To all you programmers out there...

[JamesGold]

<p>I’d like to take computer programming as an elective for my senior year. My school offers two classes: Programming I and Programming II. Here’s the official description for I:</p>

<p>

This course provides students with an introduction to computer programming. Through hands-on instruction, students will learn how to plan and create their own Windows applications using a language called Visual Basic. Students will also be introduced to game programming. Lab fee for materials that students keep.

</p>

<p>And programming II:</p>

<p>

This course emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving and algorithm development. It expands upon the programming concepts already learned in Programming I. Through hands-on instruction, students will learn how to plan and create their own applications using a language called Java. The topics explored will cover those tested on the College Board’s AP Computer Science exam.

</p>

<p>I have no prior programming experience and would prefer a more rigorous class to get myself started in programming. Also, being able to take the AP Comp Sci exam at the end of the year is a major plus. Do you think it would be possible for me to skip right into Programming II or should I take Programming I to ease my transition into the art of programming? </p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>EDIT: Whoops, I meant to put this in the HSL forum. Oh well -_-</p>

[PerpetualStudent]

<p>Go directly to the second course. By its description it’s already a fairly introductory course, and if the emphasis is going to be on programming (rather than data structures / computer science-y stuff) you might as well learn a more palatable / useful language like Java rather than Visual Basic which will likely leave you brain damaged for the rest of time.*</p>

<p>Don’t worry about not having any experience, follow along in class and read your textbook and you’ll be fine.</p>

<p>*Not really but it’s an awful language.</p>

[alexuyang]

<p>Agree with PerpetualStudent. I took VB sophomore year, took a year off, im taking Java this year. There’s pretty much no point in learning VB, its almost completely useless, the only thing is maybe learning a little bit about how to code certain things. There are a couple of people in my Java class that didn’t take VB, and they’re all doing fine, just ask your teacher/classmates for help if you need it.</p>

[Greekfire]

<p>Take the Java class. You’ll find what you learn to be much more useful when you encounter programming in the future. And definitely more useful if you plan on a career in CS.</p>

<p>If you feel uncomfortable about not getting the material, go on iTunes, find the iTunes U section, and download the video lectures for MIT’s introductory programming course.</p>