First things first

First things first

First some of the basic ideas...

Why program?

I don't think that everybody should become a programmer but I do believe that there is value in knowing how something works if we are going to use it a lot. So knowing the basics about how a car works, or how an oven works or whatever is useful. So many of the things that we use today rely on programming that I think it is useful to know how and why these things work.

Second, programming is empowering. Being able to tell computers what to do (that is what programming is) means that you are not limited by what other people think is useful. You can write it yourself.

Third, you can think of programming as an art or a craft. You can make beautiful as well as useful things out of code. Not everyone will appreciate that, but then again not everyone appreciates Picasso.

Last, you might decide that it is fun and you are good at it and it can become at least part of your working life!

So what's the plan?

The plan is to introduce a series of tools, resources and concepts that allow you to progressively develop programming skills. Readily available today are apps and web sites that develop programming all the way from pre-literate (kindy) aged children through to developing your own apps for your phone. Information about these resources will form most of the content of this blog.

Depending on what you know and your basic aptitude for this stuff, the first part may be too easy, but at least it will make you familiar with some of the ideas that are used in later sections, so give it a go!

What's not in the plan?

This isn't school. There are no tests, no homework. You learn and do as much or as little as you want, as fast or as slow as you want. You can ask questions on this blog or directly to me and I will answer them as time permits. If you work fast you will push me to create more content, but that's OK.

How long will it take to learn to program?

Well there is no simple answer to that, because in some senses you will be able to program after ten minutes or half an hour. But that's like saying that you can play the trumpet after ten minutes. Yes you can, but of course there is still much more to learn!