What Language To Start With?

[1mmorta1]

OK, ive finally decided im tired of hearing the 'parental units' telling me that all I do is play games on the computer all the time and that I should do something productive.... ok ok, guess I will. Ive always wanted to learn to program, so Ive decided to start now. I was wondering what language you guys (and ladies?) suggest starting off with. All I pretty much know programming wise (doubt this is really considered a programming langauge) basic/advanced HTML Read Eric Raymonds 'Cathedral and the Bazaar' and he suggests going with Python first. Was wondering what everyone else thought. Thanks...


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1mmorta1

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[randwannabe]

What do you want to do with your programming? Do you want to make games? Make simple Windows apps? Make simple DOS apps? Make useful Windows apps? Internet-based development? Depending on what your answer is, I'd recommend either C/C++, Java, VB, or perhaps Delphi.

[1mmorta1]

Well, the main thing Id like to do is program games (going to start with mods first). Later on I'd like to get into small Win app building, but Id like to start with the fun stuff, programming mods/games.



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1mmorta1

1.2 gig AMD T-Bird
256 PC133 RAM
ELSA Gladiac GeForce2 GTS
SBLive! XGamer
21in KDS Monitor
Klipsch v.2-400 Surround Sound Speakers

[Notin]

The first language I learnt was GW Basic, now known as QBasic... hehe. It helped me, but I doubt you want to learn something as backward as that. I don't know what to suggest, but I feel that I should let you know that the Python tutorials online are written in such a way that your face might collide with the keyboard in no time. [i.e. they put ME to sleep.. they might to the same for you] I never programmed in Python, because I didn't get far enough in the tutorials. I'm going to start learning c++ really soon at school. I'll let you know how that goes.

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Can't sleep, clowns will eat me...
Can't sleep, clowns will eat me...
Can't sleep, clowns will eat me...

[richardginn]

I would start out with VB becuase you will be able to DirectX programming in it soon.

[number one]

It doesn't really matter what you learn, as all imperative languages are essentially the same. C is a very "dirty" language, ideally suited to language hackers, but yet it is widely used. But it doesnt matter that much, the skills you learn in one can easily be transferred to another, the differences are mainly in the syntax (apart from bizzare declarative programming languages, like SML)

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[kid A]

Java or C#/C++ is good if you ever plan to study

Actually they are useful, full stop.

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[dague12]

Visual Basic is really easy, and you can do most of the programs with it, but these programs won't be cross-platform, they will just run on Windows. Programing 3d games might be a very difficult task, it is not that easy.
If you want to learn a real and complex language, C++.

Also Visual Basic has a very good string management routines, and the structure of basic programs are much easier to understand than C.

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--- Dan

AMD K7 Athlon 700
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17y

[Terry]

There are programming concept books out there that doesn't teach you a specific language but tells you everything you need to know about object-oriented programming.
After reading those book(s), it will be a snap to learn all the major languages like C++ and Java.
I first learned Pascal in school... it was really helpful... no confusing keywords (like Java) and builds a really solid foundation in programming.

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K6-200, 32MB EDORAM, 3.2GB, Voodoo2 12MB, integrated sound

[IMM]

Being both Pascal based and object-oriented Borland's (Inprise) Delphi is a very good one to start with. I use VC6 myself but I have fond memories of the Turbo Pascal and their assembler back in the DOS days.
Delphi's VCL will let you code without too much worry about the GUI stuff and is a good basis for all other languages.

[bbramer]

I started with PASCAL and am now learning C++. I found that PASCAL wasn't that difficult to learn, and as previously stated, gives a good beginning foundation in programming. Learning C++ now (with a background in another language) is a lot easier than it would have been without prior experience. I would say start with a language that someone in your vicinity could help you with, should you run into trouble. Actually doing hands-on programming with someone to guide you (in person) is a big help with whatever language you choose.

[FUZZYrice]

PASCAL is an excellent language to start off with, I'm learning it in school now (high school freshman). It's really simple though more complex then BASIC and teaches you good form. Once you gain an understanding of PASCAL, you can move onto more complex languages like C++.

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Overclocking rice... nice concept?

[Sol]

I started off in PASCAL, then moved onto C++. I think at my old university they are teaching Java first now instead of PASCAL.

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[jcadam]

Originally posted by dague12:
Visual Basic is really easy, and you can do most of the programs with it, but these programs won't be cross-platform, they will just run on Windows. Programing 3d games might be a very difficult task, it is not that easy.
If you want to learn a real and complex language, C++.

Also Visual Basic has a very good string management routines, and the structure of basic programs are much easier to understand than C.

I wouldn't recommend a BASIC language at all for the beginning programmer, it teaches too many bad habits (like goto) that have to be un-learned when you decide to drop the kid's language(VB) and go to a man's language(C++).



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What?!

[COrder]

I would go with Java, it has many structures identical to C++, except it doesn't recommend a windows based system

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