Jesse Liberty
Alpha Books by QUE
ISBN #: 0-7897-1995-9
This is a useful book. I've often wondered about federal programs that train fisherman for janitorial jobs, when there is a cry about for IT personnel. Fisherman use radar, LORAN, fish finders and other electronic equipment, including computers. You would think that translating those skills into programming would be common sense. This book should be made available to Adult Basic Education and re-training organizations.
The book has logical, step-by-step methods of preparing oneself for a career in programming, including some basic skills and definitions. I found the section on job interview preparation, resumes and cover letters to be a gem. In spite of the spate of resources (books, the Internet and classes), people still write and offer prospective employers material that borders on illiteracy.
My memory of getting into trouble with the GOTO command while programming in FORTRAN was brought to the fore in the section on basic commands. The survey of current programming languages is a handy comparison. There are now so many areas of industry and business that use programmers, it offers a wide choice for your interests and opportunities for advancement and travel.
All in all, a comprehensive book for the beginner who wishes to explore the world and potential of computer programming. A strong commendation for the fine job skills section, especially what to expect and how to go about getting that preferred position. Frankly, I wish I'd had this book twenty years ago.
Rick LeBlanc is an adult educator, web designer and Internet data
junkie. Driven mostly by curiousity, the term lifelong learner is easily
applicable. Add to that a wife and daughter, two cats and two goldfish, and you
see that sleep is not a priority.