So you want to be a computer programmer? Want to write software? Here is how you can get started with this awesome hobby / profession right away, for next to nothing. I first wrote this article back in 2008 and a lot has changed since then, so I decided to start it over completely.
Good article.
I’m not sure whether to expect a newbie to be able to decide between a Microsoft Stack and a Linux Stack, though.
I guess for a newbe both ways are good. Following the not-for-the-money guideline and given the power of Open Source toolchain, I’d go for Linux (I’m not accustomed to MS OSes anyway). That said, the important thing is to get you started, no matter which way you go. Once you know the basics you can understand other technologies as well.
Exactly. Unfortunately there is a religious aspect with these platforms, in spite of efforts to get them to merge ( Mono, Iron Python/Ruby, One ASP.Net, etc) and many people choose one side and stick with it. Nothing wrong with that. I try to keep one foot in each boat because there are things I like and dislike about both platforms.
Thanks. I just wanted to present both options. Having been both a Linux stack and MS stack developer I decided to share experiences with both. I know many of the younger devs tend to migrate toward Linux, but there are still some business/corporate types who want to go for .Net. Since they’re both good choices I figured I’d share them and try to give some kind of overview of both.