Books to start learning Computer science/Programming?

Thought I might as well get some background knowledge before I take Computer Science and computer engineering in grade 11 next year. Are there any must have books for the complete beginner? I would just like to be able to get familiar with programming languages and stuff like that.

Reply 1

iisjman07

1

Excuse my ignorance, but what sort of level is grade 11?

Reply 2

tynanv

OP

Original post by iisjman07

Excuse my ignorance, but what sort of level is grade 11?

Well, in Canada, grade 11 is for students aged 16-17 years old.

Reply 3

iisjman07

1

Okay it's a bit of a broad subject but you mentioned programming so we'll start there. Do you know what language you'll be learning? At my university they teach Java (which seems pretty much the standard) and the recommended book is a Lewis & Loftus book called 'Java Software Solutions'

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Reply 4

tynanv

OP

Original post by iisjman07

Okay it's a bit of a broad subject but you mentioned programming so we'll start there. Do you know what language you'll be learning? At my university they teach Java (which seems pretty much the standard) and the recommended book is a Lewis & Loftus book called 'Java Software Solutions'

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I have no idea which language we'll be using. The course description says, "Students will design software independently and as part of a team, using industry standard programming tools and applying the software development life cycle model. Also, if I want to go into computer science in University, do I really need to be taking a computer engineering course in high school?

Reply 5

iisjman07

1

Original post by tynanv

I have no idea which language we'll be using. The course description says, "Students will design software independently and as part of a team, using industry standard programming tools and applying the software development life cycle model. Also, if I want to go into computer science in University, do I really need to be taking a computer engineering course in high school?

I think you'll probably learn Java, maybe C, but it's worth checking if you've got anyone you can email. You don't need to take computer engineering to study compsci at university. It would help (after all it is relevant) but isn't necessary; the university applications will probably ask for grade whatever in a scientific or mathematical discipline - basically they want things like IT based subjects, Maths, relevant sciences, but less English and vocational subjects. It's a good idea to do the course; it'll give you good experience, gives you things to talk about when applying for university, and should give you a leg up on your classmates

Reply 6

tynanv

OP

Original post by iisjman07

I think you'll probably learn Java, maybe C, but it's worth checking if you've got anyone you can email. You don't need to take computer engineering to study compsci at university. It would help (after all it is relevant) but isn't necessary; the university applications will probably ask for grade whatever in a scientific or mathematical discipline - basically they want things like IT based subjects, Maths, relevant sciences, but less English and vocational subjects. It's a good idea to do the course; it'll give you good experience, gives you things to talk about when applying for university, and should give you a leg up on your classmates

Okay, thanks for the help! I'll try and find a beginners book to Java programming to get me started in the right direction.

Reply 7

TheWakeUpCall

If you don't want to buy a whole book, there are many online places to learn from.

I didn't learn from this, but it looks quite good:

http://www.homeandlearn.co.uk/java/java.html

Reply 8

natninja

21

Original post by tynanv

Thought I might as well get some background knowledge before I take Computer Science and computer engineering in grade 11 next year. Are there any must have books for the complete beginner? I would just like to be able to get familiar with programming languages and stuff like that.

I think the attachment worked but it's an introductory course in C programming that my uni uses for first year physics, it has some excercises you can do. You can get various IDEs/compilers for free but I would recommend Codeblocks unless anyone knows a better one.

C handbook.pdf706.2KB