Greg Perry
1 BEFORE YOU GIVE THIS AUTHOR YOUR MONEY...
[...]
He basically uses his hatred of Liberals as an excuse to say or do any selfish thing he wants. Here are excerpts on his reaction to global warming. "The fact that Liberals really don't like extremely large SUVs made me decide to buy the largest one on earth" and "They say that if an SUV runs into a small car, the small car loses. If they truly wanted to save lives, they'd yell to reduce small cars! When I heard what SUVs do against smaller vehicles, I thought, "That's the kind of car I want my wife in with as much metal safely guarding her as possible!" and "The kind of car you drive should be your choice, but they only like choice when it's a choice to murder unborn babies. They don't want you to have choice in the car you drive." -- That's only Perry's selfish take on global warming, just read his racist teachings and his gay bashing. If you even give 2 cents for the planet you live on, don't give this creep your money because he's using it for a truly disturbing agenda.
2 Waste of intelligence
I checked out this writer's personal website (where he promotes his books as well) and this writer is, in fact, racist and incredibly self-centered. I can not support a writer whose views are so hateful, regardless of his book's subject-matter. I can not get pass the first page for thinking of the hate behind it. Hopefully he will learn to free his mind (and website) of hateful clutter soon before more people suffer as a result of his convictions.
3 A shame...
I was actually enjoying this book until I discovered the author's website: www.gregandjayne.com/GregsCorner.htm
Here in Greg Perry's delusional "corner" of the web, Greg exposes his most extreme and hate-filled convictions in an amalgum of right-wing lunacy and religious dogma. Although there is no direct relationship between the website and the book, I think others might want to steer clear of Perry's publications out of sheer *principle*.
Greg is a good writer of computer books. He's not a good person. I for one will no longer support him.
4 Words from a "wannabee programmer"
As many other people in this world want to do, I want to program video games in the future. The only problem was that I had no idea how to start or where to turn to for advice. I had tried to learn over the summer of this year on how to create video games, but the books that I had borrowed from my local library said that I needed to have an understanding of C/C++. And when I borrowed a C/C++ book, I didn't really read it. So I decided to give programming up... for a while at least.
About a month ago, that itch to create video games came back to me when I was grounded. So I went back to my library and looked for a programming book that fit my needs. During my search, I stumbled upon "Sams Teach Yourself Beginning Porgramming in 24 Hours". And so I decided to read the introduction if I met the books requirements. When I learned that I did, I borrowed the book and began to read the book.
The book mainly covers a language called Liberty BASIC (which is probably is as easy a programming language as it gets). Right out of the gate, the book lets you program your first BASIC program, a rocket launch countdown. I was suprised how easy it was to program in Liberty Basic. To me, it felt like dumbed down English. When you are finished with the Liberty BASIC training (11 hours worth), you should have a good understanding of Liberty BASIC.
The book also gives you a detailed introduction to Java, but the first two chapters are only text and no examples. Those two chapters do help with the basics of Java and C/C++ (C is Java's "mother" language). When you do get to the programming part of the Java in the book (four chapters of Java in the book), you use Forte for Java (it already gives you the main code for your project). Unfortunately, I found Forte a bit intimidating at first, but when I played around with Forte a bit and got an understanding, I went through the chapters with ease.
The book also gives you a taste of other languages out there (Visual Basic, C/C++, HTML, Pascal, Javascript, and .NET) I say taste because it goes over the fundamentals of each of the languages entered there. You will find C/C++ easier to understand because of your work in Java.
There were some problems with the book that I found. First, there were some coding errors that I found. I found the most errors in Chapter 10, "Having Fun with Liberty BASIC". Most of the code I found put down on BASIC and ran could not run. How can you have fun with the program if you cannot run the code? More like "Getting Frustrated with Liberty BASIC". Also in Chapter 11, there is a sample code that seems to be bugged but isn't. When you get to the code that seems bugged (I forget which sample it was in the chapter) just expand the width of the window to get the result you want.
There were also many dry spells in the sample code for you to write down and practice. The ones that have little or no examples in them are Chapters 2-4, 12 & 13, and 16-24.
In my opinion, I would reccommend this book to anyone who is considering to explore the world of programming (either regular programming or video game programming) or anyone who wants to program but doesn't know where to begin. This book will not mold you into a good programmer, but it will lay down the necessary building blocks to becoming a regular or video game programmer.
I reccomend this book for video game programmers because it will give you a basic understanding of C/C++, the typical language of game programming (this information will be useful for other books that you have your sights on and if you get another C/C++ book, you will understand some of the subjects being talked about (arrays, literals, operators, basic C/C++ procedures, etc.)
Now I just need some help on what to do next...
5 What you would learn.... IF you took a class
Reads like an extended course description. Very few examples. Code examples are often incomplete so they cant be run. No real 'projects' to test any skills.
Comes with Liberty Basic (shareware) (you can download this seperately and learn more from its own help/tutorials). For the most part, you dont even need a computer to read this book. The code examples are only excerpts so you have to study them from the text in the book anyway.
What gets me more than anything is I found about 5 errors in code and text that are important! Things like mislabeled variables that would confuse anyone trying to learn. Although I guess finding the mistakes is a lesson in itself.
OK, that was the bad part, but I didnt give it a score of 1 because it is easy to read (fast). It does mention a wide range of topics, and it comes with a useable version of Basic (but only limited shareware, also there is a later version online). For a real beginner, this is one way to start off slow. It is disappointing because it could have been much better with only a little more effort. A few larger examples, and a few more actual coding projects instead of just saying 'if you want to create a text box in your program, type the following line....',
and then moving on to the next lesson.
This review relates to the 2nd edition.
6 begining programming
I would recommend this book for beginers, It explains the basics of programming, and also starts you off in java , c or c++ , although you do need the compilers for c and c++.
and also ultimatediscountbooksource@yahoo.com shipped it quickly and I had the book within a week.
7 Finally, I can understand about programming and languages!
I'd been banging my head against the wall for a while just trying to figure out where to start in learning to program. There are so many languages it's difficult for the beginner to decide which one to start with and to understand what the difference is between them.
Sure, I wanted to dive right in and start programming from page 1 but I'm grateful that he teaches about planning first. All of the programming details make so much more sense when you know what you're wanting to accomplish.
8 Great! Easy to read, Easy to learn!
When I picked up this book I knew close to nothing. I sat down and started reading it and before I knew it I had writen my first program. The auther, Greg Perry adds tons of real life problems to make this book clear and easy to read. This book comes with all the software you need, so all you have to do is sit down and go!
Great book for anyone who wants to learn to program!
9 A horrible book
This book gives you an introduction to the different programming languages. It also provides a very good source of information. However, if you have never typed code before, and you want to learn, this book is definetly not your best option. Also, this book does not come with an application that helps you create games. It only gives you the concept/logic behind game making. What good is that if you can not put it to use???
10 The best beginner's programming book ever written
Overall, I have found this book to be an incredibly easy to understand, concise starter course for the beginning programmer. Most books of its kind are large, cumbersome volumes, but this book was much smaller than I had preconceived. At 492 pages, this book does more than any other book I have ever seen.
When I first approached the book, I had no previous knowledge of programming whatsoever. I have found this book to be completely friendly to people such as myself... people who have never typed one program command but suddenly find themselves wanting to program.
This book focuses on the structure of programs and program design before it actually delves into the world of programming languages. I have found this section of the book to teach you invaluable design habits early in your programming knowledge, and basically to teach you how to design well planned-out, methodical, maintainable and easy to follow programs.
A large portion of the book focuses on a very good programming language for beginners, QBasic. As its name insinuates, this language is very easy to learn, and any beginning programmer can grasp the concepts of QBasic quite easily. After giving you sufficient practice with QBasic, it then moves on to give you a swift overview of Windows programming in general, Visual Basic, C, and C++. I found these chapters to be very helpful to me in my learning of these languages. Also, now that I am learning to program in Visual Basic, I have truly appreciated how much of QBasic actually transfers verbatim into the Visual Basic programming environment... my learning of QBasic has helped me inconceivably with learning Visual Basic. The sections on C and C++ also do a great deal for the two chapters they occupy. These two chapters give you a sufficient knowledge of the operators and algorithms of C and C++ to get you started on these languages if you would ever want to pursue them (which most programmers would, considering they are the most widely used languages on earth). The book then goes on to explain programming algorithms, ways to actually accomplish certain tasks with programs, such as sorting, searching, making comparisons and decisions based upon various circumstances, etc.. It then delves into the world of corporate programming and the various positions of programmers in today's society. But, me being only 12 years old, I did not have much interest in this aspect of the book since that aspect of programming is quite a ways off for me.
Well, considering this book now in its entirety, I truly and gratefully tip my hat to Greg Perry for the wonderful job he did on this book. And now, to answer the question surely in everyone's mind, "Does this book really teach you programming in 24 hours?" Well, the answer to this question is most assuredly... Yes.
11 Excellent beginner book
This book is written and presented in quite a simplistic fashion but the format works quite well. I have found my retention of the information has been great and with that, I am able to progress quite comfortably through to the next chapter and through the book, certainly in less than the 24 hours it proposes it will take. If you want to learn and really understand the fundamentals of programming, this is definitely the book to read first.
12 BRAVO!!!
I decided that I wanted to program...and I wanted to program in C++ no less!I wanted a specific program designed and produced and was going to write it myself. Colleagues of mine had done the same using visual Basic, why not I?
My wife is an MCSE and a programmer in C++ among other languages.. She suggested this book after looking through it at a bookshop. She said that there was more to programming than just writing a program...it was necessary to understand certain basic concepts first..concepts like program design, coding, maintenance etc. I was enthused with all the Programming in " 24hrs, 21 days..etc" books that I had bought. They just jumped right in and I followed,did as I was told and there it was ...My first program in C++..it didn't do much but "Hello World" did look good on the Win 2000 screen. My wife smiled...do you understand what you did, how you got there she asked? Can you write a proper program?
[Proper? It works]I thought but I admitted that I didn't and couldn't. I had copied code, run it on a compiler and the program appeared. Hmm...maybe there was more to it than this..
I decided to give this book a go even though I wanted to write programs NOW! SO I reluctantly took it up...WHAT no CD? Didn't look good...
I stated reading.I couldn't stop..there WAS more to programming than copying and pasting code in from a book or CD..
The author discussed code design, coding, logic , program design, maintenace, distribution, managemnet, company functions different languages, BASIC, QBASIC< VISUAL BASIC< FORTRAN
I approched my C++ books differently now. What I know is that this book is a MUST for every beginner Programmer. Temper your enthusiasm and learn good practices and a basic foundation here first THEN go learn what ever language that you want.
An excellent book, easy to read, logically set out. I went to the computer once to try out the qbasic compiler . It worked as expected. Rest assured you need to understand basic general concepts first..then your programming will be logical, clean, well documented and without 'spaghetti code'.
13 The Best Introduction to Programming!
I tried to learn programming through books like "Beginning Java 2", but found the concepts too advanced and intimidating. This book provides the perfect amount of information for anyone interested in learning their first programming language. The author first explains how computers work, how programs interact with hardware, how to design a program, and gives an overview of programming languages. The author then teaches you how to program using QBasic - an ancestor of Visual Basic. Through QBasic, all of the mysteries of programming are explained, providing the reader with a great start to learning any other programming language, especially Visual Basic. The final chapters explain object oriented programming, and explain the differences between Visual Basic, C, C++, and Java. This is a great book.
14 Great book, that gives you a nice intro to programming
The Book is great, if you wan?t to start a career or hobby as a programmer. You will not learn to make big programs, but you will get some great ideas and tools, that you can use, when you are programming.
15 This is a 5 star Introductory book
Do you want to know the basics of programming? Do you want to get a broad general overview of some of the languages available and how they work? To use this book you DO NOT need to have ANY prior programming knowledge at all. The editor QBasic is used for your working environment and can be found on your 95 or 98 CD in the folder called tools/oldmsdos - explained on pg.146Perry does a great job of giving enough background information to explain why the programming languages look and act the way they do, and explains the concept of object-oriented programming well. He tells you how to program (a structured approach) as well as some of the fundamentals and differences of other programming languages such as: C, C++, Visual Basic, Java, RPG, FORTRAN and others not so popular today.
All the commands and concepts are followed by examples that you can type in your editor and run (and they do run). In comparison to the many errors found in so many of today's IT instructional books, this book has very few. As a side note: There is one drawback for those who like to just copy the programming code from a disk into their editors and then run it to see how it works. It is not provided free. You have to purchase the code from the author or just type it in by hand. But, he also sends you a set of Tutorial Example Programs with the books code. I did not purchase them so I can't comment on them. But why would you want to do that when you are just starting out in programming and need the Hands - On experience?
All in all, I received a good understanding of the many concepts taught in a very clearly explained manner.
I have reviewed many books and recommend that you Buy this book!! Enjoy it. I know you will. Then move on to your Language of choice. Wishing you the best in your future of programming.
16 Great Book Even for Intermediate Learners
If you've been "dabbling" in programming, even reading a few books on various languages, this book is still pretty informative. Although the book starts VERY rudimentary (the first chapter seems to labor on the point that computers can't possibly take over the world) it quickly steps the reader through the history of programming and key programming concepts. The chapters on program design, program process, and program algorithms are invaluable and not found books that focus on programming languages (instead of programming style). Perry does a great job of giving enough background information to explain why the programming languages look and act the way they do, and explains the concept of object-oriented programming better than anything else I've read. On the down side, there is a definite bias toward microsoft, and the internet chapter could be expanded and updated to be truly useful. If you're new to programming or looking to fill in a few basic gaps, this book is an excellent resource.
17 A standout among computer books
This is the best computer book I've read since Van Wolverton's 1989 book on MS-DOS 4. In recent years, I've bought about twenty books on computer graphics (Paint Shop Pro), Web Pages, Networking, TCP/IP, Linux etc. and this one beats all the rest. It is eminently clear, material is presented in a logical sequence: it makes sense as you go along. Most of the books I've bought leave me frustrated from lack of clarity, excessive and obscure jargon and TOO MANY ASSUMPTIONS about the reader's prior knowledge. Buy this if you want to begin programming and learn the basics of the most widely used programming languages of today.
18 Good Overview
This book is not just for beginning programmers but also for those interesting in getting an overview of the most popular computing languages. I found in helpful in defining and providing sample code from computing languages such as Cobol and PL1, all the way to C, C++, and Visual Basic. Well worth the price!
19 Sams teach yourself beginning programming in 24 hours
This book was a pretty decent Book for people who know how to write programs,but if you are not familiar with programming this book is not for you. That's why have rated it a 3 star.
20 If you can't access dos you can't work the QBasic problems.
Got this book and really enjoyed it and learned a lot, until I got to Chapter 8. At that point I discovered I could not access dos or ms-dos on my HP Pavillion computer. Even looked through the recovery disks to locate Win 98, no ms-dos. I restarted my computer requesting it reopen in ms-dos and I got the C:Windows> prompt. Bottom line if you can't access ms-dos or dos on your system go to a beginning Visual Basic Book that has a CD-ROM included. I got the VB5 Teach Yourself and have started that. Talking to programmers I discovered it is not necessary to begin with Basic or even QBasic. Visual Basic is a good starting point. Also, don't go for the expensive newer stuff like VB6. Search the VB5 and start there. The difference, according to those in the know, is minimal and easilly picked up after you learn VB. Guess it's like going from a manual typewriter (anyone remember those?) to an electric. Fundementals are the same, just a few bennies were added.
21 An outstanding book
This book keeps everything in a logical order and helped me remember the basics.If you have never programmed, get this book before you read any others. You will not walk away as an expert programmer, but you will walk away with enough basics to start learning another language.
Great book
22 Great start for the beginner programmer
I needed to start somewhere and this book sure has helped. From the beginnings of programming to actually creating your own this book covers it all. It also helps you decided which avenue you may what to take in regards to a language of choice. The only programming I remember was back in High School with BASIC. It was really neat to relive those days with this book. I recommended this book highly, though it does have a few typos. (These are easily spotted, though). Well worth the money. If you don't know where to start, this is the book to start with.
23 Excelent book for beginners, very easy to read and fun too!
I always enjoy reading Greg Perry's books, he is known for his ability to teach the basics of very complex stuff in a very easy to understand way. This book was an up to date book that did exactly what it said it would...teach beginning programming. I loved the hours on the different languages which greatly helped me choose which language I'd like to learn more about. The typos were a bit annoying and I've noticed them in all of Perry's books. There is really no reason for that. If you're interested in programming, buy the book!
24 To learn how to program you need this book !!!
This is the best ( if not only !) book that teachs you the methods of programming . It tells you how to program as well as the basics of other programming languages ( QBASIC , VISUAL-BASIC , C , C++ and JAVA ). I recommend it to anyone who whats to write programs !!!
25 A Great Place To Start!
Having not programmed since I was in college, 14 years ago, I was looking for a way to get back up to speed on my programming skills. This book refreshed me on the basics and brought me up to speed on the new languages of today. I would highly recommend it as the FIRST book to read for anyone interested in programming. (It taught me some programming trivia that even the people in our MIS department did not know.) A Great Book!
26 Read this book before you go to any other programing books
Great book! This book provide a basic foundation to start programing. Don't think this book has nothing to learn by its name. (which I thought before I read the book). It could tingle your brain by the second half of the book. I bought other books like c++ prior to this book. I read them and understand nothing. I follow the example well on those other books and that's all that I learned.
27 The best that I have ever seen!
I wanted to do Visual Basic,but my programming base was a bit week.But thanks to Greg perry,I feel different now.He has concentrated on QBasic which is easy to understand and it will really give you a firm base to your programming career.It is worth every penny you spend on it.Just do it!
