Comments for Just A Theory

Comment on Why can’t we cure the common cold? by Rob Shoehorn

Rob Shoehorn — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:14:34 +0000

I agree, what are our scientists doing?

Comment on Just A Review: The Infinite Monkey Cage by john

john — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:28:00 +0000

I have listened to the first 5 episodes and I love it! There is nothing wrong with being funny, which they are, and informing people, which they do, on the different topics they cover.

Comment on How long until books go digital only? by tony hakimian

tony hakimian — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:39:51 +0000

Technology is inevitable. Most of people use ebooks already. I hope people will still support books because it’s still not the same without reading a story page by page.

Comment on Should I learn to program? by yogi-one

yogi-one — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 20:33:45 +0000

Hi Jacob. I asked my older brother this question once. His is a computer scientist who used to write java (and many other languages) and head project coder teams for a huge corporation (as in “three times as many employees as Microsoft” huge). So he used to write code and design projects with huge (as in 10′s of millions of entries) databases. In addition to referring me to the Java SDK he recommended SAM’s Learn Java in 24 hours series. I was able to write extremely simple java programs (that worked even!) by chap 7 in the book.

It’s baby steps to be sure, but it will get you over the initial hump from non-coder to coder. And you’ll have a much better idea of what an ‘object’ is in computer terms.

But I think putting yourself in an environment where you work with others who are learning is better. Many community colleges offer excellent course and have night classes so that people who are already professionals in other fields can make it work. Nothing like community support to help you get more into it.

Finally, be aware that coding is a lot like music: you can learn basics quickly if you apply yourself, but there’s no other way to become “good” than doing A LOT of it.

If you want to “dabble” in a way that helps you to be a better technical writer, that’s a good thing, no doubt. But actual good coders are generally not hobbyists, and there’s a reason for that.

Comment on Should I learn to program? by Jacob Aron

Jacob Aron — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 06:38:46 +0000

Thanks for the advice everyone. So far I’ve managed to download and install the Java SDK, but I’ve only opened it once and am yet to write a line of code.

I think Flora is right, I’ve got to come up with a project rather than just setting out to learn to code. Thankfully I’ve got some holiday coming up, so perhaps I’ll give it a go then…

Comment on Should I learn to program? by Flora

Flora — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:16:34 +0000

Hi Jacob! Paul showed me your post. Totally disagree with the other commenters. :) Matlab!?! Horrors. Content? Great, but you obviously have that covered. Just using Linux isn’t programming — it’s not hard to start coding, zillions of people have, after all.

My 2p: find a project that you want/need to do. I need a program that plans my laundry cycle! I need to predict the lottery numbers. I need a web app that tracks every oil-carrying ship currently at sea. Or something! I think one needs a real end goal to stay motivated.

Java — yes! A great start and not too hard-core. Sometime web-based is nice because you can share it, plus it will be handy for lots of people. Java IS crawl, IMHO, you will have no problem learning it.

Make that Android app now. Why wait? Buy a book if you like dead trees, or just use Google’s free online documentation. Can’t wait to see it!

:) Flora

Comment on Should I learn to program? by Alan Stevens

Alan Stevens — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:33:16 +0000

Hi Jacob,

If you want to do some programming in the area of technical calculations/mathematical modelling of physical systems etc. then I recommend you either buy Matlab (expensive!) or download Scilab (http://www.scilab.org/) an open source Matlab lookalike. Alternatively get Mathcad (also costly and no open-source equivalent as far as I’m aware). If you want to do “mathsy” things then get Maple (you can get a home-use only version for around £200 from Adept Scientific).

Alan

Comment on Should I learn to program? by Jamie Condliffe

Jamie Condliffe — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 22:11:37 +0000

Hey Jacob. Only just stumbled across this, and it’s late, and I have deadlines, but I thought a couple of minutes wouldn’t hurt.

Personally, the kind of coding you (we) right about is, for someone learning in their (little) spare time, fairly unattainable. I guess you’d get a flavour, but little more.

If you want to just be able to code a little, as more of a problem-solving tool, then my suggestion would be to start using linux – maybe you do already? – but also start making it fit what you do. That way, you’ll pick up some basic coding skill, in very much a problem-solving, you-oriented way.

Comment on Should I learn to program? by Nicholas

Nicholas — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:31:28 +0000

the internet is a giant content management system, i would say keep generating content and help give this computer meaning.

the computer is utterly meaningless unless you place content in it, so keep making content and delivering insightful commentary and knowledge and you will be serving a better purpose than developing new software.

Comment on Just A Review: The Infinite Monkey Cage by Jacob Aron

Jacob Aron — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 21:00:38 +0000

I haven’t heard the latest episode, but listening to last week’s I’d say it does seem like they’ve improved – I enjoyed it much more than this first episode.