1st Programming Language

Lounger said:
Download the new Java version 7 when it comes out in a week or so.

Use the Eclipse IDE and not NetBeans.

Get a good book.
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Although I hate to agree with Lounger (literally, HATE), this is sound advise. If you are interested in programming as a career, look at the mybroadband surveys on what skills are needed. Conversely, if you are interested in programming as a hobby, narrow the scope of what you would like to do (web, enterprise, etc) and look at the communities that surround the technologies used in those domains.

Java will give you a great introduction to syntax and object orientation, which is easily migrated to other languages. Python would be my second recommendation, its a highly versatile scripting language and is used all over the show.
 
I suggest start with C. It is very flexible and widely used. For web, HTML and CSS first, then maybe javascript, PHP or ASP. Good luck. Oh, whatever you choose, some concepts are a little difficult at firts, but just stick it out, and you will be at it before you know.
 
I started with C++ on my own and carried on with it in college. It wasn't easy, but it did give me a strong foundation. I picked up C#, Java, PHP, Ruby etc. very quickly after that as a result (basically learned as needed) so I wouldn't rule it out as a good starting language. Going from C# -> C++ is a steep learning curve, while going from C++ -> most languages is cake. You will probably see "results" a lot faster though if you start with C#.
 
ASm ?.... just kidding.. depends on goal.. to just learn one then go VB.... if you wanna learn to program acouple .. start with somthing simple like C++
 
I started with Delphi in a school. All in all not bad, though i would also suggest C++
 
Qrox said:
Beware of C++

PURE EVIL!
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Wow, not really evil... Just keeping the noobs away, and scared...

If i had to say, C++ first, it will be hard at first, but once you get a hold off it, but can be fun...
 
I dont know why you guys are suggesting C++ as a 1st programming language.

Java or .NET if you want to start a career in programming

Python if you want to screw around as a hobby.

C/C++ is my favourite language dont get me wrong but I remember the first month of using it. nightmare.
 
Thanks everyone for the all the replies - I'll think I'll either start of with C# or VB
 
VB is dead (or should be/going to be). Don't even bother.

C# is relatively easy and definitely something you should know. I am however, quite convinced that you are not going to get an easier language to learn/play with than Python 2.x. So if you want to learn the basics, that is what I would go with.

Besides, after you get the hang of the concepts it becomes a lot easier to pick up other languages.
 
Personally, I started on Python. Was a great way to start because Syntax is less of a hassle, but it makes you a lazier programmer so when you need to move on to
tougher languages like Java, everything feels like a chore. So choose wisely. Python or Java haha!
 
Start with java and move on to c#. But write a few swing apps with something that doesnt create the gui for you. Hard code it, then you are sure you know java.

Sent from my GT-I5700 using MyBroadband Android App
 
iamgigglz said:
C# is nice and flexible, but VB.net somehow feels more rewarding for the noob. :)
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This

There must be a reason why they started us off on VB.NET at our college for introduction to OOP.
VB.NET really does feel a lot more rewarding at the start without doing too much coding.

Helps to keep us noobs inspired while experimenting with programming.
 
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Some people would actually say you are brain-damaged if learn BASIC, but I beg to differ. AFAIK, basic is a language to get you into the programming environment, before moving on to C#, Java or C++.
 
perl. you will learn very quickly to do everything in 100 lines or less, or confuse yourself senseless
 
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