Wertle Woo

Rule #1: Search YA and Google FIRST before you post.

Rule #2: Specify the programming language in the title of your question.

Rule #3: Specify what you're using to compile.

Rule #4: Post all relevant code, COMMENTED, on pastebin and link us to it.

Rule #5: Post your compiler error messages, if any, so we can know where to look for the problem.

Rule #6: If no compile errors, post the details of the strange behavior (what it should do and what it actually does).

Rule #7: If you have no code, don't ask a question. We're not homework fairies. Do your own school assignments or change your degree if you're not cut out for it.

Rule #8: If you don't know the answer to a question, don't answer it.

Rule #9: If you need help with facebook, photoshop, tumblr, Windows, Mac, video editing, etc., post it in the appropriate section, not this one.

Rule #10: If you want advice on which education to pursue, ask it in education.

Now on to the most common questions in YA programming:

1. If you just started programming and your program flashes the console screen for a split second when you try to run it, it's because your program displays "Hello World" and then immediately ends. You need to run it in debug mode or add a statement to halt the program before it ends.

2. Web development is not software development. HTML is a markup language, not a programming language. If you want to make web sites, you want to be a web developer, not a programmer.

3. C++ is the best programming language if you want to make games or any large-scale simulation software. It is not too hard to learn as a first language.

4. You do not need to learn C before you learn C++, and unless you plan on maintaining legacy C applications or embedded software or linux operating systems, you do not need to know C at all.

5. C++ is a programming language, not a graphics API. If you want your C++ program to have graphics, look into graphics APIs to use.

6. You do not need to learn 20 different programming languages. You should learn 1 or 2 useful ones, master software development with them, THEN if you need to ever write something in a different language, worry about learning the language.

7. If you want to make games, go to a trade school that specializes in Game Development, such as Full Sail or DigiPen. If you can't afford that, then look for a degree in Software Development at your local university. If they don't have that, you can settle on Computer Science.

8. You will not be a professional software developer unless you go to school and earn the credentials you need to gain employment. If you just want to do little dorky projects as a hobby, not as a career, then pick up an ActionScript book and settle for making flash games.

9. Programmer salaries typically range from $40,000 - $120,000, depending on a variety of factors.

10. Yes, you need to possess a strong foundation in math to be a good programmer. A minimum of college algebra level skills will be necessary for anything you work on. Business productivity software can require Trigonometry and Calculus. Game and simulation software can require higher Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Physics. You don't have to be good at math, but you have to be capable of learning and using it.

If you came across a woman who was on her way to have an abortion, and no amount of arguing could convince her to keep her pregnancy, would you be willing to have the embryo or fetus transplanted into YOUR body to save it if she is willing to do this, especially if there is no other way for you to save the baby? Why or why not?

I don't want this to turn into a big pro-life/pro-choice debate, I just want the answer to this one question.

On average, how frequently do you get reported on YA for violating something? I usually come here to answer programming questions, but occasionally I venture out of my domain and answer other questions, for which I am usually prompted reported for abuse. Apparently a lot of people here have delicate feelings and can't handle honest answers without sugar coating on it. I get at least 3 violation notices a day.

...that you don't know the answer to?

I see this all over YA and various forums. It's like people answer questions just out of an OCD obsession with hearing (or in this case reading) themselves talk. If you don't know the answer, then don't supply one. Why do so many people answer anyway?