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 -v to check

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Outline