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If the IDE has an integrated debugger then I suggest using it, is so educational to watch how the code runs, how stuf works and ofcourse is easy to find your bugs.
simion314
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IDE for sure, but once you have the basics of the language, allocate some time to learn what the IDE has been doing for you.
If its been creating stubs/boilerplate stuff, then check those find out what they're doing, and why.
Also be familiar with the structure of any project files or solution files, they aren't the language but you'll likely need to change them at some point.
Taking an app that builds in the IDE and then build it yourself via the command-line tools is a good idea.
Finally learn what else the IDE can do, can it help build unit tests?, help during the design? etc
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IDE.
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.
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The IDE solves many problems but IDE-bloat makes it tricky to master. When I search for text, I use my standalone editor, UltraEdit. Its search facilities are better then VS and I can see contexts which are much nicer to navigate than with the IDE. In short, don't be shy to use things that complement the IDE. You sometimes need more than a hammer and chisel in your toolbox.  
If there is one thing more dangerous than getting between a bear and her cubs it's getting between my wife and her chocolate.
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Thanks all for your comments, seems I'll be playing with both then!
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Honestly, it depends on the IDE and your environment.
I would say multiple monitors is more important that an IDE, but having BOTH is better.
Also, I recommend the PAINFULLY obvious... Please spend a LOT of time READING code. You would not expect someone to be a good author who had never read a book, would you? So, the more code you read, the more you will start to pick up, and leverage later on.
There is nothing wrong with a Good IDE. But if the IDE is constantly saying "Please wait while we do some background work", and it slows you down... Then it might be frustrating/painful. On the other hand, if it is responsive, and works, and has easy access to help, etc. I think it is a great way to learn.
And I have punched cards, and worked with TECO (optimized for Paper Terminal Editing, on a PDP/11). I use NotePad++ for a lot, but I use a couple of IDEs where they make sense. Syntax highlighting can significantly help with learning a language, and specifically reading source code...
Best of luck....
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Hear hear!
Member 10389821 wrote: I have punched cards
I haven't.
Member 10389821 wrote: and worked with TECO ... on a PDP/11.
Done that. While the other students were using a line-editor (EDT in line mode) the cool kids taught me to use TECO in screen mode. 
I was shocked later to find that EDT has a screen mode -- it's what I still use on VMS, I never bothered to learn EVE or LSE.
This space intentionally left blank.
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Either way is fine for learning the language and OO principles.
But part of what you need to learn is how to use an IDE, you need to know how to use the tools for scaffolding, building, debugging, etc. because this is how most software shops do things. So I'd say go ahead and use whatever IDE is appropriate for your language, because you'll need to know how to use it.
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It really depend on how much time you can devote to learn a new language with its libraries. Also how in-depth you want to know the new language or programming paradigm. If you have a project waiting to be developed and you are coming to speed on the language then a IDE will get you there quicker. A good IDE (i.e. Visual Studio) is an memory augmentation as well as a guiding tool. Projects involve not just the language you will have to know but also the mountain of libraries as well. However, if you really want to burn the language construct into memory, using a text editor will do that, because you have to correct any mistakes you've made and we all know we learn best from our mistakes. If you are absolute beginner start to learn to program, text editor might be easier path, but if you are seasoned programmer just stepping into other language and already familiar with how IDE works, then an IDE probably the way to go. Fighting an IDE at the same time while trying to understand a new syntax is a double edges sword.
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Text editor? IDE?, no, you should start by writing your code on paper, then sending it to a professional mainframe operator for him to turn it into punched cards and run it, it may take around 4 weeks to get the results, so better make no mistakes... 
Seriously, given that IDEs do a lot of magic being the scenes, i recommend you to start with a text editor (Notepad++ is a good one) and compile by hand, this way you'll have a better grasp of what you're really doing. Don't like the text editor?, then you may want to use an IDE, but start with empty projects and turn off code completition (Intellisense on VS).
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There is two schools in learning.
Top down or down top.
The down top approach means that you start from the abyss, where "abyss" is an arbitrary start point that change depending on the age of the adviser.
For 60 years old guy, you should start with assembler. For the 30 years old guy, most likely C++, and for the 40 years old guy C.
For your specific question, replace the name of the languages with the name of respective text editor/IDE release date.
The Top down approach does not depends on the age of the adviser. You start with the problem, read tutorial that permit you to move quick and deepen your knowledge as you encounter new problems.
I am a big believer in the top down approach that keep your motivation high since you can apply immediately your knowledge.
As a .NET trainer, this is the approach I use for my students, and always got good feedback on that.
So in short : Start with IDE. Except if the place you will work, for one reason or another can't have the IDE. The IDE is not less important than the language.
But I will tell you : If the company you work for is too poor to buy you an IDE, then they probably not selling the right product... or the product right.
An IDE has a so minimal price compared to a salary, that's it is not even worth debatting. Startup ? Use Bizpark.
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Good! I hate it when the ice cream starts melting on the way home from the store!
Anything that is unrelated to elephants is irrelephant
Anonymous
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The problem with quotes on the internet is that you can never tell if they're genuine
Winston Churchill, 1944
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I'd just like a chance to prove that money can't make me happy.
Me, all the time
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If only I didn't have to sell both my arms and legs to get one...
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I couldn't even afford the gas.
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You aren't kidding! The Bugatti Veyron has a 26.4 gallon (European) fuel tank, and at full chat, it will empty it in 12 minutes. That's surprisingly good: ~2 mpg @ 250mph!
And don't even ask about the servicing costs...because I did: http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bugatti/veyron/mpg[^] 
Those who fail to learn history are doomed to repeat it. --- George Santayana (December 16, 1863 – September 26, 1952)
Those who fail to clear history are doomed to explain it. --- OriginalGriff (February 24, 1959 – ∞)
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Wow, those costs are outrageous... I guess the old saying applies in this case... "If you have to ask how much? ...you probably can't afford it"
I can't afford it. 
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Yep. Me too.
And I gave up learning to fly helicopters when I worked out how expensive a hobby that was going to be!
Those who fail to learn history are doomed to repeat it. --- George Santayana (December 16, 1863 – September 26, 1952)
Those who fail to clear history are doomed to explain it. --- OriginalGriff (February 24, 1959 – ∞)
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Flying lessons are expensive... but as far as ownership, you can always join a flying club that spreads the cost across all club members. It's still not cheap by any means but it's a lot better than trying to own or even lease your own.
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Too rich for my blood! 
Those who fail to learn history are doomed to repeat it. --- George Santayana (December 16, 1863 – September 26, 1952)
Those who fail to clear history are doomed to explain it. --- OriginalGriff (February 24, 1959 – ∞)
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Not surprising, a tad more expensive then I had anticipated but the old adage "if you have to ask the price you can't afford it" applies in every case here.
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I know how to get over on those maintenance costs; I'll just take it to Sears Auto Center!
The difficult we do right away...
...the impossible takes slightly longer.
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Richard Andrew x64 wrote: Sears Auto Center!
Why so extravagant? Surely the pros Walmart Auto Care Center could do the job.
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For the same price they could probably have an airplane that would go faster. I don't understand why we still bother with land speed records when we can go so much faster in the air.
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