Self study coding from the ground up...

Hi guys,

Im coming at this from a totaly Oblivious corner, I have never coded/programmed anything in my life but I want to learn. Where would I start, I want to learn some basics, not nesseserily programming EA's but learning the skill.

Should I be learning something Like C+ to start with? Are there any online courses or books that you have used to self-teach?

Please remember that I dont have a clue how anything related works, Im essentially looking for recomendations for a Total novice on how to get started off.

Secondly, can anyone tell me about the learning curve? I get the impression that Coding is a kind of sky's the limit skill, much like being an artist or musician, the limits being your own imagination and/or your ability to be methodical.

Any and all recomendations/opinions welcomed..

Leon

Simply put, coding is just solving a problem.

"How do I get the computer to do x?"

Programming anything is simply converting your solution (in english, francais, 中文，etc). into a language a computer can understand.

My first lessons in coding were from a turtle, using the language "LOGO"

http://www.softronix.com/logo.html

Hi Ron,

Would getting my head around this be the most efficient way to start out?

Cheers,

Leon

PS. From a turtle?! lol

Ahh, I remember Logo, I used it one lesson in IT about 7 years ago. I think we made a dot move 3 spaces across and 6 down, lol.

I did most of my learning from reading the topics under the "dictionary" tab in Meta Editor and then looking at the sample EA's and scripts that come with the platform...like the Sample MACD EA...was a great start for me.

Then I asked some questions from coders here on FF and some coders were nice enough to point me in the right direction...
Was a long road but worth every step.

I'm assuming you're starting from a programming knowledge of 0.

So, yeah, logo is for you. If you know a little more logic and programming, then maybe up to C, or NQC (Not Quite C)

For raw programming I would download MS C++ express edition (http://www.microsoft.com/express/vc/) and start with the book (http://www.amazon.com/Accelerated-Pr...8013564&sr=8-7).

You could also start with C# using the express edition complier (http://www.microsoft.com/express/vcsharp/Default.aspx) and working your way though the many books available.

Either of these should keep you occupied for months (if not years).

MQL is very similar to C (as opposed to C++) so also you could work your way though the many tutorials online, MQL will get you trading faster via Metatrader, I would however study C++ or C# in the background because if you keep going with this gig you will eventually realize that Metatrader is pretty limited really.

Thanks craig,

Would you say that learning one language makes the learning curve easier for others? What would be the problem with starting out with something like C++?

Im assuming the more complex(?) languages are still able to do simple things.

Leon

PS. Im really just looking for the most time efficient way to do this and Im not even realy sure what 'this' is. Ill take a look at the links and look at getting one of the books for starters.

Also, What do you meen by 'Raw programming'? What other type is there? Im sorry, like I said before Im totaly ignorant to all this.

Yeah, you're right, MQL/C/C#/C++ are all generally the same.
You can do simple stuff in C++ but it's probably a bigger learning curve than C# or MQL. Really the thing that is going to set you up in the long run is your design skills, good object-oriented design skills are priceless and it applies across all the languages mentioned. But first I would just get some 'hello world' action happening, it's a long road, but a worthwhile one.

Edit: By "Raw Programming" I meant "not MQL", MQL is kind of a toy language built specially for Metatrader functions, it's OK for basic systems of the like you would see here, but for anything harder it's like pulling teeth due to the lack of a debugger or composite types in the language, but it's OK for getting the ball rolling.

Id just like to add that I understand this is not something I can learn in a month.

Ill hopefully be back in education soon and as a kind of preperation would like to learn something I can see results and improvement from, trading hasnt offered me many moments of satisfaction, lol.

Not to mention that I may chose Computer Science at degree level, Im sure a decent programming knowledge would help tremendously.

Craig has it right. Bill Gates will teach you for free. Look up MSDN and find the free express packages.
ps: I still use DOS .bat and vbs scripts. There is a place for everything.

Its not really a programming language as such, but its a great way to get your feet wet. Try html and build your own web page, cause its fun too. Then mql4 would be the next step, its probably the most simple programming language, as its designed for novices to use.

vtc has a "c programming" video course quite good actually with no experience required

http://www.vtc.com/products/cprogramming2007.htm


you can find the entire course on p2p

LOL. Kind of ironic, I went to download the microsoft "express" software to check it out and this is what I get!!! They really throw it at you, huh?



Note: I did get the program downloaded, in case you were wondering.