiannon :)
Hi, i always have the interest in becoming a Programmer but it seems so difficult to learn, please can u just put me in some easy step to move forward to it. Thanks.
I Love it!
I've looked for some easy self learning programming and this works out for me...Thanks for good freebie :)
good
is their any application to write a program or any thing else please can you tell me for example i have a written program in my paper book now how to make that program in use in computer
It depends on what type of program is it. There are many programming languages. The program you have written... is in which language?
I find Small BASIC to be very hard thanks to it's Microsoft BASIC.NET system. I am using QBASIC, FreeBASIC. Of course, open alternative for QBasic is QB64.
i am studying c++ and i dnt knw anything about it so can u pliz help me
hey im 12 and im wondering were to start in programing i dont reely know much but ive created a page befor were do i start?
What Do you do in Computer Programming? and what is the point of it?
Is it like just information that you input.
and also the point, is that the hole computer, Xbox, wii, PlayStation 3 every thing all started with a simple program.
Ahh my friend, that IS the point! - if there were no programmers, their wouldn't BE a program like this for you to leave your very message on!
Its far more than just " information that you input " - " on a technical level " you've just described a D.E.O. or ( Data Entry Operator ) - thats not programming, thats simply collecting information and processing it for others to understand like - how many apples got sold this monday as apposed to LAST monday.
A programmer is a person that can " think outside the box " and from a simple idea, using programming languages like the one above which is called... " Beginners All purpose Symbolic Instruction Code ( or BASIC ),they use these really cool ( well call them " tools " instead of languages ) to design, and construct programs that are only limited by your imagination!.
You DONT have to have an I.Q. of 500 or anything to learn how to program, you just have to have 3 things..
1: a PC
2: an idea
3: a PASSION!
Tell you what my friend! - if you download the program and install it, Ill get you started - with the smallest, easiest, and most insanely simple program you will ever write.
Just download the BASIC program, and type this in line for line, then run it.
10 K=0
20 k=K+1
30 ?K
40 ifK=10000000 goto 60
50 goto 20
60 end
( thats a pretty easy program ) all it does is count till it gets to the number in line 40.
( if the number being counted is LESS than the number in line 40, it will jump to line 50.
Line 50 sends it back to line 20 and says, ok, your now worth whatever the number on the screen is and Ill add 1 to your total. - now run off an see if you match the number in line 40 again.
The cycle will repeat till the number the computer is counting to is the same as the value you put in line 40.
When THIS happens, the computer says, ok - fine the number now matches the same amount as it does in line 40 - now lets skip PAST line 50, and go to line 60.
Line 60 tells the program to slam the breaks on an stop.
You can have a LOT of fun by fiddling with things like the value of "K" in the first line - instead of 0 or ( zero ) make it say, 500.
Also. fiddle with the number in line 40 make it bigger or even smaller - go NUTS! you cant HURT the PC!
Why make "K"=K (+)1? = try the star symbol on your keyboard to MULTIPLY or the subtract symbol!
Basic was really the first REAL lanugage o the home PC Hobbist ( actually C.O.B.O.L. was the first commerical language and Im glad its no longer the only one - it sucks! ).......BASIC rules! it kicks butt! - an dude, Im 50 years old and Im STILL having fun writing stuff - ( oh! and did I mention that Programmers can become pretty damned rich as well? ) Bill Gates was a drop-out at school, but he had a PC, an idea, AND a passion too! - he dosent sit down and write Windows on his OWN you know - he EMPLOYES people to do all the hard stuff FOR him!
Give it a go - what have you ( or ANY of you got to loose? ) -what. - like the PC is gonna fly apart an eat your mouse?...
Regards....
Rick
Hi Rick, your comment is very inspiring. May I ask where about are you located?
For reasons of personal safety, Gizmo's Freeware does not advise anyone to reveal their true identity or location details on the open internet.
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