Archive | August, 2008

Three Must-Learn Computer Languages

By on August 20, 2008 in Programming/Coding

In my odyssey through computer science school I’ve learned that there are two foundational languages that are must haves. If you already know them walking into the collegiate computer lab from high school you will have a major leg up on your freshman class mates. If you are a high schooler or coding hobbyist learn these two now.

Find a good basic C++ book and a good Java book and learn them in that order. C++ gives you more guts and behind the scenes gory details like pointers and other concepts that provide a solid foundation for you. Then you can go into Java which has more of those complex principles hidden from you which makes it easier to learn. Finally teach yourself C# on the .NET platform. It’s good for learning web applications and Microsoft’s .NET platform is fast becoming an industry favorite.

I bought SAM’s Teach Yourself C++ in 24 Hours to get myself ready for a class called Software Construction this semester. It’s basically the C++ class at Auburn. I did a couple of chapters a day between the summer to fall break so that it’s not completely foreign to me when my professor starts teaching out of his book of choice. I’m just a little more than halfway through it so I’ll be able to stay ahead of him as he introduces new concepts in class. Still waiting for my online order of his book to come in the mail since our campus bookstore didn’t order it (LOL). But the new semester has started and I’m ready.

I’ve already taken Java in school but since I like the format of the SAM’s books I’m going to recommend that you also purchase their 24 hour version of self taught Java after you get C++ down. You’ll begin to pick up on the differences in syntax and semantics but since the format of the too is similar you probably won’t have a problem picking up on it quickly.

After I’m done with C++ it’s on to Visual C# .NET and, you guessed it, there’s a 24 Hour instruction book. Microsoft’s .NET platform has been growing in popularity for it’s ease of use. I have a few classmates who use it regularly, even for C++ (I’m sure there’s a SAM’s 24 hour book with that combination) so I can’t wait to dig into it between the the fall and spring break at the end of this semester.

To get started just click on my Amazon link to the left share your wealth with Marty (self serving plug) while you learn.

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Wichita NAACP to Celebrate the First Lunch Counter Sit In

By on August 2, 2008 in Politics, Society

My fellow AfroSpear blogger, Kevin Myles is the director of the Wichita NAACP branch. On Saturday, August 9th, they are celebrating the courageous efforts of two dozen young members of the Wichita Branch NAACP Youth Council who in the summer of 1958 held a historic lunch counter sit in at a local drug store.

Sit ins weren’t recognized as a tactic by the NAACP at that time so Kevin and staff are correcting the oversight with appropriate recognition fifty years hence. I think it’s a great gesture to yet another group of actionist heroes from a generation ago.

If you’re within driving distance and haven’t made plans for next weekend why don’t you try to make a trip to Wichita and enjoy the day’s festivities. I’m sounding the alarm for my friends and extended family in St. Louis, St. Charles, and Jefferson City, Missouri and other points in the lower midwest to saddle up a carpool posse and help the Kansans have a great time. You might even meet some historic figures before the day is over.

Kudos to Kevin and the Wichita branch for all the great work that you do.

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