What’s the best way to start learning Java or C++?

Books are your best friends! Combine some solid reading with hands-on practice. Work on building little utilities or tools that you find useful. I've been in the game for nearly 30 years and nothing beats learning by doing.

So here’s my take: Focus on your goals. I have a degree in Computer Science and I've worked with Java a lot. Be open to exploring different tech. When you first start learning, the specific language is less important than grasping the foundational concepts. You might find that Java and C++ serve different purposes, so learning the basics of CS will serve you well in the long run!

First off, just dive into some beginner YouTube videos. You can search for popular learning videos and see which ones fit your style best. After that, consider picking a small project—something that excites you—and start working on it. If you hit a snag, don’t hesitate to ask AI tools for help. Just remember to fully understand the code instead of just copying it. As you get more comfortable, expand on your project or try something new. And definitely share your code with others for feedback!

Try looking up tutorials specifically for beginners in C++ or Java. There's a ton of free resources online that can really help out.

Back in the day, we didn't have the internet, just books. I’d hit the bookstore, grab a book and a floppy disk with a C compiler, and just start coding. Nowadays, it's all at your fingertips for free! Download something like Visual Studio Community Edition and just start experimenting. The key is to stay curious and create something!