Which language to grasp first?

[sjohal]

Hello, Im a newbie to this side of the computing world. I do not know which programming language to get a grip on first, I know basic HTML but what is good to learn now, I am a quick learner I think

Also what languages do you lot know already?

What are the best ways aswell to LEARN these languages.

 

[triggerthat]

I'd say Java, then C++

 

[ByteJuggler]

Java or C# is good IMO (I'd personally prefer C#), but for a gentle and easy introduction to OO programming that is a little different, try "Ruby" with this tutorial. I'm in the process of learning Ruby at the moment. It is supposedly very easy to get to grips with OO language and yet very powerful.

 

[robmiller]

C#. Makes GUI creation easy, has tons of features and is highly supported by Microsoft.

 

[topbanana]

Stay away from C or C++ for your first language. I would recommend C# or Java. Probably C# because of Visual Studio Express

 

[Altered Corpse]

As already said go with C# - its got an excellent IDE that'll certainly help remove any initial problems that you may get with Java. You'll also find that C# is quite similar to Java anyway so the switch later on will be pretty simple. After that you can give C++ a try though you'll find that quite different.

 

[Dru]

Another vote for C#, great IDE, good documentation and it's pretty easy to get to grips with.

 

[voodooflux]

C# would be a good start.

I'd suggest downloading the free Microsoft Visual C# 2005 Express Edition (an excellent IDE), and also pick up a copy of "Programming in the Key of C#" by Charles Petzold. This is a good introductory text by a great author, and assumes no prior programming experience.

cheers
v.f.

 

[NathanE]

I'm surprised by the number of C# votes

It would appear this language has gone from zero to hero in less than a year on this forum

Good advice in this thread though IMO.