Hey everyone! I'm really new to programming and a bit embarrassed to ask, but I could use some guidance on where to actually write code. Currently, I'm using Excel and have dabbled in VBA, but I find it limiting. I'm considering learning programming from scratch to create more flexible applications. So, if I wanted to build a desktop or web app, where do I go from here? Do I need to use a specific app or website to write the code? Also, can someone clarify if Java is both a programming language and a program? Any recommendations on where to start for someone with basic VBA skills and a background from MySpace would be much appreciated!
5 Answers
If you're considering creating apps from scratch, you'll definitely want to use an IDE for coding. Visual Studio Code is a solid option to get you started! Python is an easy language for beginners and has tons of libraries for various tasks. If you need help along the way, don't hesitate to reach out for guidance!
You can code in either a text editor (like VSCode) or an IDE (like IntelliJ for Java). So yes, Java is a programming language, and you’ll need an IDE or tools to run it. I'd suggest trying Python or JavaScript too; they’re beginner-friendly and have great community support!
Thank you for the tips!
You'll want to start with an IDE like Visual Studio Code or something similar that suits your needs. You can easily write code in environments like Python, which is great for automation and scripting tasks. For learning, check out resources like 'Automate the Boring Stuff'—it’s super helpful!
This helps clear things up. Appreciate it!
You can write code in plain text files using a regular text editor like Notepad. But to actually run your code, you'll need what's called a compiler or interpreter specific to your programming language. For example, if you use Python, you'd save your code with a .py extension and run it via a Python interpreter. For most languages, though, it's easier to use an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like PyCharm for Python or Visual Studio for C/C++. These tools handle a lot of the setup for you and make coding much smoother!
Coding in plain text files sounds basic, but it’s true! I used to code in just .txt files back in the day, so it’s definitely possible.
Thanks for the detailed explanation!
Most people use an IDE, which is like a really advanced text editor designed for coding. Visual Studio is popular for C/C++, while PyCharm is great for Python. Start by downloading one of these and follow some beginner tutorials. Python is highly recommended for newcomers—it's simple and versatile!
Awesome, this gives me some direction to start!
Thanks! I'm diving into Python tutorials now.