Install GNU emacs.
Start it and hit cntrl-h t to go through tutorial. Learn the basic keys for moving around.
Hit cntrl-h i to go to main info list.
Select "Intro to emacs lisp" and hit return. This will guide you through language emacs is built upon.
Hit cntrl-x 4 b and type in buffer name(temp area to program) to play around in bottom half of frame.
Hit meta(alt)-x lisp-mode to put emacs in lisp mode for the bottom current buffer.
Don't be scared of all parathensies in language or its syntax. emacs makes it easy to work with the syntax. You get immediate results with the language because emacs is an interpeter. for example if code is written in the buffer of "Intro to emacs lisp". You can move your cursor right after expression and hit cntrl-x cntrl-e. the expression will execute and give u immediate results in bottom part of screen. No math algorithems are necessary, its all based on manipulating text.
This is very intuitive for newbies wanting to program as I've personally experienced myself. You also learn to customize your editing environment in any possible way. Another immediate plus for newbies.
Please pass on to others who have a desire to program but havent found the right path.
I would've appreciated this myself as it's helped me stick with programming on a daily basis.
I've found that u have to program a little bit everyday and actually do the exercises to keep the abstract concepts in your head. Not to read the books like a novel and expect to remember 3-4 days later like ive personally done in past.
I didn't know other people used pico too. I never hear about it. I'don't even know when/why I started using it but anything else just fees wrong.
