Learn to Program with Small Basic

Learn to Program with Small Basic

Author: Majed Marji

Publisher: No Starch Press

Published: 2016-04-16

Total Pages: 344

ISBN-13: 1593277024

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Small Basic is a free, beginner-friendly programming language created by Microsoft. Inspired by BASIC, which introduced programming to millions of first-time PC owners in the 1970s and 1980s, Small Basic is a modern language that makes coding simple and fun. Learn to Program with Small Basic introduces you to the empowering world of programming. You’ll master the basics with simple activities like displaying messages and drawing colorful pictures, and then work your way up to programming games! Learn how to: –Program your computer to greet you by name –Make a game of rock-paper-scissors using If/Else statements –Create an interactive treasure map using arrays –Draw intricate geometric patterns with just a few lines of code –Simplify complex programs by breaking them into bite-sized subroutines You’ll also learn to command a turtle to draw shapes, create magical moving text, solve math problems quickly, help a knight slay a dragon, and more! Each chapter ends with creative coding challenges so you can take your skills to the next level. Learn to Program with Small Basic is the perfect place to start your computer science journey.


Book Synopsis Learn to Program with Small Basic by : Majed Marji

Download or read book Learn to Program with Small Basic written by Majed Marji and published by No Starch Press. This book was released on 2016-04-16 with total page 344 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Small Basic is a free, beginner-friendly programming language created by Microsoft. Inspired by BASIC, which introduced programming to millions of first-time PC owners in the 1970s and 1980s, Small Basic is a modern language that makes coding simple and fun. Learn to Program with Small Basic introduces you to the empowering world of programming. You’ll master the basics with simple activities like displaying messages and drawing colorful pictures, and then work your way up to programming games! Learn how to: –Program your computer to greet you by name –Make a game of rock-paper-scissors using If/Else statements –Create an interactive treasure map using arrays –Draw intricate geometric patterns with just a few lines of code –Simplify complex programs by breaking them into bite-sized subroutines You’ll also learn to command a turtle to draw shapes, create magical moving text, solve math problems quickly, help a knight slay a dragon, and more! Each chapter ends with creative coding challenges so you can take your skills to the next level. Learn to Program with Small Basic is the perfect place to start your computer science journey.


Small Basic for Kids

Small Basic for Kids

Author: Edward H Carlson

Publisher:

Published: 2013-12-31

Total Pages: 360

ISBN-13: 9781937161828

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SMALL BASIC FOR KIDS is an illustrated introduction to computer programming that provides an interactive, parent/teacher facilitated tutorial to the new Microsoft Small Basic programming environment. The book consists of 30 short lessons that explain how to create and run a Small Basic program. Students learn about program design and many elements of the Small Basic language. Numerous examples are used to demonstrate every step in the building process. The tutorial also includes two complete games for students to build and try - a text-based Hangman game and a simple Pizza Zapper video game. SMALL BASIC FOR KIDS is based a series of programming books published in the 1980s aimed at teaching kids how to use the Basic programming language. Titles like "Kids and the Apple II," "Kids and the Commodore 64," and "Kids and the IBM-PC" were sold everywhere. These books sold over 700,000 copies! With permission and editorial help from the original author, Dr. Edward H. Carlson, we have adapted this classic programming book to the new Microsoft Small Basic language - a language aimed at encouraging kids to learn programming. SMALL BASIC FOR KIDS should be understandable to kids aged 10+ and is suitable for both home and classroom use. Notes for both the instructor or parent and the students are provided. Assignments are given to test student knowledge. No programming experience is necessary, but familiarity with doing common tasks using Windows is expected. SMALL BASIC FOR KIDS requires a Microsoft Windows operating system and Microsoft Small Basic 1.0 or higher.


Book Synopsis Small Basic for Kids by : Edward H Carlson

Download or read book Small Basic for Kids written by Edward H Carlson and published by . This book was released on 2013-12-31 with total page 360 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: SMALL BASIC FOR KIDS is an illustrated introduction to computer programming that provides an interactive, parent/teacher facilitated tutorial to the new Microsoft Small Basic programming environment. The book consists of 30 short lessons that explain how to create and run a Small Basic program. Students learn about program design and many elements of the Small Basic language. Numerous examples are used to demonstrate every step in the building process. The tutorial also includes two complete games for students to build and try - a text-based Hangman game and a simple Pizza Zapper video game. SMALL BASIC FOR KIDS is based a series of programming books published in the 1980s aimed at teaching kids how to use the Basic programming language. Titles like "Kids and the Apple II," "Kids and the Commodore 64," and "Kids and the IBM-PC" were sold everywhere. These books sold over 700,000 copies! With permission and editorial help from the original author, Dr. Edward H. Carlson, we have adapted this classic programming book to the new Microsoft Small Basic language - a language aimed at encouraging kids to learn programming. SMALL BASIC FOR KIDS should be understandable to kids aged 10+ and is suitable for both home and classroom use. Notes for both the instructor or parent and the students are provided. Assignments are given to test student knowledge. No programming experience is necessary, but familiarity with doing common tasks using Windows is expected. SMALL BASIC FOR KIDS requires a Microsoft Windows operating system and Microsoft Small Basic 1.0 or higher.


Small Basic for Kids

Small Basic for Kids

Author: Edward H Carlson

Publisher:

Published: 2013-12-31

Total Pages: 360

ISBN-13: 9781937161828

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SMALL BASIC FOR KIDS is an illustrated introduction to computer programming that provides an interactive, parent/teacher facilitated tutorial to the new Microsoft Small Basic programming environment. The book consists of 30 short lessons that explain how to create and run a Small Basic program. Students learn about program design and many elements of the Small Basic language. Numerous examples are used to demonstrate every step in the building process. The tutorial also includes two complete games for students to build and try - a text-based Hangman game and a simple Pizza Zapper video game. SMALL BASIC FOR KIDS is based a series of programming books published in the 1980s aimed at teaching kids how to use the Basic programming language. Titles like "Kids and the Apple II," "Kids and the Commodore 64," and "Kids and the IBM-PC" were sold everywhere. These books sold over 700,000 copies! With permission and editorial help from the original author, Dr. Edward H. Carlson, we have adapted this classic programming book to the new Microsoft Small Basic language - a language aimed at encouraging kids to learn programming. SMALL BASIC FOR KIDS should be understandable to kids aged 10+ and is suitable for both home and classroom use. Notes for both the instructor or parent and the students are provided. Assignments are given to test student knowledge. No programming experience is necessary, but familiarity with doing common tasks using Windows is expected. SMALL BASIC FOR KIDS requires a Microsoft Windows operating system and Microsoft Small Basic 1.0 or higher.


Book Synopsis Small Basic for Kids by : Edward H Carlson

Download or read book Small Basic for Kids written by Edward H Carlson and published by . This book was released on 2013-12-31 with total page 360 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: SMALL BASIC FOR KIDS is an illustrated introduction to computer programming that provides an interactive, parent/teacher facilitated tutorial to the new Microsoft Small Basic programming environment. The book consists of 30 short lessons that explain how to create and run a Small Basic program. Students learn about program design and many elements of the Small Basic language. Numerous examples are used to demonstrate every step in the building process. The tutorial also includes two complete games for students to build and try - a text-based Hangman game and a simple Pizza Zapper video game. SMALL BASIC FOR KIDS is based a series of programming books published in the 1980s aimed at teaching kids how to use the Basic programming language. Titles like "Kids and the Apple II," "Kids and the Commodore 64," and "Kids and the IBM-PC" were sold everywhere. These books sold over 700,000 copies! With permission and editorial help from the original author, Dr. Edward H. Carlson, we have adapted this classic programming book to the new Microsoft Small Basic language - a language aimed at encouraging kids to learn programming. SMALL BASIC FOR KIDS should be understandable to kids aged 10+ and is suitable for both home and classroom use. Notes for both the instructor or parent and the students are provided. Assignments are given to test student knowledge. No programming experience is necessary, but familiarity with doing common tasks using Windows is expected. SMALL BASIC FOR KIDS requires a Microsoft Windows operating system and Microsoft Small Basic 1.0 or higher.


Beginning Microsoft Small Basic

Beginning Microsoft Small Basic

Author: Philip Conrod

Publisher:

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 454

ISBN-13: 9781937161194

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The BEGINNING MICROSOFT SMALL BASIC programming and porting tutorial is an interactive self-study tutorial explaining in depth the new Microsoft Small Basic development environment using many Small Basic program examples. This course is written for the absolute beginner programmer and can be used by kids (13+) as well as adults. The BEGINNING MICROSOFT SMALL BASIC programming and porting tutorial consists of 11 chapters explaining (in simple, easy-to-follow terms) how to build Small Basic applications and then compare them to other programming languages. You will learn about program design, text window applications, graphics window applications and many elements of the Small Basic language. Numerous examples are used to demonstrate every step in the building process. The tutorial also includes several detailed computer programs to illustrate the fun of Small Basic programming. Finished programs can even be published on-line to share programs with others. The last chapter of the tutorial shows you the source code for four of David H. Ahl's classic Small Basic Computer Games ported into several different computer programming languages including BASIC, Microsoft Small Basic, Visual Basic, Visual C#, and Java. No programming experience is necessary, but familiarity with doing common tasks using a computer operating system (simple editing, file maintenance, understanding directory structures, working on the Internet) is expected. The course requires Windows 7, XP, or Vista, ability to view and print documents saved in Microsoft Word format, and the Microsoft Small Basic development environment (Version 0.9 or higher).


Book Synopsis Beginning Microsoft Small Basic by : Philip Conrod

Download or read book Beginning Microsoft Small Basic written by Philip Conrod and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 454 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The BEGINNING MICROSOFT SMALL BASIC programming and porting tutorial is an interactive self-study tutorial explaining in depth the new Microsoft Small Basic development environment using many Small Basic program examples. This course is written for the absolute beginner programmer and can be used by kids (13+) as well as adults. The BEGINNING MICROSOFT SMALL BASIC programming and porting tutorial consists of 11 chapters explaining (in simple, easy-to-follow terms) how to build Small Basic applications and then compare them to other programming languages. You will learn about program design, text window applications, graphics window applications and many elements of the Small Basic language. Numerous examples are used to demonstrate every step in the building process. The tutorial also includes several detailed computer programs to illustrate the fun of Small Basic programming. Finished programs can even be published on-line to share programs with others. The last chapter of the tutorial shows you the source code for four of David H. Ahl's classic Small Basic Computer Games ported into several different computer programming languages including BASIC, Microsoft Small Basic, Visual Basic, Visual C#, and Java. No programming experience is necessary, but familiarity with doing common tasks using a computer operating system (simple editing, file maintenance, understanding directory structures, working on the Internet) is expected. The course requires Windows 7, XP, or Vista, ability to view and print documents saved in Microsoft Word format, and the Microsoft Small Basic development environment (Version 0.9 or higher).


Computer Engineering for Babies

Computer Engineering for Babies

Author: Chase Roberts

Publisher:

Published: 2021-10-20

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781735208701

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An introduction to computer engineering for babies. Learn basic logic gates with hands on examples of buttons and an output LED.


Book Synopsis Computer Engineering for Babies by : Chase Roberts

Download or read book Computer Engineering for Babies written by Chase Roberts and published by . This book was released on 2021-10-20 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An introduction to computer engineering for babies. Learn basic logic gates with hands on examples of buttons and an output LED.


Super Scratch Programming Adventure! (Scratch 3)

Super Scratch Programming Adventure! (Scratch 3)

Author: The LEAD Project

Publisher: No Starch Press

Published: 2019-08-27

Total Pages: 161

ISBN-13: 1718500122

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Comics! Games! Programming! Now updated to cover Scratch 3. Scratch is the wildly popular educational programming language used by millions of first-time learners in classrooms and homes worldwide. By dragging together colorful blocks of code, kids can learn computer programming concepts and make cool games and animations. The latest version, Scratch 3, features an updated interface, new sprites and programming blocks, and extensions that let you program things like the micro:bit. In Super Scratch Programming Adventure!, kids learn programming fundamentals as they make their very own playable video games. They'll create projects inspired by classic arcade games that can be programmed (and played!) in an afternoon. Patient, step-by-step explanations of the code and fun programming challenges will have kids creating their own games in no time. This full-color comic book makes programming concepts like variables, flow control, and subroutines effortless to absorb. Packed with ideas for games that kids will be proud to show off, Super Scratch Programming Adventure! is the perfect first step for the budding programmer. Covers Scratch 3


Book Synopsis Super Scratch Programming Adventure! (Scratch 3) by : The LEAD Project

Download or read book Super Scratch Programming Adventure! (Scratch 3) written by The LEAD Project and published by No Starch Press. This book was released on 2019-08-27 with total page 161 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Comics! Games! Programming! Now updated to cover Scratch 3. Scratch is the wildly popular educational programming language used by millions of first-time learners in classrooms and homes worldwide. By dragging together colorful blocks of code, kids can learn computer programming concepts and make cool games and animations. The latest version, Scratch 3, features an updated interface, new sprites and programming blocks, and extensions that let you program things like the micro:bit. In Super Scratch Programming Adventure!, kids learn programming fundamentals as they make their very own playable video games. They'll create projects inspired by classic arcade games that can be programmed (and played!) in an afternoon. Patient, step-by-step explanations of the code and fun programming challenges will have kids creating their own games in no time. This full-color comic book makes programming concepts like variables, flow control, and subroutines effortless to absorb. Packed with ideas for games that kids will be proud to show off, Super Scratch Programming Adventure! is the perfect first step for the budding programmer. Covers Scratch 3


Coding for Kids: Python

Coding for Kids: Python

Author: Adrienne B. Tacke

Publisher: Rockridge Press

Published: 2019-03-19

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781641521758

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Games and activities that teach kids ages 10+ to code with Python Learning to code isn't as hard as it sounds—you just have to get started! Coding for Kids: Python starts kids off right with 50 fun, interactive activities that teach them the basics of the Python programming language. From learning the essential building blocks of programming to creating their very own games, kids will progress through unique lessons packed with helpful examples—and a little silliness! Kids will follow along by starting to code (and debug their code) step by step, seeing the results of their coding in real time. Activities at the end of each chapter help test their new knowledge by combining multiple concepts. For young programmers who really want to show off their creativity, there are extra tricky challenges to tackle after each chapter. All kids need to get started is a computer and this book. This beginner's guide to Python for kids includes: 50 Innovative exercises—Coding concepts come to life with game-based exercises for creating code blocks, drawing pictures using a prewritten module, and more. Easy-to-follow guidance—New coders will be supported by thorough instructions, sample code, and explanations of new programming terms. Engaging visual lessons—Colorful illustrations and screenshots for reference help capture kids' interest and keep lessons clear and simple. Encourage kids to think independently and have fun learning an amazing new skill with this coding book for kids.


Book Synopsis Coding for Kids: Python by : Adrienne B. Tacke

Download or read book Coding for Kids: Python written by Adrienne B. Tacke and published by Rockridge Press. This book was released on 2019-03-19 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Games and activities that teach kids ages 10+ to code with Python Learning to code isn't as hard as it sounds—you just have to get started! Coding for Kids: Python starts kids off right with 50 fun, interactive activities that teach them the basics of the Python programming language. From learning the essential building blocks of programming to creating their very own games, kids will progress through unique lessons packed with helpful examples—and a little silliness! Kids will follow along by starting to code (and debug their code) step by step, seeing the results of their coding in real time. Activities at the end of each chapter help test their new knowledge by combining multiple concepts. For young programmers who really want to show off their creativity, there are extra tricky challenges to tackle after each chapter. All kids need to get started is a computer and this book. This beginner's guide to Python for kids includes: 50 Innovative exercises—Coding concepts come to life with game-based exercises for creating code blocks, drawing pictures using a prewritten module, and more. Easy-to-follow guidance—New coders will be supported by thorough instructions, sample code, and explanations of new programming terms. Engaging visual lessons—Colorful illustrations and screenshots for reference help capture kids' interest and keep lessons clear and simple. Encourage kids to think independently and have fun learning an amazing new skill with this coding book for kids.


Python for Kids, 2nd Edition

Python for Kids, 2nd Edition

Author: Jason R. Briggs

Publisher: No Starch Press

Published: 2022-11-15

Total Pages: 365

ISBN-13: 1718503032

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The second edition of the best-selling Python for Kids—which brings you (and your parents) into the world of programming—has been completely updated to use the latest version of Python, along with tons of new projects! Python is a powerful programming language that’s easy to learn and fun to use! But books about programming in Python can be dull and that’s no fun for anyone. Python for Kids brings kids (and their parents) into the wonderful world of programming. Jason R. Briggs guides you through the basics, experimenting with unique (and hilarious) example programs featuring ravenous monsters, secret agents, thieving ravens, and more. New terms are defined; code is colored and explained; puzzles stretch the brain and strengthen understanding; and full-color illustrations keep you engaged throughout. By the end of the book, you’ll have programmed two games: a clone of the famous Pong, and “Mr. Stick Man Races for the Exit”—a platform game with jumps and animation. This second edition is revised and updated to reflect Python 3 programming practices. There are new puzzles to inspire you and two new appendices to guide you through Python’s built-in modules and troubleshooting your code. As you strike out on your programming adventure, you’ll learn how to: Use fundamental data structures like lists, tuples, and dictionaries Organize and reuse your code with functions and modules Use control structures like loops and conditional statements Draw shapes and patterns with Python’s turtle module Create games, animations, and other graphical wonders with tkinter Why should serious adults have all the fun? Python for Kids is your ticket into the amazing world of computer programming. Covers Python 3.x which runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, even Raspberry Pi


Book Synopsis Python for Kids, 2nd Edition by : Jason R. Briggs

Download or read book Python for Kids, 2nd Edition written by Jason R. Briggs and published by No Starch Press. This book was released on 2022-11-15 with total page 365 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The second edition of the best-selling Python for Kids—which brings you (and your parents) into the world of programming—has been completely updated to use the latest version of Python, along with tons of new projects! Python is a powerful programming language that’s easy to learn and fun to use! But books about programming in Python can be dull and that’s no fun for anyone. Python for Kids brings kids (and their parents) into the wonderful world of programming. Jason R. Briggs guides you through the basics, experimenting with unique (and hilarious) example programs featuring ravenous monsters, secret agents, thieving ravens, and more. New terms are defined; code is colored and explained; puzzles stretch the brain and strengthen understanding; and full-color illustrations keep you engaged throughout. By the end of the book, you’ll have programmed two games: a clone of the famous Pong, and “Mr. Stick Man Races for the Exit”—a platform game with jumps and animation. This second edition is revised and updated to reflect Python 3 programming practices. There are new puzzles to inspire you and two new appendices to guide you through Python’s built-in modules and troubleshooting your code. As you strike out on your programming adventure, you’ll learn how to: Use fundamental data structures like lists, tuples, and dictionaries Organize and reuse your code with functions and modules Use control structures like loops and conditional statements Draw shapes and patterns with Python’s turtle module Create games, animations, and other graphical wonders with tkinter Why should serious adults have all the fun? Python for Kids is your ticket into the amazing world of computer programming. Covers Python 3.x which runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, even Raspberry Pi


Beginning Microsoft Small Basic - A Computer Programming Tutorial - Color Illustrated 1.0 Edition

Beginning Microsoft Small Basic - A Computer Programming Tutorial - Color Illustrated 1.0 Edition

Author: Philip Conrod

Publisher:

Published: 2014-06-08

Total Pages: 442

ISBN-13: 9781937161545

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The BEGINNING MICROSOFT SMALL BASIC computer programming tutorial is an interactive self-study color illustrated tutorial textbook explaining in depth the new Microsoft Small Basic development environment using many Microsoft Small Basic program examples. This course is written for the absolute beginner programmer and can be used by students (10+ years old) as well as adults. The BEGINNING MICROSOFT SMALL BASIC programming tutorial consists of 400+ pages explaining (in simple, easy-to-follow terms) how to build Small Basic applications. You will learn about program design, text window applications, graphics window applications and many elements of the Small Basic language. Numerous examples are used to demonstrate every step in the building process. The tutorial also includes several detailed computer programs to illustrate the fun of Small Basic programming. Finished programs can even be published on-line to share programs with others. The last chapter of the tutorial shows you the source code for a couple of David H. Ahl's classic BASIC Computer Games ported into several different computer programming languages including BASIC, Microsoft Small Basic, Visual Basic, Visual C#, and Java. No programming experience is necessary, but familiarity with doing common tasks using a computer operating system (simple editing, file maintenance, understanding directory structures, working on the Internet) is expected. The course requires Windows 8, 7, Vista or XP, ability to view and print documents saved in Microsoft Word format and Adobe Acrobat Reader, and the Microsoft Small Basic 1.0 development environment. The Small Basic source code and all needed multimedia files are available for download from the publisher's website (www.KidwareSoftware.com) after book registration.


Book Synopsis Beginning Microsoft Small Basic - A Computer Programming Tutorial - Color Illustrated 1.0 Edition by : Philip Conrod

Download or read book Beginning Microsoft Small Basic - A Computer Programming Tutorial - Color Illustrated 1.0 Edition written by Philip Conrod and published by . This book was released on 2014-06-08 with total page 442 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The BEGINNING MICROSOFT SMALL BASIC computer programming tutorial is an interactive self-study color illustrated tutorial textbook explaining in depth the new Microsoft Small Basic development environment using many Microsoft Small Basic program examples. This course is written for the absolute beginner programmer and can be used by students (10+ years old) as well as adults. The BEGINNING MICROSOFT SMALL BASIC programming tutorial consists of 400+ pages explaining (in simple, easy-to-follow terms) how to build Small Basic applications. You will learn about program design, text window applications, graphics window applications and many elements of the Small Basic language. Numerous examples are used to demonstrate every step in the building process. The tutorial also includes several detailed computer programs to illustrate the fun of Small Basic programming. Finished programs can even be published on-line to share programs with others. The last chapter of the tutorial shows you the source code for a couple of David H. Ahl's classic BASIC Computer Games ported into several different computer programming languages including BASIC, Microsoft Small Basic, Visual Basic, Visual C#, and Java. No programming experience is necessary, but familiarity with doing common tasks using a computer operating system (simple editing, file maintenance, understanding directory structures, working on the Internet) is expected. The course requires Windows 8, 7, Vista or XP, ability to view and print documents saved in Microsoft Word format and Adobe Acrobat Reader, and the Microsoft Small Basic 1.0 development environment. The Small Basic source code and all needed multimedia files are available for download from the publisher's website (www.KidwareSoftware.com) after book registration.


The First 20 Hours

The First 20 Hours

Author: Josh Kaufman

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2013-06-13

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13: 1101623047

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Forget the 10,000 hour rule— what if it’s possible to learn the basics of any new skill in 20 hours or less? Take a moment to consider how many things you want to learn to do. What’s on your list? What’s holding you back from getting started? Are you worried about the time and effort it takes to acquire new skills—time you don’t have and effort you can’t spare? Research suggests it takes 10,000 hours to develop a new skill. In this nonstop world when will you ever find that much time and energy? To make matters worse, the early hours of prac­ticing something new are always the most frustrating. That’s why it’s difficult to learn how to speak a new language, play an instrument, hit a golf ball, or shoot great photos. It’s so much easier to watch TV or surf the web . . . In The First 20 Hours, Josh Kaufman offers a systematic approach to rapid skill acquisition— how to learn any new skill as quickly as possible. His method shows you how to deconstruct com­plex skills, maximize productive practice, and remove common learning barriers. By complet­ing just 20 hours of focused, deliberate practice you’ll go from knowing absolutely nothing to performing noticeably well. Kaufman personally field-tested the meth­ods in this book. You’ll have a front row seat as he develops a personal yoga practice, writes his own web-based computer programs, teaches himself to touch type on a nonstandard key­board, explores the oldest and most complex board game in history, picks up the ukulele, and learns how to windsurf. Here are a few of the sim­ple techniques he teaches: Define your target performance level: Fig­ure out what your desired level of skill looks like, what you’re trying to achieve, and what you’ll be able to do when you’re done. The more specific, the better. Deconstruct the skill: Most of the things we think of as skills are actually bundles of smaller subskills. If you break down the subcompo­nents, it’s easier to figure out which ones are most important and practice those first. Eliminate barriers to practice: Removing common distractions and unnecessary effort makes it much easier to sit down and focus on deliberate practice. Create fast feedback loops: Getting accu­rate, real-time information about how well you’re performing during practice makes it much easier to improve. Whether you want to paint a portrait, launch a start-up, fly an airplane, or juggle flaming chain­saws, The First 20 Hours will help you pick up the basics of any skill in record time . . . and have more fun along the way.


Book Synopsis The First 20 Hours by : Josh Kaufman

Download or read book The First 20 Hours written by Josh Kaufman and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2013-06-13 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Forget the 10,000 hour rule— what if it’s possible to learn the basics of any new skill in 20 hours or less? Take a moment to consider how many things you want to learn to do. What’s on your list? What’s holding you back from getting started? Are you worried about the time and effort it takes to acquire new skills—time you don’t have and effort you can’t spare? Research suggests it takes 10,000 hours to develop a new skill. In this nonstop world when will you ever find that much time and energy? To make matters worse, the early hours of prac­ticing something new are always the most frustrating. That’s why it’s difficult to learn how to speak a new language, play an instrument, hit a golf ball, or shoot great photos. It’s so much easier to watch TV or surf the web . . . In The First 20 Hours, Josh Kaufman offers a systematic approach to rapid skill acquisition— how to learn any new skill as quickly as possible. His method shows you how to deconstruct com­plex skills, maximize productive practice, and remove common learning barriers. By complet­ing just 20 hours of focused, deliberate practice you’ll go from knowing absolutely nothing to performing noticeably well. Kaufman personally field-tested the meth­ods in this book. You’ll have a front row seat as he develops a personal yoga practice, writes his own web-based computer programs, teaches himself to touch type on a nonstandard key­board, explores the oldest and most complex board game in history, picks up the ukulele, and learns how to windsurf. Here are a few of the sim­ple techniques he teaches: Define your target performance level: Fig­ure out what your desired level of skill looks like, what you’re trying to achieve, and what you’ll be able to do when you’re done. The more specific, the better. Deconstruct the skill: Most of the things we think of as skills are actually bundles of smaller subskills. If you break down the subcompo­nents, it’s easier to figure out which ones are most important and practice those first. Eliminate barriers to practice: Removing common distractions and unnecessary effort makes it much easier to sit down and focus on deliberate practice. Create fast feedback loops: Getting accu­rate, real-time information about how well you’re performing during practice makes it much easier to improve. Whether you want to paint a portrait, launch a start-up, fly an airplane, or juggle flaming chain­saws, The First 20 Hours will help you pick up the basics of any skill in record time . . . and have more fun along the way.