First steps in programming

Now, that we have all the background covered, I want to show you the beginnings of programming. I will be showing you the steps to build and run the ubiquitous “Hello World” program in both C and Java. The C version will use the C99 standard ( though it matches most standards as well ) and the Java version will use Java 17 ( though it will likely run in whichever Java you have ). These two language standards will be where I will work as I write more posts.

How I write code

I hope two write two posts today. I need to set things up for you all before I dive into code. I don’t know if others call the developer environment they use a stack, but that’s my term.

The reason I do this is that when I learned C#, I used what was good for me. I had Microsoft’s VS Code running on a linux machine with Dotnet Core . I was watching some learning tutorials on YouTube and discovered things didn’t work like the presenter showed them. After much frustration and arguing with the presenter, we both discovered that while I used Dotnet Core and VS Code, he used Microsoft Visual Studio and .NET. The two were not the same, though now they finally are the same. Since then, I am careful to note what I am using so that others will know beforehand.

Before we learn to program

I’m going to start sharing what I know about writing code and developing software, but first I wish to start with sharing some of what happens under the hood.

I am kind of pedantic about things like this, but I am a member of the “No Black Boxes” club. I don’t like things to be hidden. I prefer to know exactly what is going on in my equipment, my electronics, and even in my programs. Though, I do realize I don’t completely care how a given compiler actually works, just that it does its job.