Take Up Code

We talk about methods in this episode. There are many kinds of methods and we will need to split this topic into multiple episodes. I will explain how methods are called and how they return when they are done. And a bit about how viruses can sneak in and gain control.

The question this week comes from Mark L. and Scott S. who have both noticed some companies hire programmers who all speak the same language. Spanish is a common example. And they want to know why. What are the benefits of a software development team that all speak a language other than English?

A double pointer is nothing more than a pointer to another pointer. It is possible to continue this pattern indefinitely having pointers to pointers to pointers, and so on. But you will rarely need more than a double pointer.

Now that you know how a pointer can be used to separate groups of items, I am going to explain another use of pointers that helps you work with the individual items in the group through a special concept called pointer arithmetic.

If there is one thing that scares people more than void, it has got to be pointers. And rightfully so if they are misused or you get somebody trying to explain them who is already uncomfortable with them. This episode is going to rip the bandage off quick so we can move past this topic and soon you will wonder what all the fuss was about. I mean, really, we point to things all the time. Computers are just copying what we have been doing since childhood.

Understanding types is super critical to being able to program. Without this knowledge it would be like trying to go through life where everything you see and feel is unknown to you.

The question this week comes from Scott S. who wants to know what are all the files that get created when building an application.

Many languages are adopting a model of just-in-time compiling. Do you know how this affects you? This episode will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of just-in-time compiling.

Some languages are interpreted and some are compiled. Knowing how your code behaves will allow you to select the best tool for the job.

You have probably heard that computers only understand zeros and ones. So how does a computer go from zeros and ones to colorful graphical interfaces with buttons and web browsers?