Hour 1. Becoming a Programmer

What You’ll Learn in This Hour:

• Choosing which programming language to learn first

• Using programs to boss your computer around

• Discovering how programs work

• Fixing program errors

• Selecting a Java development tool

• Getting ready to write programs

You’ve probably heard that computer programming is insanely difficult. It requires a degree in computer science, thousands of dollars in computer hardware and software, a keen analytical mind, the patience of Job, and a strong liking for caffeinated drinks.

Aside from the part about caffeine, you heard wrong. Programming is easier than you might think, despite what programmers have been telling people for years to make it easier for us to get high-paying jobs. ...

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