Programming Languages

This subject guide is a collection of resources useful for new programmers or for people who would like to learn programming from scratch.

Materials include NTK resources (books and eBooks) and also high-quality online resources.

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If you are new to programming and don’t know where to begin, recommended languages are either JavaScript or Python. Currently, they are the most used programming languages and many instructional resources exist for them. Both languages have an easy syntax that is reminiscent of natural English language.

NTK's collection on the topic of programming languages can be found here. High-quality eBooks about programming can be found in the ProQuest Ebook Central and SpringerLink platforms.

Git

Git is a version control software. It's used for tracking changes in documents, code collaboration, and for easily developing multiple versions of the same program at the same time.

Knowing how to use Git is a prerequisite for all programmers.

Git SCM: official Git manual
DangItGit: Git troubleshooting

Git cheatsheets

Advanced Algorithms (COMPSCI 224)

Series of lectures about algorithmization from Harvard University. For advanced beginners and computer science students.

Java

Java is one of the most popular programming languages. Java is most notably used for Android development, but it´s also widely used for large-scale web and desktop applications. The main benefit of Java is its universality. Code written in Java can run on almost anything, regardless of platform, without a need to tweak or rewrite it.

Official Java documentation
Java on StackOverflow
Java Exercism track
The JVM specification: official specification of Java Virtual Machine (JVM). JVM is the tool responsible for running compiled Java code.

Materials for beginners

CS106A - Programming Methodology: Extensive introductory Java course from Standford University. MOOC.
Free Code Camp - Learn Java - Free Java Courses for Begginers: A large list of free and open Java courses.

Books

A practical guide to data structures and algorithms

Other JVM-based languages

There are other languages besides Java that use the JVM for compilation. Most notably it´s Scala, Kotlin, Groovy and Clojure

C

Programs written in C are very fast and very efficient. The problem with C (for beginners) is that it has none of the safety functions of modern programming languages (e.g., Java), so a badly written C program can easily crash the operating system of a computer.

Because of its speed and efficiency, C is mostly used when writing programs that need to be very fast and consume very few resources, such as operating systems, smart devices, embedded electronics.

C++

C++ is a language built on top of C but with some added higher-level features often seen in modern programming languages: data structures and objects.;

C++ is mostly used for embedded electronics or for writing graphically demanding applications like video games, game engines, or the graphical parts of operating systems.

C++ documentation
C++ on StackOverflow
C++ on Exercism
The Czerno - C++: made by a senior C++ developer from Ubisoft.

Books

Cover: C++ Data Structures and Algorithms

C#

C# (read as "c sharp") is a programming language developed by Microsoft. It's mostly used for the development of Windows desktop applications and web apps.

Official C# docs
Official .Net framework docs
Mono framework
C# on StackOverflow
Exercism track forC#
Learn C#: Introductory C# programming course from Microsoft.

Books

Cover: C# 8. 0 and . NET Core 3. 0 - Modern Cross-Platform Development

Cover: C# Programming for Absolute Beginners

Cover: Hands-On Design Patterns with C# and .NET Core

JavaScript

JavaScript is, at the moment, the most used programming language in the world. Its original purpose was to add interactivity to web pages; today, it can be found almost everywhere, from web, desktop, and mobile applications to servers, games, and smart electronics.

Despite its name, JavaScript has nothing to do with Java. These two languages are completely different. JavaScript got its name as a marketing strategy: Java was a new, broadly used and beloved language when JavaScript was created, and JavaSript's creators wanted their language to be associated with Java.

JavaScript documentation - MDN
javascript.info: JavaScript tutorial + detailed documentation.
ECMA standard: official language specification.

Materials for beginners

JavaScript for Cats
Eloquent JavaScript
JavaScript 30: video tutorial. Available after creating a free account.
Intro to JS - Khan academy: Very simple introduction to programming for total beginners.

Important technologies

NodeJS: server side JavaScript.
VueJS, AngluarJS, ReactJS: popular and widely used JavaScript front-end frameworks.
TypeScript: broadly used JavaScript superset.

Books

Cover: JavaScript: the definitive guide: 7th edition

Cover: Eloquent JavaScript: a modern introduction to programming

Cover: You don't know JS: ES6 and beyond

Cover: Advanced TypeScript Programming Projects: Build 9 Different Apps with TypeScript 3 and JavaScript Frameworks Such As Angular, React, and Vue

Python

Python is one of the most used programming languages. Python code is very easy to read and write. Its main usage is in data analysis and machine learning. Other notable uses include process automation, robotics, and web development.

Materials for beginners

Learn Python: Interactive online course.
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE AND PROGRAMMING IN PYTHON: Programming course from MIT. Includes recordings and transcripts of lectures and labs. Programming exercises and longer homework assignments are also included in PDF form. Available also as a book, Introduction to computation and programming using Python (3rd edition).