Is 35 too old to learn programming?

metalmackey

metalmackey

metalmackey

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Hi,

I have access to Delphi 2005 and I want to learn how to use it. I learnt a bit of Pascal in the late 80s. Do you think im too old? Oh, and could someone quickly explain object orientated programming.

Thanks
 
No it's certainly not too old. I'd recommend something like VB to start with but if you want to use Object Oriented languages then Java or C# would be a good bet.

Hmmm tricky to explain OO. I'm still at work (programming!) after 16 hours and only 5 hours sleep last night so can't really think straight. Will try tomorrow.
 
You are never too old and Delphi is an excellent language to get started on.

The Wikipedia entry on OO programming will better explain it than I can here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Object_orientated_programming

It is really just moving from the idea of functions and procedures and taking them to a new level.

The programming language 'Smalltalk' is often used to teach pure OO principles and it's main aspects such as encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism.
 
Programming is a great skill to learn at any age. I don't know much about Delphi but I definitely reccomend learning.

I started with C. There are a great many free C libraries and compilers so I think it's a good choice. If you like computers, I think you'll like it.
 
metalmackey said:
Thanks guys, im gonna use Delphi to start with. Do you need to be a maths wizz to do 3d stuff? (I know im getting far ahead of myself LOL).
Click to expand...

Knowledge of matrix math (linear algebra) will come in useful for 3d stuff. As for Delphi, I use Delphi on a daily basis so if you have questions I can probably help. Get the basics down first before you venture into 3D graphics.

I'd recommend you get a book or 2 about Object Oriented analysis and design to explain the thinking process and the mindset. 2 Good ones IMO are

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0201379430/qid=1140121906/202-9919337-5559053
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...22081/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_2_1/202-9919337-5559053

Cheers
 
never too old.

but don't just learn a language, learn a design methodology too.
otherwise you'll just be hacking and invariably expend more effort to finish every project.

there's plenty to choose from, but Object Oriented methodologies are popular these days. though they're not the only trick in town.
 
Not too old at all, you really want to do it. :)
Some of the fastest thinking people in our office are the oldest. :)

Im not convinced when people say something is "for younger" people, if you work hard and have a genuine interest in what you are doing then you can be a successful.
 
Is there much difference in terms of speed between Delphi, C, C# and C++? I saw somewhere on the internet that because computers are so fast now, there isn't a noticable diffrence.
 
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metalmackey said:
Is there much difference in terms of speed between Delphi, C, C# and C++? I saw somewhere on the internet that because computers are so fast now, there isn't a noticable diffrence.
Click to expand...

depends what hardware you're programming for, not all code goes into pc's.

for example, typical low end nokia mobile phone will have around 2 million lines of C.


but assuming it's for PC with effectively (almost) limitless resources you'll probably see more difference these days between good and bad code than between languages.

or to put it another way, any old monkey can write slow code. ;)
 
To add to what Mr Whippy's said: Delphi is an optimising compiler that can target both native x86/Win32 and .Net. When writing Win32 applications it thus generates optimised native x86 code and (of course) when targeting .Net it generates optimised IL (although, with IL optimisation is laregely more up to the IL JIT compiler etc). So, whether writing native apps or .Net ones, it will be approximately as fast as C and C++ targetting the same platform.

HTH
 
Why are you so intent on 3D graphics?
That will be a long way off at the moment if you've never programmed before.

If you really do want to learn that then I would recommend C# and download the DirectX SDK and learn some managed DirectX.
There are some tutorials on Microsoft's site for it.
 
ah ok, you've got an interest for that sort of thing.

go here: http://www.gamedev.net/

and read the articles and forums and especially the 'for beginners' section, full of info that'll be right up your street then.

suggest you be on the lookout for 'openGL' and 'DirectX' info.
that'll get you started anyhoo ;)
 
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