Learning LiveCode - Dazed and Confused

[krotan]

I've studied various threads in this forum about how to learn LiveCode, been through some of the tutorials, and explored a mutlitude of links about LiveCode (also via this forum). I even printed the umpteen pages of the RunRev/LiveCode manual, but still find myself dazed and confused as to how to really dig deep into this product.

I find LiveCode absolutely fascinating and I actually *like* the whole "It's a cult stay away from those people - they're crazy!" reputation (I'm weird in that way).

Here's the real crux of my problem.
I'm old-school. I like learning with BOOKS, skimming through them, inhaling them, weighing them, trying stuff out, and so on.

AppleScript *appears* to have a lot in common with HyperTalk. If I study AppleScript, will this teach me the bulk of the LiveCode syntax?
Put another way, if I "get" AppleScript, will I get LiveCode... or do I need to "get" Hypercard instead?

I often see people recommend various HyperCard 2.x books. If I delve into HyperCard, is that going to provide the syntax sanity I'm looking for to move ahead with LiveCode vs AppleScript?

[Mark]

Hi,

Indeed, the crux is that you want to dig deep. There isn't so much to dig for, even though LiveCode has a few "secrets" and tricks, which you will discover when you start asking your questions on this forum or on the mailing list.

The best way to learn LiveCode is by making simple programmes. Over time, you will make more complex programmes and in a few years you will be an expert. A book has been written and more books are being prepared, but after reading those books, you'll still have to start learning by writing simple programmes.

Kind regards,

Mark

[gpb01]

...
Here's the real crux of my problem.
I'm old-school. I like learning with BOOKS, skimming through them, inhaling them, weighing them, trying stuff out, and so on.
...

Hi krotan,
if you like books, of course taking into account the differences introduced in the years (... about 12), this two are very good :

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Complete-Hy ... 515&sr=8-2 (Vol 1)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Complete-Hy ... 515&sr=8-5 (Vol 2)

I repeat ... 12 years are really a lot, but the concepts are still the same and, in these books, you will find really a lot of the actual RunRev LiveCode.

Guglielmo

[townsend]

I find LiveCode absolutely fascinating and I actually *like* the whole
"It's a cult stay away from those people - they're crazy!" reputation.

That's funny. Never heard that one. Now I'm part of a cult?
LIveCode is everything all the other platforms aspire to be.

[krotan]

Thanks for the help!
Since I keep running into HyperCard 2.2 Handbook being referenced/recommended, I went ahead and ordered it along with a (used) HyperTalk Language Scripting Guide. Ironically, I had these and other HyperCard related books laying around for years until I finally got rid of them back in 2005 while moving across country. Now I'm looking all over the world to find them again. :-\

[jacque]

The scripting conferences will lead you through the basics in order. They aren't a book, but they act like one in that there is narrative sprinkled with examples, and discussions at the end. If you haven't seen them yet, go through them in order. They assume you know nothing at the beginning and explain all the major concepts.

You can't read them in the bathtub or on the bus though. Some day when I have loads of spare time I should make them into a mobile app so you could.

http://www.runrev.com/developers/lesson ... nferences/