I have an idea for a program that I think could be huge. How do I go about implementing it. I don't know anything about creating software
Answers (1)
Begin by asking three questions.
What operating System will implement my software? (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)
Will I need a user interface, or will it be browser driven?(Java, C varients, HTML, PHP)
What is my target audience?(Gamers, Educators, Programmers, Average Consumer)
Of course the above are only suggestions. There are many possibilities when it comes to creating your own software.
You must start by determining your target OS. This will help you can identify what languages will be of use to you. C# wouldnt do you any good for android since android uses Java, but it is an excellent solution for Mac and iOS programming. For windows systems Java is the most commonly used scripting language and is moderately easy to learn. Java programs can be ported to many different operating systems which makes it an extremely versitle option.
If your program is browser based, chances are you want to learn PHP, HTML, and JavaScript. These programs are really just websites that run off of a server, but with the right tools and creativity you can build anything from the next Facebook to the greatest browser based video game of all time. In which case you should also research flash.
That brings me to my next point. Programming IS DIFFICULT. Don't be fooled by the simplicity of the ideas a program presents. The amount of effort and hard work that goes into a program can be quite daunting. That said with enough patience and time you can create anything. Learning a programming language is like learning Spanish or French, it takes time but eventually you will become fluent.
Last but not least understand your audience. This is crucial to program development. A gamer won't care about twitter updates and a teacher doesn't need to know their FPS. Obviously they might depending on the nature of your program but chances are you'll need to tailor to very specific user needs. But never be afraid to think outside the box and reinvent everything you possibly can. The wheel may already have been invented, but it works a lot better as rubber and steel than stone.
Finally, don't take my word for it, I am not an expert, simply a hobbyist with a fundamental understanding. The simplest answer I can provide is to Google it. Yeah I know that's what everyone says, but the answers you seeks are waiting for you behind every click of your mouse. And nothing teaches better than experience.