1. Master the language (of great layout and no newbie mistakes).
2. Learn the things you need, like the libraries.
3. Code the game and don't give up. (Trust me, if you know the language you will find it easy to make the game)
3-2. Use structs for positions, and use some consts! (They are just some tips (if you don't know what a struct of a const is then learn the langauge!))

@MasterMind555 (View Post)
I learned C++ when I was 12. I had no previous programming experience. C++ is a fairly easy language to learn, but a hard one to master. Also, there's nothing that will help you learn. If you can't understand, you're screwed.

EDIT: Also, ignore webb's tips. Don't try to work on Powder Toy at first. Write your own programs and experiment, it's the best way to learn. For learning C/++ I'd suggest this website.

start by doing flowcharts, then convert it to pseudocode, then to your preferred language
the conversion processes are the parts where you would learn the logic and the syntax.

start with simple languages and get on too harder ones,
1, learn html( i know it isnt a real language but it good to start with)
2, go on to a scripting language like python(still easy though)
3, learn c or c++
once you are up to there i think you could figure it out