Hey everyone! I'm completely new to programming and have decided to dive into learning for fun, especially since I have a lot of free time due to health issues. I've got a solid grasp of analog electronics since I build tube amplifiers and effects pedals, but software is a whole new world for me. Currently, I'm reading 'Code' by Charles Petzold, starting from the basics like Morse code and Boolean algebra. My ultimate goal is to create an EFI fuel map simulator. I have a few questions: 1. Can a hobby programmer realistically tackle this project, or is it more suited for professionals? 2. I'm exploring programming languages and understand that there isn't a one-size-fits-all; should I focus on one language or try multiple? Is there a particular language you'd recommend for my project? 3. I know existing EFI simulators are out there, but I want to challenge myself to build one. 4. Any tips on misconceptions I might have or mistakes I should avoid would be super helpful! What should I do once I finish the book? 5. For now, I'm only studying through books and notes. Is that enough for starters, or should I begin coding? I'm stuck on beginner projects to work on before tackling my main idea. 6. Sorry if this seems vague, but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with all of it. Thanks in advance for your help!
2 Answers
Great to see you're diving into programming! Seriously, you should start coding right away. Reading is important, but getting hands-on experience from the start is crucial. For your project, you might want to look into mathematical modeling tools first to get a feel for how simulation works. I recommend starting with Python since it's user-friendly and has excellent libraries for math. You can check out the University of Helsinki's Python Programming MOOC—it’s a great resource!
Thanks for the insight! I honestly didn't realize I should jump into actual coding. Do you have a specific mathematical modeling software that’s easier to use for beginners, or does it depend on the purpose?
There’s nothing a professional can do that a dedicated hobbyist can’t achieve eventually. As for languages, since you’re leaning towards hardware, I’d suggest starting with C. It’s simple yet powerful, particularly for embedded projects like yours. Just remember, you can't learn to code just by reading—you need to tinker and create things!
Thanks for the encouragement! I find C appealing due to my hardware interest. Do you have any beginner-friendly resources for learning C programming?
C is a solid choice! Just dive into it; any comprehensive beginner’s guide should work wonders.
Absolutely! You should be coding while learning. Starting off with something like Python is ideal, especially for the concepts you want to grasp.