Thanks for the answer, I am just looking to get some practice coding so I can try and one day get a job as a programmer, everywhere I apply I don't get many call returns because everyone wants experience. Its hard to get experience if no one gives you the chance to get some, so I want to start working on side projects to show them I can code
If you are at that level, I'd say start by making your own website / blog.
As far as Bitcoin goes, the easiest app you can make would be a price ticker, like preev.com or zeroblock. So if I where you, I'd make one of those.
I'm working on a public address watcher which will display total bitcoins in all accounts combined. Next after that is making a web wallet.
Like some others have said, I wouldn't touch Bitcoin core, don't know C anyways, also wouldn't want to mess anything up with the core client. Rather just built apps that connect to the blockchain.
For resources:
Bitcoin
https://bitcoin.org/en/developer-guide#full-service-walletshttp://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Bitcoin-Unlocking-Digital-Cryptocurrencies/dp/1449374042https://github.com/aantonop/bitcoinbookFor Programming (web):
I like Tuts+ and Codeschool, I'm currently learning the MEAN stack, and there are various videos and tutorials all over the web.