I'm 53 and unemployed. I have a background in the hard sciences but have little experience in computer programing. I'd like to learn how to write Android/iPad/other apps for a living essentially from scratch. What steps do I take? What sites have the best instructions? Where do I find the best examples?
This book has a lot of <i>concrete</i> steps to take:<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YH9MMI?ie=UTF8&tag=dedasys-20&linkCode=shr&camp=213733&creative=393177" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YH9MMI?ie=UTF8&tag=...</a><p>That said... it might take a while to get one off the ground that's really making much money. Maybe you should look for work with someone who's already doing that successfully to learn a bit?
Well you have to start somewhere!
If you've never coded and come from a non-traditional background. You can start learning using a simple, open source, language called Processing. Processing can be downloaded for free.<p>www.processing.org<p>The best part of it, in my opinion is the associated learning community. When you're beginning it integral to have a support system to help you trouble shoot. Processing also has amazing reference material and sample code. Super necessary.<p>If you're like most ambitious people, you probably itching to dive into developing iPhone apps immediately. Baby-steps. The Pyramids weren't build overnight.<p>You'll get there. It just takes time and dedication.