How to learn to develop applications like those in the Demonstrations?

Questions
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1

I would like to learn to use Mathematica to develop applications such as those presented in WOLFRAM DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.
The problem is that I do not know where to start.
Could you help me ?
Thank you.

Blustar

2

Some simple-minded suggestion:

  • Learn how in an ordinary Mathematica notebook to create a Manipulate, and prototype the dynamic presentation you have in mind.
  • Find some (simple) Demonstration and download the source CDF file, which will include all the code along with the various elements for a CDF — caption, snapshots, details, authoring information, etc. — that are required for it to be acceptable as a Demonstration.
  • In Mathematica, from the File menu select New > Demonstration. That will provide a template into which you can drop your Manipulate and then add the other elements for a demonstration
3

Thanks for your suggestions.
Could you recommend a good book?
Regards.

4

A book specifically about creating Demonstrations? No, I know of no such books.

More generally, about getting started with Mathematica? Yes!

Actually, I recommend beginning with one of the introductory videos on the Wolfram web site, and most especially those by Cliff Hastings or Jon McLoone, e.g.:

Wolfram Video Archive: First 10 Minutes with Mathematica 8
Wolfram Video Archive: Hands-on Start to Mathematica: Notebooks
Wolfram Video Archive: Mathematica Basics

A good beginner’s book is “Hands-On Start to Wolfram Mathematica”, by Cliff Hastings, Kelvin Mischo, and Michael Monson, which is available in paperback.

For more suggestions, go to the Mathematica Learning Center (Mathematica Resources: Learning Tools, Examples, Training, and Support) and look at the list of resources at: http://mathematica.stackexchange.com/questions/18/where-can-i-find-examples-of-good-mathematica-programming-practice/259#259

Finally, don’t forget the incredible resource provided by the Documentation Center that constitutes the Mathematical help system.

5

The Mathematica GuideBook by Michael Trott always gives me lots of inspirations. I like exploring the SystemFiles folder. Some interesting tricks are hiding there.

6

You can also check this by Leonid Shifrin:
“Mathematica programming: an advanced introduction”