Javascript: A Primer for C++ April 10, 2008
Posted by mitchfrizzell in C++, Web Programming.add a comment
Javascript really is the place to start if you’re looking to get into programming. You get a little taste of what you’ll get with C++, but in a lot easier package. In JS, you can choose how far you want to go. Want to get some HTML DOM in? Or would you like to skip over AJAX? Javascript can be as basic or as complicated as you wish. But there’s the problem. You won’t make a big splash in the PC world if you only know basic JS. Everyone knows basic JS. It’s when you start mixing it with other languages and functions that you really break out of the beginner’s mold. Using JS and HTML together (which is still rather basic), JS and XML (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML), JS with XUL, and many more – is where it really counts.
Javascript and C++ syntax are basically the same. Functions, classes, variables, calling variables or functions from an object: it’s all basically the same. The only big difference is JS being a little lax in ;s at the end of statements. In terms of basic functionality, you’ll also grab it in JS. Loops, conditions, switches, arrays, variables: it’s all there in JS, and just as important in C++.
But, that’s as far as JS will really take you. It’s here where JS moves onto other technologies to fulfill its purpose, but C++ moves on to its own, more complicated set of functionality. First off we’ve got pointers. Pointers can really throw you for a loop when you read about them the first time. Especially trying to read the reference operators and dereference operators. It can get pretty hard. But once you get the hang of it, you’re ready to move onto structures, unions and classes. I’m not sure what’s beyond that, as that’s as far as I’ve gotten 
All in all, JS has served as a great primer for the somwhat harder C++. If you’re looking for a test run in the programming world, you should check out Javascript.
What it Feels Like to be a Millionaire… December 6, 2007
Posted by mitchfrizzell in Awesome, Random Info, Web Programming.2 comments
…or something like that anyway. This past week I got my first job, and my first paycheck. Due to my current living arrangement, I’m not allowed to have a real job here (receiving money from the people here is against some contract I signed). So, I had to turn to the online world of jobs.
One Dead Ogre is Always Better Than 4 Wounded Ogres November 5, 2007
Posted by mitchfrizzell in Awesome, Web Programming.5 comments
While playing almost any RPG, you’ll quickly learn that the best way to survive random encounters is to stick to the above rule. The reason? Most games do not penalize the enemies for having low HP. So, if you spread your attacks around, you’ll still be getting hit 4 times, no matter how low the enemies’ HP are. However, if you focus your attacks on one enemy at a time, you will lower the amount of attacks by one each time an enemy falls.
My Life as a Web Programmer Part 1 September 5, 2007
Posted by mitchfrizzell in Random Info, Web Programming.add a comment
Well, technically, I would be considered a web author/scripter, as the languages I know are authoring and scripting, but programmer sounds a lot cooler. The first time I ever used a web language was way back in 2002 or so. I needed to know HTML for some geocities site I was making. I gave up on it.
I Hate the Internets August 3, 2007
Posted by mitchfrizzell in Geeks, Random Info, Web Programming.5 comments
Have you ever worked on something for a long time, hoping to achieve a certain goal only to realize that the higher powers (in my case Gore and his cronies) have deigned a different course for you? Well this happened to me recently, and it was a real break to my internet confidence. What exactly happened?
Well, I’ve been working on my computer hacking skills (I put aside my bo staff skills training and whatnot for now) and my first step was basic web programming. I studied HTML, XHTML and CSS, taking a quiz for each to make sure I knew what I was doing. I was ruled 95% in both HTML and XHTML and 92% in CSS. That’s pretty good, right?
The next step in my journey was to take the Exam offered by the W3CSchools. I spent a few days studying, and finally got the courage up to take the exam. However, I was not accepted. Why? With an average of 94% on the quizzes, and days of study, I could have aced the exam. I wasn’t accepted because I didn’t have $59. Yeah, you have to pay to take the exam. Instead of making you take the exam and pay for the certificate, they make you pay to even load up the page. So, I put the idea (and the link) on the back burner for now.
I should have known that a certificate recognized by most major universities wouldn’t be free, but that’s me, I don’t think about that. Will I take the exam? Yeah, I will, but only when I have a spare 60 dollars. I’ll get over my hate of the Internets soon, but I need a little grieving time first.
