Developing for Ubuntu.

[qijaz]

Hi guys, I am interested in learning to code, I am not new to computers and not new to Linux either but so far I've been just a user. I've done a little bit research and the more I read about this stuff the more its getting confusing so here I am with just a couple of simple questions:

I am an absolute beginner when it comes to programming so keep that in mind. I've set my initial goal to learn whatever it takes to write something for Ubuntu and I've no idea what? So please help me, 1: Which language is the most useful to code software for Ubuntu? 2: Where should I start?

I've already learned the basics of python but that's just basics, I've no idea how to create something useful with that.

If all this sounds too stupid please point me to the right direction. Thanks.

[Lars Noodén]

If python is your thing, which applications do you use or have an interest in that are built in python? Select from those and then look through their bug reports in Launchpad and see if there is anything you think you could explore.

[qijaz]

@Lars: Thanks for replying. I am not sure if I can do that just yet, also I don't have any specific python app in mind.

I mentioned python because that's the only one i tried to learn so not sure if python is my thing because haven't tasted anything else What would you recommend, Should i continue with the python or look somewhere else?

[grahammechanical]

Wanting to write something for Ubuntu? There are resources to help you and we do not need to be an experienced programmer to write something for Ubuntu.

http://developer.ubuntu.com/2013/12/...ll-for-papers/

The entire week will be streamed live using Google+ Hangouts in which session leaders will provide their tutorials using a combination of video and screen-sharing with embedded discussion so viewers can share tips and tricks and help each other out. This will provide a rich menu of deeply interactive content that will be archived and available for future generations of developers to benefit from.

http://developer.ubuntu.com/

http://developer.ubuntu.com/community/

http://developer.ubuntu.com/apps/

http://developer.ubuntu.com/apps/create

http://developer.ubuntu.com/apps/create/get-the-sdk/

http://davidplanella.org/ubuntu-emul...ckstart-guide/


Regards.

[qijaz]

@graham: Thanks for all the links mate.

[lykwydchykyn]

Python is a perfectly serviceable language for application development on any platform, but particularly on Ubuntu since it (and a lot of useful python libraries) comes pre-installed on Ubuntu.

Best way to get started is to find an itch that you want to scratch. If you write an app that's useful to *you*, there's a bigger chance it'll be useful to someone else than if you design an app for a theoretical user.

[BrokenKingpin]

If python is your thing, which applications do you use or have an interest in that are built in python? Select from those and then look through their bug reports in Launchpad and see if there is anything you think you could explore.

I do not agree with this approach at all. Diving into existing applications when you are just learning to develop can be very overwhelming and is not the best way to learn.

Python is a great language to start with. Start with tutorials and learn the basics of programming. Just learning the simple basics can take quite some time. Once you start feeling comfortable with the basics (variables, functions, classes, etc.) then you can start looking at creating a bigger application that actually does something. Pick something like a calendar application, or a simple card game. At this point you probably will not know everything you need to know to create an application like this, but you can research and learn the things you need to as you go.

As you are learning I would recommend for signing up on a programming specific forum where you can ask questions and get help.

[Lars Noodén]

The approach works for some and not for others, for some skill levels and not for others. I have learned quite a bit from reading other people's code. The key is to look around and find a project where the level and interests match.

Forums and mailing lists can work well if you have your own project or exercises to work through.