I've decided to learn programming

After much stressing over what I truly want to get out of my college experience, and after seeking family members for feedback, suggestions, etc, I have decided to focus on computer programming (a Bachelor's in this case) due to several reasons. One, I love using computers, emulators, figuring out how they work, how the source codes are written and compiled, how commands and how syntax is utilized and so on.

Yes, I am completely aware of how undeniably difficult such a task will be for me to even begin to learn the basics of C/C++, as it requires tremendous amounts of patience, clear thinking and willingness to consume countless hours making a program (simple or complex). So far, I have found excellent guides
here - http://tinyurl.com/yppbq
here - http://tinyurl.com/6mskqd5
here - http://tinyurl.com/7r5hfa7

I have, however, gotten more used to converting decimal>hex, as I'm already relatively comfortable with it (I guess that's a step in the right direction).

What do I want to do with C++ or programming in general? ROM hacking, compiling emulators from their source codes, make some alterations in emulators (or even help emulator teams make some minor changes to the code). I don't think those are false expectations, but there's no denying that getting to that skill level will take several months, if not years, years being the more likely period of time.

I have already made a small program following the tutorial in first link that executes some text (in this case, I used a Monty Python quote; I couldn't resist Not much, but it's a start I guess) and so far, I feel as if this particular area of study is already beginning to get me hooked. I believe this to be something that I will undoubtedly find enjoyable and difficult, much like when I learned Japanese. What I want to know is, am I making a mistake choosing to delve into such a daunting task? Should I keep going in this direction? I'd like to hear feedback from you guys.

If it seems like I'm not making sense or going off on tangents, I apologize. I just need some feedback about my desire to begin programming.

It's a good thing that you want to lean programming by yourself...I had a quick look at your links and the hex tutorials are good (I have the same video on my youTube channel).

As for programming, I study it right now but haven't learned C++ yet. I heard it's not the easiest language to start with but it might depends from person to person and how quickly you can learn. I personally started with C# in school since you can do drag-and-drop for your GUI components. But so far my favourite language is Java. Anyway you might want take a look at the books from that collection: Oreilley's Head First

I have the Java and C# books from that collection and everything is well explained, even for beginners. I also think JavaScript is a good language to start with. But if you can code in C++, well you should be able to code in other languages after that with a bit of adaptation.

You can find some good C++ video tutorials there:http://www.3dbuzz.com

I hope it helps.

Thanks! I'll take a look at the other languages as well! So you're saying that JavaScript would be a better language/better fit for a beginner like me to start with? Again, I don't want to get ahead of myself or end up regretting my deciding to learn basic programming skills.

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Yep, decided on learning Java after doing more research and to be honest, this seems to be an excellent place for me to begin ( http://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/g...index.html ) and from there, I can learn eventually more advanced languages.