On Thu, Mar 20, 2003 at 05:12:32PM -0800, deFreese, Barry wrote: > OK, so this is going to be somewhat of an esoteric question but.. How > did you really delve into development and what is/are your sources of > inspiration. I am trying to dive head first into Python/Perl?/C/C++ > and while it's easy enough to write the "Hello Worlds" and CD-catalog > programs :-) how did you move beyond that. > > For example. I see a lot of questions on debian-user about > configuring IP addresses, so I thought, hey I'll write a quick Python > app to configure /etc/interfaces and /etc/resolv.conf. Of course > doing an apt search produces etherconf, linuxconf, and several other > utilities for configuring interfaces. Would you write the app anyway > just for the experience?? How did you get from the middle ground to > guru-dom?? Or is the answer that if I need to ask, I will never be a > hacker!!?? :-)
I highly recommend putting aside the IP-address-configuration stuff for the moment and consider becoming a better programmer computer-science wise. Get your principles down; that's more important. If you want to move beyond simple stuff you have to learn these things. You can do a lot just by being curious and probing around the Internet, but here are a few book recommendations as well: _Paradigms of AI Programming_ by Peter Norvig Teaches good pragmatic programming technique using AI examples. (If you want AI, see _AI: A Modern Approach_) _Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs_ by Sussman and Abelson This one is used by MIT, it's often recommended. Also available online. _The Mythical Man-Month_ by Frederick Brooks Not a programming book, but influential and interesting to read. Important if you are going to work in a group. I also recommend getting a well-rounded view of computer programming languages. You should acquaint yourself to some degree with: assembly language, C, Smalltalk, Self, Cecil, Ada, SML, Haskell, Forth, APL, Mercury, and Common Lisp. (feel free to go further) That should keep you busy for quite a while =) I think you'll get a lot more satisfaction out of programming as you become more informed. -- ; Matthew Danish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ; OpenPGP public key: C24B6010 on keyring.debian.org ; Signed or encrypted mail welcome. ; "There is no dark side of the moon really; matter of fact, it's all dark." -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
