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.