Good Books for Learning How to Program

michaelli321 · 09-02-2011, 04:06 AM

Hi, I am a 13-year-old boy that just recently started to develop an interest in coding and making websites. I am planning to make a website with my friends, and I am the coder of the group. I just finished PHP 6 and MySQL 5 by Larry Ullman, and I also went on my own to learn some HTML, and a bit of CSS. I want to learn JavaScript. I ordered a book today, JavaScript and Ajax for the Web by Tom Negrino and Dori Smith. I got this book for free, and saw that there were many mixed reviews. People either said it was amazing or horrible, so I'm not sure if this is the best choice for me. Does anyone have any good suggestions for a good JavaScript book, and another book for PHP and MySQL for intermediate people (it can't be too expensive, I don't get allowance so it has too be something like $15-$25). Also, I'm looking for something very interactive like the Larry Ullman book. I liked his book, and how it was presented.

Also, my friends and I are trying to make an all-in-one website, sort of like Yahoo, were its not just for one purpose, but many. So our website will provide the news, a social network, sports, etc. I'm not sure what I need to learn to accomplish this goal. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

tracknut · 09-02-2011, 04:52 AM

I have no ideas for books, but wanted to congratulate you on your motivation! When I was 13, um, I didn't do much of anything productive

In addition to all your research, take a look at RSS feeds. You could use them to pull in news and sports from the various news & sports sites and display it on your page.

Dave

michaelli321 · 09-02-2011, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tracknut

In addition to all your research, take a look at RSS feeds. You could use them to pull in news and sports from the various news & sports sites and display it on your page.

Two of my friends who are making the website with me know about RSS feed, but I personally have no idea what it is. I'll have to ask them to explain it to me. Thanks!

grumpy · 09-04-2011, 04:39 PM

1) Think of something you'd like to code
2) Start coding
3) Whenever you find yourself stuck, search for solution or ask on forums
4) Learn and progress.

Much faster than any book.

Jalaqes · 09-04-2011, 05:49 PM

Wow! I'm impressed that you're taking on a project of this magnitude. One other suggestion I have - look for a high school or college-age kid who knows how to build websites and see if they would be willing to mentor you. I know, most older kids don't want to mess around with young teens, but usually geeks like to share what they know.