Do you have the perfect idea for a program, but you don't know how to turn it into reality? Learning a programming language takes time, but many successful programmers have learned self-taught. Once you learn the basics, you can create a simple program in no time. Creating complex programs will obviously be more difficult, but with a lot of practice you will be able to make your dream come true.
Steps
Part 1 of 7: Learning a Programming Language
Step 1. Decide which programming language to start with
If you've never written code before, you should start with a language that is suitable for a beginner - but still achieves the intended goals. There are dozens of languages to choose from, and each of them is suitable for a different purpose. Some of the most popular programming languages among new developers include:
- C: one of the oldest programming languages, but still widely used. By learning C, you will also create a foundation for later learning C ++ and Java.
- C ++: one of the most widely used programming languages today. Learning C ++ takes some time, and mastering the language even more, but once you learn C ++, a large number of doors will open up for you.
- Java: Another incredibly popular programming language whose programs can run on virtually any operating system.
- Python - one of the simplest programming languages, the basics of which can be learned in a couple of days. However, it remains a very powerful programming language used on many servers and web applications.
Step 2. Configure your development environment
You will need some tools to start writing your code. These tools together form the "development environment". What you will need depends on the programming language you choose.
- Code Editor: Virtually all programmers use this type of software. While it is possible to write code using a simple text editor with Notepad, the operation will be made much easier by a program that can highlight the syntax of the code and automate many of the repetitive tasks you have to deal with during writing a program. Some popular code editors include Notepad ++, TextMate, and JEdite.
- Compiler or interpreter: Many languages such as C and Java need to be compiled or interpreted before the program can be executed by the computer. To do this, you'll need to get a compiler - or interpreter - for your programming language. Most compilers also perform anti-bug checks within the code.
- IDE (Integrated Development Environment): Some programming languages have a code editor, compiler, and bug reporting system all integrated into a single program called an IDE. Generally, it is possible to obtain the IDE from the official website of the chosen programming language.
Step 3. Read guides
If you have never programmed before, you will have to start from the bottom. Find guides on the Internet that explain the basics of your chosen programming language. These basics include syntax, variables, functions, routines, conditional statements, and how these elements can be related to each other.
There are many sources from which to obtain guides, such as Udemy, Khan Academy, Codecademy, Code.org, and many others
Step 4. Download some examples of open source programs and software
Manipulating sample code can help you learn the language better. Online there are numerous examples and open source programs of which you can view the code. Start with simple programs, possibly having to do with the kind of program you want to program someday.
Step 5. Create simple programs to learn what you have learned
When it comes time to start writing your own code, start with the basics. Write some program with simple inputs and outputs. Practice the techniques needed to develop more complex programs, such as data management and subroutines. Experiment with the code.
Step 6. Join a community of programmers
Being able to talk to other experienced programmers about any problem you encounter is priceless. You will find tons of programmers like you on various sites and communities on the Internet. Join some community of programmers who are experts in your programming language and read everything you can. Don't be afraid to ask questions, but before asking the question, try to find the solution yourself first.
Step 7. Understand that learning any programming language takes time
You won't be able to create a program from the moment you sit down at the keyboard (and even if you do, it won't be a complex program). Learning to use a programming language takes a long time, but the more you practice, the faster you'll be able to learn and program.
Part 2 of 7: Designing your Program
Step 1. Create a draft of your program
Before you start coding, you'd better create some written material to refer to during the programming process. The draft highlights the objectives of the program and describes its characteristics. In this way you will not risk losing the overview you had created.
- This document should discuss each of the features you wish to implement, also explaining how these will be implemented.
- The draft should also take into account the user experience and how users interact with the program.
Step 2. At this point, create a pattern
Indicates how the user will be able to navigate the program. Generally, a flow chart will suffice for a simple program.
Step 3. Determine the architecture of the program
This factor will depend on the purpose of the program. Knowing which of the following structures can best be implemented in the program helps speed development.
Step 4. Start with a “1-2-3” program
It is the simplest of the programs, which allows you to acquire the basic knowledge of the programming language you have chosen. Basically, a 1-2-3 program asks the user to enter a data, which will be shown in the output. After that, the program is terminated.
- The next step in the 1-2-3 program is the REPL (Read-Execute-Print Loop). This is nothing more than a 1-2-3 program that restarts from the beginning after showing the output.
- Try creating a pipeline program. This type of program transforms user input and runs continuously. This method can be used for programs that require low user interaction, such as an RSS program. The program will be written in the form of a series of classes within a loop.
Part 3 of 7: Creating a Prototype
Step 1. Focus on one feature
A prototype typically focuses on the main feature of the program. For example, if you are creating a virtual organizer, your prototype might consist of the calendar and the "add event" function.
Step 2. Keep experimenting until you achieve the desired result
Your prototype should be able to be used as a standalone program. It will serve as the foundation for any other function, so make sure it works well. Continue to refine the base of the program until it works smoothly and effectively.
- The prototype allows you to make quick changes and test them as you go.
- Test your prototype on other machines, and have other users test to make sure it works properly.
- Generally the prototype changes as you work on it.
Step 3. Don't be afraid to discard the prototype
The function of the prototype is to experiment with an idea before implementing it. It allows you to check whether certain features can actually be implemented before getting to work on the actual program. If the prototype doesn't work well, discard it and start over from the draft. This way, you will save yourself a lot of headaches.
Part 4 of 7: Creating the Program
Step 1. Create a pseudocode base
It is the backbone of the project, and will serve as the basis for the actual code. The pseudocode is similar to the actual code but cannot be compiled. Rather, it allows the programmer to create a draft of the real code.
Pseudocode refers to the syntax of the programming language, and should be structured just like a real program
Step 2. Expand your prototype
You can use your prototype as a basis for a new program, or you can fit it into the full program structure. Either way, make good use of the time you spent prototyping and perfecting it.
Step 3. Start coding
This is the gist of the whole project. Writing code is the most time-consuming part, requiring the code to be recompiled and tested multiple times to make sure everything works. If you work as a team, starting with the pseudocode can help keep everyone on the same wavelength.
Step 4. Comment out all the code
Using the comment function of the programming language, you can add useful comments to the code. Not only will this help everyone who works with you on the program immediately find out what each specific piece of code does, it will also help you remember what you wrote when you come back to a certain point in the code again to reanalyze it.
Part 5 of 7: Test the Program
Step 1. Test any new features
Any features and / or functionality added to the program should be compiled and tested. The more people who test your program, the more likely they are to find bugs. Your testers should be aware that your program is far from finished and that they may encounter serious errors.
This phase is known as "alpha testing"
Step 2. Test the complete program
Once you have implemented all the desired features and features in your program, you should begin an intense testing phase that covers all aspects of the program. This phase should also include as many testers as possible.
This phase is known as "beta testing"
Step 3. Test the final version
As you continue to make changes and improvements to your program, make sure that the version you intend to release has been fully tested.
Part 6 of 7: Creating the Resources
Step 1. Determine what you will need
The nature of the program determines the resources needed. Do you need custom sounds? Do you work graphics? Contents? Translations? All of these questions should be answered before you release your program.
Step 2. Consider outsourcing
If you need a lot of resources but don't have the talent or staff to create them yourself, you may want to rely on outside professionals. There are hundreds of freelancers on the Internet just waiting to work on your project.
Step 3. Implement your resources
Make sure they do not interfere with the functionality of the program, and that there is nothing superfluous. Adding resources is generally an operation carried out during the final stages of the programming cycle, unless they are an integral part of the program itself; most of the time this happens with video games.
Part 7 of 7: Release of the Program
Step 1. Consider the idea of releasing your programs in open source mode
This way other programmers can take your code and improve it. Open source is a community-based software publishing model, and it is very difficult for you to ever make money with this type of software. However, it has some benefits: other programmers can take an interest in your project and make significant contributions.
Step 2. Create a storefront
If you want to sell your software, you can create a storefront, or showcase, on your website for customers to purchase and download your software. Keep in mind that paying customers will expect to receive a fully functional product.
Depending on your product, there are also a variety of other services through which you can sell your software
Step 3. Continue to support your release
After releasing your software, you will most likely start getting bug reports from your new users. Categorize these bugs by severity, and start working on them. As you update the program, you will be able to release new versions or patches that fix specific pieces of code.
Excellent post-release customer service can improve your customer satisfaction and help spread positive rumors about you or your program
Step 4. Advertise your software
Users will certainly not be able to start using your software if they do not know it. Give demo copies to online review sites and computer magazines, consider creating a free trial version, write a press release, and do whatever you can to spread the word about your new program.
