Chapter 0: Getting started

Like any skill, programming is something best learnt by doing it, so this tutorial includes lots of programming challenges. Each one is presented in a “challenge” widget, which contains the following elements:

  • The “playpen” tab, where you can type code and see what it does
  • A “goal” (suggested answer)
  • The “solution” tab, which shows you one way to get the answer
  • The “result" area shows the result value of your code
  • The “output” area shows the output of your code

Do try each exercise yourself before looking at the solution!

Here’s an example:

Challenge
42
Goal
The answer to life, the universe and everything.
Result
Output

From time to time there will be a Don’t worry, bonus boxes are optional! which when clicked on will open a box with supplementary material.

What is programming?