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Hi friends.
I'm 19 years old programmer and working already. My father is 47 years old. He don't know anything about programming yet. When he was young he was good in math.
Today when I came home he said that he would like to learn programming too and help me to do some projects in the future. I know it's kind of late for him to start learning something new, but what do you think, what can I do to help him start programming? What's the startpoint for 47 years old man in the world of programming.
P.S. He tried to learn Java watching online tutorials but couldn't understand anything.

Comments
  • 4
    Well, probably the syntax and basic principles of programming first. I recommend Python for that. I'm sure there's a bunch of beginner guides.

    And then if he wants to go deeper C and C++. Or if he just wants to make something usable I'd recommend web development.

    I doubt he will keep the interest as a middle-aged man, but it would be quite amazing.

    And welcome to devRant! 😀
  • 2
    @joas thanks for the reply. Don't you think that he has to learn boolean algebra, discrete maths, etc ... at first?
  • 0
    The above I'd actually say for anybody starting because I took that path. But as you mentioned the math background, maybe functional programming would be more of a bridge to programming. Haskell is one option.
  • 2
    Python is easier to start with, go with procedural .

    P.s. it's never too late to start, the oldest iOS developer is 60+ and she started learning to program at the age of 60
  • 1
    python, and use pandas, or scipy/numpy.
    start him off with matrix operations, his math background will help him there.
    teach him the basics: variables, operstors, loops etc.
    ghrn move on to basic io, and step debugging.
    if he takes to it, teach the basics of oop.
  • 3
    @joas
    I wouldn't recommend Haskell to anyone starting out... :D
  • 2
    Have him try the Python language and see if it makes more sense. Java is not complex but it really sucks as a beginner language. Show him different things with Python using the Byte of Python tutorial and and see how that goes. If he is not feeling Python try Ruby or JS. The point is to try a language that gives immediate feedback.

    And yeah no.....do not use Haskell...
  • 0
    Dude. Tell him not to touch Java, C# craps.

    Try to get on with web based technology. Html css javascript.

    Because, that would him make him feel good that he can see his progress. And later he will share with his family about what he is doing. So, the family will his work
  • 2
    This is a really interesting thread! Be as basic as possible, he's going to pick up really fast in my opinion. Unsolicited advice: i think it's so cool this is happening in your life, let it flow wherever...
  • 2
    Thanks to all (especially Python recommenders). He finally liked it
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