Languages

Snake-Eyes · 07-17-2006, 08:02 PM

I have read this and i'm looking for some opinions.

Currently, i have learned only HTML, and while it isn't programming, it's still a base, yes? I am taking a class at school next year that will teach me Java. I'm wondering what languages would help to learn for a real-world situation (ie. a job).

I'm currently wondering about Java, Perl, C, C++, C#, VisualBasic, Python, and possibly LISP. Would these be good languages to learn for a good (even decent) job, in terms of payment? Don't think i'd only be learning a language just for money. After starting learning some HTML, i dove right in and loved every minute of it. Practically anything that deals with computers fascinates me, so this is definitely not just for the money.

Also, would XML, XHTML, and CSS be good to learn? And what exactly is "assembly?" For reference, the post by Chankama, here.

Opinions/comments? All are appreciated.

Edit: Looking back, i realize this is quite a lot of stuff.

Ah, well. Curiosity at it's finest, i suppose.

Edit 2: About Perl, i realize that it's more Linux/Unix oriented and i am fine with that. I am going to be trying to learn more about Linux in the near future.

jaeusm · 07-17-2006, 09:54 PM

The languages you learn are not as important as learning how to program. Choose one of those languages, and learn how to program with it. Though it sounds simple, it should seriously keep you busy for a few years. Learning the syntax of several new languages doesn't help you out much if you don't know how to use any of them appropriately.

Programming languages are tools for accomplishing tasks -- a means to an end. Learn one language and the basics of programming. Then learn advanced techniques, like multithreading and how to apply the languages to different problem domains, like network programming, computer graphics, web programming, embedded systems, simulation, mathematical modeling, etc.

So which language? That's up to you. Everyone has an opinion, but it really doesn't matter. If you're taking a class in Java, go ahead and stick with that. It's a good language and easy to use.

fjf314 · 07-17-2006, 10:04 PM

I have to agree with jaeusm. I think that once you learn how to properly program with one language, then using other, similar languages comes down to learning new syntax more than anything else. Overall, I would recommend trying to go with an object-oriented language. Since you'll be taking classes in Java, I would say that it's a pretty good start.

Snake-Eyes · 07-18-2006, 08:35 AM

Is programming a thing (skill?) where you learn one language and stick to it, perfecting every little technique?

jaeusm · 07-18-2006, 08:54 AM

If you pursue software development as a career, you'll undoubtedly learn multiple languages. When you are first learning, it is more beneficial to you to stick with one language and use it to learn how to program effectively.

Ken11235 · 07-19-2006, 10:10 PM

If you want a language that is relatively easy to learn and will have a good career implementation, try learning C#. C# is a new, powerful language with a very bright future. Although, if you pursue a career in software development, you will, most likely, need to use more than one language.

the_geekster · 07-27-2006, 07:59 AM

Well, i thikn css and xhtml would get a good career as well. I prefer xhtml over html only because if you make a minor mistake in html, the computer may run it anyway. But the if you go on and make something that conflicts the mistake, you might not know whats wrong. Xhtml is the exact opposite, you have to know it well. There is no bending the rules. I think by using an xhtml/css combination, it will get you far.

Snake-Eyes · 07-27-2006, 08:47 AM

Thank you for your input!

I was planning on starting with going off of something i already know a bit about, and that is HTML. From there i was thinking just what you were, CSS and XHTML. Possibly XML, but i'm not sure.

thejeremy · 07-27-2006, 10:17 AM

After you learn one programming language like Java or C++, you will have the concepts down and learning more languages is basically dissecting the differences in syntax. Each language has its strengths and weaknesses, most of which are out there on the internet. Research them and see.

My first language was Visual Basic...not much of a real language. I liked it though because it was easy...and visual (obviously). The first real language I dove into was Java, which I think is easier than some other languages. After that I took a class on C++/data structures and really got into some tougher stuff.

Now I can code things in java, C++, html, php, mysql, and visual basic, although my knowledge of some of those is deeper than others. My advice is that you code as many basic apps as you can to further your understanding until you become fluent. That way you can get the most out of the language. I'd have to agree with jaeusm on his comment. Learning how to program is much more important; if you know english but don't know how to speak it, what good is that?

Snake-Eyes · 07-27-2006, 10:38 AM

What exactly do you mean by "learning how to program?" I assume it is a different, though related, topic to learning a specific language.

Sticking with your metaphor, you lead me to believe that learning to program is like learning grammar, whereas learning [insert programming language] is like learning, let's say, English. The only thing confusing about it is where would i go to learn how to program, instead of learning a specific language?

I do want to thank you for your input.

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