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Introduction to programming?

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  • Sander RosselS Sander Rossel

    A friend of mine is thinking about a career change and she was thinking about programming. She's freaking smart, got multiple degrees, among which psychology. She's currently a primary school teacher, she loves the kids, but she dislikes lots of other things. So I'd like to show her some programming stuff, mostly that it's not that hard to learn (but impossible to master) and it's easy to get into. I'd like to start with some WinForms because it's very easy to grasp (it's how I got started) and then move on to some web programming. Just some C# and then JavaScript and HTML and CSS, probably a bit of SQL as well. The goal is to give her an idea about programming, what it is and how it works. I could even show her some production code. I'm not going to show her stuff like C or Python, simply because I don't know it myself. So, within the constraints of .NET and a fun afternoon, is there anything I absolutely should or should not show her? Looking for a sort of curriculum or idea, like a to-do list.

    Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly

    M Offline
    M Offline
    MarkTJohnson
    wrote on last edited by
    #3

    Ask her if she has used Scratch - Imagine, Program, Share[^] Since she is a primary school teacher. My wife teaches elementary school gifted and has done some programming work with her kids using spheros[^]. They are good from some of the very basics like conditionals, looping and the concept of functions or methods. If she has then she might be further down the road than she knows.

    Sander RosselS 1 Reply Last reply
    0
    • Richard Andrew x64R Richard Andrew x64

      That's very nice of you to do that for her. When you say she is considering programming, is that because she knows something about it and therefore has an informed opinion? Or is she just guessing that she might be good at it, not knowing anything about it?

      The difficult we do right away... ...the impossible takes slightly longer.

      Sander RosselS Offline
      Sander RosselS Offline
      Sander Rossel
      wrote on last edited by
      #4

      Might be a bit of both, but I think mostly the latter. Her brother did some Python for school and he showed her some. She's looking for something where the effort she puts into it, will show in the results. I already told her that's not always the case with programming, especially when working in a group, but she still liked the idea. At least it's better than "when a mom decides to put her kid to bed an hour later than usual, my next day will pretty much be living hell." :laugh:

      Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly

      1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • M MarkTJohnson

        Ask her if she has used Scratch - Imagine, Program, Share[^] Since she is a primary school teacher. My wife teaches elementary school gifted and has done some programming work with her kids using spheros[^]. They are good from some of the very basics like conditionals, looping and the concept of functions or methods. If she has then she might be further down the road than she knows.

        Sander RosselS Offline
        Sander RosselS Offline
        Sander Rossel
        wrote on last edited by
        #5

        Good one, will ask. She hasn't told me about it though, so I don't think so.

        Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly

        1 Reply Last reply
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        • Sander RosselS Sander Rossel

          A friend of mine is thinking about a career change and she was thinking about programming. She's freaking smart, got multiple degrees, among which psychology. She's currently a primary school teacher, she loves the kids, but she dislikes lots of other things. So I'd like to show her some programming stuff, mostly that it's not that hard to learn (but impossible to master) and it's easy to get into. I'd like to start with some WinForms because it's very easy to grasp (it's how I got started) and then move on to some web programming. Just some C# and then JavaScript and HTML and CSS, probably a bit of SQL as well. The goal is to give her an idea about programming, what it is and how it works. I could even show her some production code. I'm not going to show her stuff like C or Python, simply because I don't know it myself. So, within the constraints of .NET and a fun afternoon, is there anything I absolutely should or should not show her? Looking for a sort of curriculum or idea, like a to-do list.

          Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly

          L Offline
          L Offline
          Lost User
          wrote on last edited by
          #6

          Let her lead the conversion, then whip out a sample to illustrate: [Code samples - Windows app development](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/samples/)

          It was only in wine that he laid down no limit for himself, but he did not allow himself to be confused by it. ― Confucian Analects: Rules of Confucius about his food

          1 Reply Last reply
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          • Sander RosselS Sander Rossel

            A friend of mine is thinking about a career change and she was thinking about programming. She's freaking smart, got multiple degrees, among which psychology. She's currently a primary school teacher, she loves the kids, but she dislikes lots of other things. So I'd like to show her some programming stuff, mostly that it's not that hard to learn (but impossible to master) and it's easy to get into. I'd like to start with some WinForms because it's very easy to grasp (it's how I got started) and then move on to some web programming. Just some C# and then JavaScript and HTML and CSS, probably a bit of SQL as well. The goal is to give her an idea about programming, what it is and how it works. I could even show her some production code. I'm not going to show her stuff like C or Python, simply because I don't know it myself. So, within the constraints of .NET and a fun afternoon, is there anything I absolutely should or should not show her? Looking for a sort of curriculum or idea, like a to-do list.

            Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly

            P Offline
            P Offline
            PIEBALDconsult
            wrote on last edited by
            #7

            Sander Rossel wrote:

            currently a primary school teacher

            Maybe good as a tester / QA then. Find out what happens when a hamster or a crayon is entered rather than the expected input.

            1 Reply Last reply
            0
            • Sander RosselS Sander Rossel

              A friend of mine is thinking about a career change and she was thinking about programming. She's freaking smart, got multiple degrees, among which psychology. She's currently a primary school teacher, she loves the kids, but she dislikes lots of other things. So I'd like to show her some programming stuff, mostly that it's not that hard to learn (but impossible to master) and it's easy to get into. I'd like to start with some WinForms because it's very easy to grasp (it's how I got started) and then move on to some web programming. Just some C# and then JavaScript and HTML and CSS, probably a bit of SQL as well. The goal is to give her an idea about programming, what it is and how it works. I could even show her some production code. I'm not going to show her stuff like C or Python, simply because I don't know it myself. So, within the constraints of .NET and a fun afternoon, is there anything I absolutely should or should not show her? Looking for a sort of curriculum or idea, like a to-do list.

              Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly

              M Offline
              M Offline
              Maximilien
              wrote on last edited by
              #8

              Ask her if there is something she'd like to do on a computer or something she'd like to have or a problem she'd like to solve. If you only show hew code that does nothing interesting (ie. hello world) she'll get bored. With a goal in sight, programming will be easier.

              I'd rather be phishing!

              J Sander RosselS 2 Replies Last reply
              0
              • M Maximilien

                Ask her if there is something she'd like to do on a computer or something she'd like to have or a problem she'd like to solve. If you only show hew code that does nothing interesting (ie. hello world) she'll get bored. With a goal in sight, programming will be easier.

                I'd rather be phishing!

                J Offline
                J Offline
                Jon McKee
                wrote on last edited by
                #9

                This. As weird as it may sound my introduction to programming was Perl regular expressions. I stumbled across them and was fascinated, so I learned the minimum Perl I needed to play around with them (load text, call regex, output results). That turned into curiosity about Perl in general and 17 years later I still learn stuff using the same process. Find something interesting and then dive down the rabbit hole.

                1 Reply Last reply
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                • Sander RosselS Sander Rossel

                  A friend of mine is thinking about a career change and she was thinking about programming. She's freaking smart, got multiple degrees, among which psychology. She's currently a primary school teacher, she loves the kids, but she dislikes lots of other things. So I'd like to show her some programming stuff, mostly that it's not that hard to learn (but impossible to master) and it's easy to get into. I'd like to start with some WinForms because it's very easy to grasp (it's how I got started) and then move on to some web programming. Just some C# and then JavaScript and HTML and CSS, probably a bit of SQL as well. The goal is to give her an idea about programming, what it is and how it works. I could even show her some production code. I'm not going to show her stuff like C or Python, simply because I don't know it myself. So, within the constraints of .NET and a fun afternoon, is there anything I absolutely should or should not show her? Looking for a sort of curriculum or idea, like a to-do list.

                  Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly

                  D Offline
                  D Offline
                  David ONeil
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #10

                  If she can't think of anything in response to Maximilien's question, ask her what her favorite topic is, and then show her how she can organize that info through a database, or with objects. She can teach you something new as you help her!

                  The forgotten roots of science | C++ Programming | DWinLib

                  Sander RosselS 1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • Sander RosselS Sander Rossel

                    A friend of mine is thinking about a career change and she was thinking about programming. She's freaking smart, got multiple degrees, among which psychology. She's currently a primary school teacher, she loves the kids, but she dislikes lots of other things. So I'd like to show her some programming stuff, mostly that it's not that hard to learn (but impossible to master) and it's easy to get into. I'd like to start with some WinForms because it's very easy to grasp (it's how I got started) and then move on to some web programming. Just some C# and then JavaScript and HTML and CSS, probably a bit of SQL as well. The goal is to give her an idea about programming, what it is and how it works. I could even show her some production code. I'm not going to show her stuff like C or Python, simply because I don't know it myself. So, within the constraints of .NET and a fun afternoon, is there anything I absolutely should or should not show her? Looking for a sort of curriculum or idea, like a to-do list.

                    Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly

                    R Offline
                    R Offline
                    RossMW
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #11

                    Are you sure its the programming she interested it... hint hint..

                    A Fine is a Tax for doing something wrong A Tax is a Fine for doing something good.

                    Sander RosselS 1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • Sander RosselS Sander Rossel

                      A friend of mine is thinking about a career change and she was thinking about programming. She's freaking smart, got multiple degrees, among which psychology. She's currently a primary school teacher, she loves the kids, but she dislikes lots of other things. So I'd like to show her some programming stuff, mostly that it's not that hard to learn (but impossible to master) and it's easy to get into. I'd like to start with some WinForms because it's very easy to grasp (it's how I got started) and then move on to some web programming. Just some C# and then JavaScript and HTML and CSS, probably a bit of SQL as well. The goal is to give her an idea about programming, what it is and how it works. I could even show her some production code. I'm not going to show her stuff like C or Python, simply because I don't know it myself. So, within the constraints of .NET and a fun afternoon, is there anything I absolutely should or should not show her? Looking for a sort of curriculum or idea, like a to-do list.

                      Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly

                      Kornfeld Eliyahu PeterK Offline
                      Kornfeld Eliyahu PeterK Offline
                      Kornfeld Eliyahu Peter
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #12

                      If she is smart she will do the learning thing alone (or pick alone the route at least)... As you not actually going to teach her programming, you should show her the possibilities - how versatile computer programming is... Do not waste your (and her) time on 'Hello World'-like things... Make her hungry, move her imagination... If she is any good the rest will come...

                      "The only place where Success comes before Work is in the dictionary." Vidal Sassoon, 1928 - 2012

                      "It never ceases to amaze me that a spacecraft launched in 1977 can be fixed remotely from Earth." ― Brian Cox

                      Sander RosselS 1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • Sander RosselS Sander Rossel

                        A friend of mine is thinking about a career change and she was thinking about programming. She's freaking smart, got multiple degrees, among which psychology. She's currently a primary school teacher, she loves the kids, but she dislikes lots of other things. So I'd like to show her some programming stuff, mostly that it's not that hard to learn (but impossible to master) and it's easy to get into. I'd like to start with some WinForms because it's very easy to grasp (it's how I got started) and then move on to some web programming. Just some C# and then JavaScript and HTML and CSS, probably a bit of SQL as well. The goal is to give her an idea about programming, what it is and how it works. I could even show her some production code. I'm not going to show her stuff like C or Python, simply because I don't know it myself. So, within the constraints of .NET and a fun afternoon, is there anything I absolutely should or should not show her? Looking for a sort of curriculum or idea, like a to-do list.

                        Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly

                        R Offline
                        R Offline
                        RickZeeland
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #13

                        Maybe one of these: best-resources-for-a-programming-beginner-to-learn-c[^]

                        Sander RosselS 1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • M Maximilien

                          Ask her if there is something she'd like to do on a computer or something she'd like to have or a problem she'd like to solve. If you only show hew code that does nothing interesting (ie. hello world) she'll get bored. With a goal in sight, programming will be easier.

                          I'd rather be phishing!

                          Sander RosselS Offline
                          Sander RosselS Offline
                          Sander Rossel
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #14

                          Good one, will do!

                          Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly

                          D 1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • D David ONeil

                            If she can't think of anything in response to Maximilien's question, ask her what her favorite topic is, and then show her how she can organize that info through a database, or with objects. She can teach you something new as you help her!

                            The forgotten roots of science | C++ Programming | DWinLib

                            Sander RosselS Offline
                            Sander RosselS Offline
                            Sander Rossel
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #15

                            Good advice, will ask :thumbsup:

                            Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • R RossMW

                              Are you sure its the programming she interested it... hint hint..

                              A Fine is a Tax for doing something wrong A Tax is a Fine for doing something good.

                              Sander RosselS Offline
                              Sander RosselS Offline
                              Sander Rossel
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #16

                              Yeah, pretty sure, she's happily married :laugh:

                              Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • R RickZeeland

                                Maybe one of these: best-resources-for-a-programming-beginner-to-learn-c[^]

                                Sander RosselS Offline
                                Sander RosselS Offline
                                Sander Rossel
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #17

                                Do you have stock in that company?

                                Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly

                                R 1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • Kornfeld Eliyahu PeterK Kornfeld Eliyahu Peter

                                  If she is smart she will do the learning thing alone (or pick alone the route at least)... As you not actually going to teach her programming, you should show her the possibilities - how versatile computer programming is... Do not waste your (and her) time on 'Hello World'-like things... Make her hungry, move her imagination... If she is any good the rest will come...

                                  "The only place where Success comes before Work is in the dictionary." Vidal Sassoon, 1928 - 2012

                                  Sander RosselS Offline
                                  Sander RosselS Offline
                                  Sander Rossel
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #18

                                  Kornfeld Eliyahu Peter wrote:

                                  As you not actually going to teach her programming

                                  If I could teach people how to program in an afternoon I'd be rich! :laugh: People often struggle to get started though, so at least I want to do that, and in that case getting her to write Hello World is great as it'll be something :D But on to the cool stuff after that! :thumbsup:

                                  Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly

                                  D 1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • Sander RosselS Sander Rossel

                                    Do you have stock in that company?

                                    Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly

                                    R Offline
                                    R Offline
                                    RickZeeland
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #19

                                    Ok, as you don't seem to appreciate my suggestions this is the last time I will try to help you. Goodbye !

                                    Sander RosselS 1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • Sander RosselS Sander Rossel

                                      Kornfeld Eliyahu Peter wrote:

                                      As you not actually going to teach her programming

                                      If I could teach people how to program in an afternoon I'd be rich! :laugh: People often struggle to get started though, so at least I want to do that, and in that case getting her to write Hello World is great as it'll be something :D But on to the cool stuff after that! :thumbsup:

                                      Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly

                                      D Offline
                                      D Offline
                                      David ONeil
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #20

                                      Sander Rossel wrote:

                                      If I could teach people how to program in an afternoon I'd be rich!

                                      I've got it down to two hours! Enjoy your cash! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: (+ :tongueincheek: )

                                      The forgotten roots of science | C++ Programming | DWinLib

                                      Sander RosselS 1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • R RickZeeland

                                        Ok, as you don't seem to appreciate my suggestions this is the last time I will try to help you. Goodbye !

                                        Sander RosselS Offline
                                        Sander RosselS Offline
                                        Sander Rossel
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #21

                                        Come on man, I didn't mean it like that. In fact, I was just looking at Hackr.io because it was on top and you left some pros. It's just that you link to that website just a bit too much to just be an enthusiast.

                                        Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly

                                        R 1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • D David ONeil

                                          Sander Rossel wrote:

                                          If I could teach people how to program in an afternoon I'd be rich!

                                          I've got it down to two hours! Enjoy your cash! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: (+ :tongueincheek: )

                                          The forgotten roots of science | C++ Programming | DWinLib

                                          Sander RosselS Offline
                                          Sander RosselS Offline
                                          Sander Rossel
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #22

                                          I scrolled through the article and now I'm fluent in C++ :D

                                          Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly

                                          D 1 Reply Last reply
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