i want to dedicate my life programing, need some tips and advice

C# is a solid language to learn 1st, the only possible down side is that microsoft has so many libraries written for you that you don't need to write too much lower level stuff to get a program to do what you want it to do. (Java might be better to start with, just an opinion)

All languages follow a similar structure, it's only really the syntax that changes. A good way to learn is to start by familiarizing yourself with 1 language and teach yourself the basic concepts of programming through this language it becomes a lot easier later on when you want to branch out to another language when you focus on coding principals and concepts rather than focusing on mastering a specific language.

The best way to learn is to work on a small project of your own. If you can't think of anything I always go to projecteuler to find something to keep me busy.

Edit:
Oh and just to add, programming isn't something you learn and then you get to a point where you can say okay I can now call myself a programmer. There's always something new to learn, which makes it a really exciting field to be in.

small_town_boy said:

It takes 10 years minimum to be able to make even something remotely close to a "not a crappy game".

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I call bullsh*t.

toptoptop said:

I 100% agree with small_town_boy.
If you're older then 18 forget about it.
Btw learning languages isn't such a big part, if you've learned the principles it then will take even months to learn a new language.

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Wai..what? You mean that if it's not such of a big deal you'll need to be UNDER 18 to understand and be able to learn it?
Programing have nothing to do with the age as long is you're interested and motivated..
/2c

I don't really get why people think programming is so hard, it really isn't. They're called LANGUAGES for a reason you know. You basically just learn to speak computer, not human. It's like being a hardcore Star Trek fan and writing a bible in Klingon, it might be hard to learn, but if you stick with it, it will come out to be a really good thing.
Also this is a website that helped me learn programming in various programming languages(im not affiliated with them, just sharing my knowledge): http://programming-motherfucker.com/

There is never too late to begin learning. You just need to be very motivated and stick to a plan.
I am also at the beginning of learning C++ and Objective C at almost 30 and I am very confident in what I am doing.

Avoid Java.

To start your journey I would recommend Ruby and Python.

After you learned the basics of programming explore C, C++.

After a while you will find your favourite language with which you feel most productive.

small_town_boy said:

C#, C++, java are a good choice, but it will take you about 10 years to master a single language. That's about 10'000 hours. How will you support yourself through it?

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Honestly, even someone who hasn't programmed before could probably learn effective C in a month, and C++ a couple months afterwards. I don't really see what "mastering" a computer language could mean; it's not like with a human language, where you're trying to gain fluency. As long as you can read documentation quickly, and you can manage large projects, programming isn't particularly difficult; designing and packaging everything is the real challenge.