How can I get into robotics/computer programming before college?

I'm 14 (about to become 15), and have pretty much narrowed my career choices into two major categories: biochemistry and computers (more specifically, robotics or programming). I know that there is almost no way to get near a lab for biochemistry until I'm 18, and by then, I'll probably have started applying to colleges. Fortunately, I know that there is a way to get into robotics and programming before I'm 18, and maybe I can even get an internship in a couple of years. Unfortunately, I have almost no knowledge of any programming language. I've looked into Microsoft Dream Spark, but as of now, it's not available to high school students. I was wondering what resourses there are to learn about a couple of common languages (e.g. Java and C++) and to possibly get a part-time job/internship (pay would be nice but not necessary.) I live in outside Philadelphia and a few minutes from Princeton, so I hope there are some camps or workshops someone could point me to. Thanks in advance!

How can I get into robotics/computer programming before college?
Oh yah, It is very easy to get into computer programming before college and alot of people do. When i became a fresman I had no experiance and people were already programming our projects easy.





First, program for fun, its a good hobby pretty fun and helps you learn. Java should be your first language for about 2 years or little less. Java is good for new programmers because it helps you with future problems without you knowing it and its easier to learn. You'll find out why later. Ok well do tutorials, and it may really help to buy a java programming book.





Download source code and look at it and try to recreate it. Source code is what people write to make their programs run. Look up simple source code at sites where people load them up for people like you. google source code. projectsourcecode.com for instance. Have fun. Start off VERY simple and move up. be patient, you will get good soon enough.





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Java is object oriented, which is why I put it as the first choice because it is important to learn. Just get into a language to learn. Most colleges will start you off with java then to C++. All that really matters is that you learn how programs WORK.
Reply:I started programming when I was 14 in the summer of last year. I began by learning Perl. With Perl, I managed to make two programs to crash certain game servers in less than about 40 lines. (Through exploits not simple DoS) Perl is a good choice to begin with because it is very close to C. After that, I learned Python. Python was useful because it taught me alot of the object oriented features found in more advanced object oriented languages such as C# or C++. After that, I learned C++ and made a game for my biology class using the Win32 API. C++ is my favorite language because it is very powerful (Interface to Win32, DirectX, OpenGL) and is similar to C and is about industry standard. Now i am learning C#, and ive already made a video game with XNA on it. This is what I did, and im doing pretty good, so i suggest you start with either perl or python. oh and DONT USE JAVA!!! I tried it a few days, it SUCKED!. slow, everything is object oriented, just dont use it until u know u really want to. If you are into robotics, however, you might want to learn C and MIPS or x86 Assembly After perl or python, since those are the languages most often used in robotics. (For example, even the Lego mindstorm robots use C)
Reply:Well you could go to youtube or a friend. I am 11 and I know a 30 yr. old programmer that says he could teach me.

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