If I Were To Learn Coding...

[DouglasA]

...what programming language should I start with?

I envy those freelancers on the web with enhanced coding skills because they really get their jobs in. There's really a market for them out there.

I'm no coder, but I know basic HTML design via Dreamweaver MX (and that's even through a program )


So, with earning and future in mind, where do I start? MySQL? PHP? ASP? Or what? What would you recommend?

[GLD]

I'd recommend you start by learning HTML and CSS, maybe a little bit of javascript - and then once you feel confident enough move on to the server side coding (PHP, ASP etc...).

[MadKad]

Like GLD sys the best is to start off with HTML and CSS then work your way up like maybe PHP and Mysql as there what I think are used most.

If you need any tutorials on these please ask and I and maybe others would be willing to make you some on here

[Whatcha]

Programming covers a number of different areas
Server side(Php,asp), Client Side (Hthml, javascript) and the desing side graphics, photoshop, flash.

To learn to be a coder in any of the above will take a long time and you will need to learn one or more to become usefull.

I would say have a think about what u prefer and think ur strengths are keen eye for detail then go the graphics, desing route, if u more into making things work go the coding route.

GLD recommends Javascript, personnlay this is a hard route the basics of javascript are easy but the language is getting complex in that it expanding using the DOM and the likes of ajax. So u will need a clear head to understand the differences in the the languages and how and why they are needed to inter opertate.

Php and asp are a good route to start in my opion with php as the preference. ASP is not open source, meaning that it will cost to learn a lot of it. Php has an excellent manual and great support pages. Also once u learn some php u will find it easyier to learn parts of any other language once u get in to the basics of programing.

Flash is also a very lucartive skill and looks fairly easy to learn if you can get hold of good manuals and site, any one knows any please let me know, also getting involved in flash will propel u into other languages to get the job u want done.

The key thing is to remember programming is easy if you have a head for it and can follow and understand the flow. The biggest hurdle is knowing the correct syntax to use ie "this" is different to "This", and also know thing capabilities of the language. I know a lot of php and can code a lot from memory but i donnt know all the how to write all functions but i know the function exists. if you follow me

[MadKad]

As for Flash I would love to also try and make some tutorials on this as well

[Minxy]

ghehe, lazy me just used PSP and Notpad for creating her rubish (and I'm even proud of it! xD Lol)

[dyrim]

Iv written a few tutorials for newcomers on codecrunch.com, try reading them - they are designed as a starter so you can go onto more advanced tutorials quicker.

[unreal1ty]

I've just started myself not long ago, i already knew abit of HTML but it was really easy to pickup, i recommend going for HTML/XHTML first then CSS, and if you want to go on coding pickup something like PHP. This site is great for learning http://www.w3schools.com/.

Good Luck! and don't give up to easily

[Chilipeppers]

You get the most power from the combination of php and mysql. I would recommend checking out some of the tutorials on sitepoint.com which will get you started. From there you will soon advance to writing your own custom scripts.