Stef’s Free Online Smalltalk Books (Meta-List)
✒️ By Canol Gökel
This book is a friendly, concise introduction to programming using GNU Smalltalk. It breaks down complex concepts into simple language, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned programmers. Get ready to explore programming fundamentals with a unique twist and plenty of practical examples.
Book Description
“Stef’s Free Online Smalltalk Books (Meta-List)” by Canol Gökel is your ticket into the world of programming through the lens of GNU Smalltalk. The book keeps things clear, light, and even a bit playful. It’s designed for folks who want to learn programming from scratch or those curious about how Smalltalk stands apart from languages like C or Java. Each chapter is short and sweet, packed with practical examples and review questions to test your skills as you go.
Book Overview
Ever wondered why some programming books feel like brick walls? Not this one! This guide strips away the fluff and focuses on what matters: understanding how computers think and how you can make them do your bidding. You’ll find topics like number systems, programming language types, file formats, and even tips on word processors and IDEs. The author doesn’t shy away from humor or honestyhe admits to a bit of laziness, which actually means you get compact chapters that cut right to the chase.
The book dives into core programming concepts before introducing you to the magic of objects, messages, and classes in Smalltalk. There’s a strong emphasis on hands-on practicebecause let’s face it, nobody ever learned to program just by reading about it! You’ll discover how other beginner-friendly programming books approach teaching fundamentals, but this one keeps things refreshingly simple.
Why Read This Book
If you’re tired of dry textbooks or overwhelming tutorials, this book might just be your new best friend. It’s not only about learning syntax; it’s about thinking like a programmer. The author insists that practice makes perfectand he’s right! Every chapter comes with sample programs and review questions so you can flex those new coding muscles. Plus, the book’s creative commons license means you can share your newfound wisdom without any guilt.
What sets this book apart? For starters, it doesn’t assume you know anything about programming. But if you’re already experienced in another language (say, Scala or Python), you’ll find helpful notes sprinkled throughoutthink of them as inside jokes just for you. Want to see how functional programming compares? Check out Functional Programming, Simplified for another perspective.
Who This Book Is For
This one’s for absolute beginners who know how to use a computer but have never written code before. It’s also great for programmers experienced in other languages who want to understand GNU Smalltalk from the ground up. Teachers looking for a concise resource will love the review questions and clear structure. And honestly? If you’re even a little curious about what makes Smalltalk tick, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.
What You Will Learn
- The basics of what programming is and why it matters
- The difference between high-level and low-level languages
- How to write your first program in GNU Smalltalk
- Core concepts: objects, messages, classes, variables
- How to control program flow with blocks and conditions
- Encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism explained simply
- Practical coding exercises with real examples
- Tips on installing GNU Smalltalk on Linux and Windows
- How to keep learning after finishing the book (because there’s always more!)
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