A Book for Wannabe Programmer?

Question

From time to time people ask me for advice on how to learn programming. This is mostly from people at work who are associates. They aspire to become a software engineer simply for a higher paycheck.I am reluctant to tell them to go read SICP or Knuth's Art of Computer Programming. I would like them to understand what they are getting into before they commit to it.I would like to recommend a book that really explains some philosophy or touches on the mindset needed to become a programmer.What would you recommend to someone who aspires to become a programmer, but who has no understanding of what is required?

Bostonian · Accepted Answer

Python is a beginner-friendly language with many books available.
If your associates use Excel, maybe they could be introduced to writing functions and subroutines in VBA? I know of non-programming financial traders who used Excel and picked up VBA without formal training.
Maybe someone can comment on entry points for web development.

notquitehere · Answer

I switched into a computer science major after taking an intro class that used Python to make pictures and videos (CS1315 at Georgia Tech). I think this is the book from the professor:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0131176552/qi....
It's old, but it's like $8. You can also look up a more recent syllabus to see what book they're using now.