Linux Format forums

Re: Writing Code

Rich_b21 — Sun May 06, 2012 12:28 pm

Author: Rich_b21

Posted: Sun May 06, 2012 12:28 pm

Thanks to you all for the info, I will be looking in those directions.

Thanks again,

Richard

Re: Writing Code

guy — Sat May 05, 2012 8:41 pm

Author: guy

Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 8:41 pm

Yes, the command line or terminal is a good place to start. Linux uses a command shell called BASH. You can do a lot with it, like setting up a network connection (or diagnosing why you just broke it!), downloading and installing AV software, etc. without ever writing a true program. And without it, you will probably never get your own programs to run.

However, by the time you are familiar with it you probably will have written a good few "shell scripts" - text files that do stuff. These files are genuine programs in their own way, though the language is geared to system chores rather than general-purpose computation. It will give you a feel for programming, though.

RUTE is a comprehensive guide to Linux at this level and is found on all LXF coverdiscs.

And by then too, you will know better where you want to take your programming life in future.

Go for it

Re: Writing Code

Nuke — Sat May 05, 2012 3:08 pm

Author: Nuke

Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 3:08 pm

I suggest you learn to use the command line for the more common operations before you tackle coding. In this you will also be learning more about the Linux's file organisation, something modern OS's try to hide. LXF 151 is somewhere to start, then buy O'Reilly's "Linux Pocket Guide" or similar as a reference for by your elbow.

You can get guidance on any command by typing <man command> but the result is so comprehesive that it can be confusing to a beginner.

Then decide on a programming language. An interpreted language is best to start with, such as Perl or Python. Don't attempt C, Java or Assembly as a beginner. All these languages all have a large range of functions, but you can get by with a small sub-set most of the time.

Then learn something about the chosen language. You can get guidance on any language on the Web, but I always like a printed book reference as well.

Then decide what you are going to write. Keep to simple things at first, first "Hello World!" and then eg a program to do back-ups - where you will probably be calling out to Linux with the system commands you learned at the command line (there are other ways to do that, but never mind those for now).

Then you write the program in an editor, such as Bruno suggested, save it as a file, and then from the command line you run it by calling up Perl (if that is what you wrote for) followed by the name of your program file, as in <perl myprogram>

You will certainly get loads of error messages, so you go back to the editor and look to correct them. Then you will realise just how excruciatingly fussy computers are about your logic.

That's it. Fttb, until you advance, anyway.

Re: Writing Code

Rich_b21 — Fri May 04, 2012 10:36 am

Author: Rich_b21

Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 10:36 am

I would like advice on were to start and with what programs.

Interested in Linux (Ubuntu, using since 2009)

Would also like to learn about networks , how to use them, to connect a say Windows computer to Linux computer though Ethernet.

Learn more about Viruses and how to prevent them from damaging any of my computers.

I subscribe to Linux Format since Nov 2011 and PC Pro June 2011.
Are the other sources which I can use?

Am interested in learning to use the command line in terminal.

I have installed from scratch New 80Gb HD & adding 4 times the memory on Dell 2.4 Dimension running Ubuntu 11.10 and reinstalled Windows XP on a HP Laptop, added 5 times the memory, replaced all the data and programes that the owner required. The same was done for another owner but this time I removed XP and replaced with Ubuntu 11.10 and replaced all the data she required.

I am a retried TV/Video engineer and have do some programming (well dumps) of Eproms in inside TV's as well as
Hex programe mod. (small)

look forward to your advice....

Richard

Re: Writing Code

guy — Thu May 03, 2012 7:42 pm

Author: guy

Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 7:42 pm

Depends on what the code is for, what language you choose, and whether you want to hand-craft code or would like a tool to help with some or all of the chores.

Please tell us more about your plans and dreams.

Re: Writing Code

Bruno — Thu May 03, 2012 12:41 pm

Author: Bruno

Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 12:41 pm

A text editor, such as KWrite, Kate, gedit (all graphical), vim or emacs (both command line), is a good place to start. They usually feature syntax high-lighting, which helps, and have specific settings to help with different types of code.

Also try an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for your chosen language or a web editor for HTML.

Writing Code

Rich_b21 — Thu May 03, 2012 11:44 am

Author: Rich_b21

Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 11:44 am

If I wish the write a some code how would this be done.

Would I write in terminal?

I am new to this so assume I know nothing.

Thanks

Richard