[mythtv] OT: Learning C++ and QT

Matt skd5aner at gmail.com
Thu Jan 17 22:02:28 UTC 2008


On Jan 17, 2008 2:01 PM, hendrixski <hendrixski at storsint.com> wrote:
> Matt,
>
> There are many ways to contribute, not all of which involve coding.  If
> coding is the way in which you want to contribute then here's some of my
> musings.
>
> 1) Don't do it alone.  It's lonely, and there are mistakes that you can
> avoid by talking about it with people.  This will help you bypass
> peripheral distractions (like like setup woes) so that you can focus on
> what you want to do (program).  Plus it's more fun!
>
> 2)You do have to RTFM, that goes without saying, but you also have to
> ATRP.  If you don't "Ask The Right People" then you'll never which "fine
> manual" you have to read.  It'll give you a broader scope.
>
> 3) Packaging is different from programming which is different from
> bug-reporting, which is different from bug-triaging, which is different
> from documenting, which is different from managing code-merges.
> You don't need EVERY skill.
>
> 4) COMMENT YOUR CODE.  A month from now you'll revisit something you
> wrote and you can either A)spend 20 minutes to figure out what you did
> and why or B) spend 3 minutes reading comments.
>
> Enjoy
>
>
>
>
> Matt wrote:
> > Hello Devs!
> >
> > I've been using myth for almost 4 years now... so a veteran I suppose.
> >  I'm upgrading to SVN Head about once a month, and read the commit
> > mailing list every day to see everything that's going on.  However,
> > I've got lots of ideas that I'd like to see find their way into myth
> > but, being around for a while I've learned the familiar motto: if you
> > want it, build it yourself.  I don't really have a problem with that,
> > except for that I haven't been able to "build it myself".
> >
> > Well, I've finally decided to do something about it and learn C++ and
> > QT development.  I have a very small background in terms of
> > programming.  A little bit of experience with Java, and got pretty
> > good with VB6 several years ago when I was in school.  However, I
> > never really pursued becoming a developer for a career or hobby.  Now,
> > I consider myth to be a hobby that I'd like to start giving back to
> > the community (eventually).
> >
> > What I'm looking for is any advice you folks might have for a newbie
> > in this arena.
> >     - Resources
> >     - Books
> >     - Websites
> >     - IDEs
> >     - Examples
> >
> > Etc...
> >
> > Basically - I've got to start somewhere.  Obviously I'm expecting an
> > initial learning curve, but I've already got a logical understanding
> > of programming under my belt (in the windows and web space).
> >
> > I appreciate any advice you folks can help me out with... maybe
> > someday down the (hopefully-not-too-distant-road) I can start joining
> > the ranks of some of you.
> >
> > Thanks!
> > Matt
> >
>
>
> --
>  - Hendrixski
>
> How to ask questions:
>  * Do your homework: google it, search archives from lists and forums
>  * Ask on the appropriate list or forum using a meaningful header
>  * Be precise, impersonal, to the point, state your goal, and say "please" and "thank you"
>
> How to answer questions:
>  * Verify what they're asking about, turn bad questions into good ones
>  * Give information, ask if it answers their question.  Rinse & Repeat
>  * Not all manuals are created equal! link to your favorite one and say "Read This Fine Manual"
>


Thanks!  Appreciate the feedback everyone.  Feel free to keep it coming!

Also - it's been about 12 years since I've used IRC... so I think I
might start hanging out around there shortly.  You can see me there as
"skd5aner".

Matt


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