Im an electronic tech, but have never done any kind of programming, I want to try the LED painter system from Billdea, but rather than ask people for code I would like to be able to write my own, something I have always wanted to learn anyways.
So I dont know if what resources woudl be good for learning or where to even begin, Should I start with C+ or what. All the instruction I have seen have been for people who already know some basics.
Anyone have any good advice on where to start?
Anyone have any good advice on where to start?
A lot depends on where you live. In the US, I'd be looking for a beginner programming course at a local community college. The language is not as important as the thinking that goes into developing a functioning application, although C/C++ (it's a takeoff on the increment operator) are quite popular, so finding such a course should not be too difficult.
Taking a course gives you someone to evaluate/critique what you are doing, and someone to ask questions of.
There are plenty of resources available on the web, and things like electronic books from the library (at least where I live) where C/C++ programming is taught, and the course materials (the completed exercises) can be downloaded. The problem with this approach is that you don't have anyone to critique your work, or to ask questions of.
I live in Indiana but work on an oil rig in Nigeria as an Electronics tech, which is where i am now. I took a stamp class about ten years ago but I dont remember a single thing from it, but with my schedule attending a course is really not possible. I have plenty of time out here to try things, I know how to program Siemens PLC's and other types of PLC's but this is really nothing at all like that, its pretty much like learning a new language.
Would you recommend a C++ stamp card as a good way to start?
Arduino is a really good way to learn programming!
You can bring the code to life, it is extremely rewarding.
http://alexanderbrevig.com/asprogrammer/2010/06/12/code-to-lifeuse-arduino/
Additionally, this forum is an invaluable source for help and support 
I live in Indiana but work on an oil rig in Nigeria
That's a hell of a commute, isn't it?
hour drive to the airport, couple hours to atlanta, 13 to lagos, overnight in the hotel, two hour helicopter to the rig, but still not as bad as when i use to fly to singapore
I have installed Xcode on my mac, and started with a tutorial on Objectiv-C here. how well will learning this language help with arduino is the question?
At...
... you will find an attempt to fill the need of which you spoke.
This guy has great C++ tutorials.
If you want to learn programming while you work on beginner arduino projects:
http://www.ladyada.net/learn/arduino/