12 replies to this topic

[SephStorm]

Hi all,

obviously I am interested in security, have been for a few years. At this point I have a good knowledge of security, technologies involved, ect. Now I want to get the hands on experience (without going to jail, hense the lab). Anyway, As XfX has pointed out very loudly, programming is a crucial skill.

I'll admit, I detest math, and books like "Gray Hat Hacking" or "The Art of Exploitation" seem to dump you in the deep end. Anyway, I have Beginning Programming for Dummies, which I like, but it says that one really needs an idea of a program that they want to make... (I dont want to make anything... except maybe a keygen or two :p)

Anyway, long story short, anyone have any suggestions for a tutorial for someone at my level? I've considered finding a college with a programming class, but havent found a local one yet.

Also, xfx suggested C++ as a first language, why? Aren't most programs written in C, and most security related code in Ruby, Python, or Perl?

[randombot]

Start up with python. Doesnt matter if dont kno a thing. It's an easy lang & very strong too. U can find cbt etc here on da forum.

[GhostProtocol]

yes you are absolutely correct randombot. python is a very effective and good language for the hackers, and also should consider to learn C, C++ also.

[Heartnet]

Java is a good way to start. It's platform neutral. However, to have depth knowledge about how computer works (hardware level), C/C++ is always the best.

C# is a good Java alternative, but it's for Windows only. Microsoft has really done a good job on the IDE, Visual Studio.

Try to put your hands on high level languages (C#, Java, etc.) first, then you will have better understanding when you move onto other languages.

BTW, C/C++ requires you to handle memory usage, which Java/C# does that for you (garbage collection).

[haunter90]

Go with Visual Basic 2010 best for starters.

[eri]

Python for scripting and Java/C# for programming is a good combination.

[SephStorm]

Forgot to say thanks to everyone for your replies.

[Notieboie]

Python is simplest and the most effective language for hackers

[timecard]

If you have a little experience scripting, this shouldn't be too hard.

http://code.google.com/edu/languages/google-python-class/introduction.html

[Itachi]

There are online classes from stanford and MIT on youtube. Just check their channels.

[renxx]

I'd say if you chose to go for Java then I recommend you to look into "http://www.amazon.com/Head-First-Java-2nd-Edition/dp/0596009208"

[bry6891]

Honestly, the best place will be Code Academy.  They just opened a Python course: http://www.codecademy.com/tracks/python?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Python%20-%20launch&utm_campaign=python-launch

[nokru]

depends on what job you are gonna to get finished - could be perl, could be java or could be python - but python would be easy to learn as well for starting