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Learn To Code
You may have never programmed before. Now you will.
What is code?
In general, code is something that stands for something else.
In computers, code is a series of instructions that tell a computer what to do.
What is coding?
- coding (aka programming or software development) is a human activity
- it's called code because what we write is not what the computer reads
- to a computer, it's all ones and zeros; to us, it's words (and numerals and punctuation)
What is coding NOT?
- coding is not mathematical
- some logic
- mostly just counting
- coding is not solitary
- most coding happens in a team
- pair programming is awesome
- coding is not about finding the right answer
- there's always more than one way to do it
- every solution has tradeoffs
- there is always a better way, and never a perfect way
- "The only perfect program is an empty file." - Alex
What is coding?
- coding is fun!
- coding is frustrating!
- coding is creative!
- coding is communication
- between you and a computer
- between you and other coders
- between you and future you
- between you and the client / the user / the business
What will we learn today?
In this class, you will learn about:
- The command line and why we use it
- Strings, Arrays, Variables, Objects, Loops, Files
- How to run your code interactively or from a file
- How to make a very simple website run on your own computer
Follow along at http://codelikethis.com/lessons/learn_to_code
Technical requirements
-
a text editor
- VS Code from Microsoft https://code.visualstudio.com
- Note: Microsoft Word is not a text editor
-
Ruby
- a live Ruby installation
- visit http://installfest.railsbridge.org for more instructions
- Ruby version 2.x is preferred, but 1.9 is fine too
- run
ruby -vto check