Beginner's FAQ

For those of you who don't know, FAQ stands for Frequently Asked Questions. If you have a question that belongs here, email it to us! Enjoy our newbie faq.

1. What is a computer language?
2. What are some languages?
3. What language should I use?
4. Where can I get a free compiler?
5. I have a question, who should I ask?

1. What is a computer language?

A computer language is just like any other language(Spanish, English, etc.) except it allows you to talk to the computer instead of another person. Contrary to what people may tell you, computers are not smart. They are actually quite dumb, in my opinion. A computer simply does what it is told. A computer language allows you to program or tell the computer what to do.

2. What are some languages?

    There are many languages out there. Among the most popular are:
        C/C++
        Java
        Pascal
        Python
        Quick Basic
        Visual Basic

Follow the links to find out more about each language.

3. What language should I use?

That's a good question! What do you plan to program? Are you a beginner? What are you willing to spend on a compiler? These are questions you need to contemplate before answering this question. If you are a beginner a good language to start in is Quick Basic because you likely already have the QBasic compiler. The last thing you want to do is spend big money on a compiler and find out you detest programming, the language doesn't even do what you want, or you could have programmed the same thing on a free compiler. You can find free compilers for C/C++, Java, and Python. QBasic is a great language to start in because it is easy. We mean easy too. Anybody can program in QBasic. It would be harder to learn C/C++, although we have heard of it happening. Don't expect to make a super program your first try; it takes time! You will not make a 3D game that fast. It takes the professionals time, and it will you too. I recommend finding a free compiler and going at it from there. QBasic for beginners especially. It won't make super games, but it is a good learning language.

4. Where can I get a free compiler?

Browse our programming section to find free compilers. Not all languages have a free compiler, but their seems to be a wealth all over the internet if you look.

5. I have a question, who should I ask?

The best place to ask a question would be on our Question Forum. Place your question under the category that fits it best. Probably the language you're programming in. If your programming a game, you may place it in the game programming category.