Learning a Programming Language

Binary_Bark

Binary_Bark

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This question might have been asked many times.

I know there are top programming languages to learn and ones preferred, but for now I am looking to learn a specific language that is best fitted for what I have in mind to do.
What I have in mind is a data recall program, choose from a drop down menu and display the resulting data.
This should also have tabs for different data and sub tabs under that.

What would be the best suited for that? Python, C++, Java, etc?
 
Considering you want to make a GUI app with minimal effort:

C#, Java, Delphi (or Lasarus)
 
Now that that is done...

/in before "C++ can do all the things"
/in before "uh uh, C is the bestest ever language ever"
/in before "C#... all the jobs are C#"
/in before "But nodejs is life! ,,,,,,,,,,,,"
/in before "Yeah, nodejs with HTML 5. It is the only way! ,,,,,,,,,,,"
/in before "[insert essay about functional programming here]"
 
Hamster said:
Now that that is done...

/in before "C++ can do all the things"
/in before "uh uh, C is the bestest ever language ever"
/in before "C#... all the jobs are C#"
/in before "But nodejs is life! ,,,,,,,,,,,,"
/in before "Yeah, nodejs with HTML 5. It is the only way! ,,,,,,,,,,,"
/in before "[insert essay about functional programming here]"
Click to expand...

Pffft excel is a tabular data program. Why write it if it already exists.
 
A big question to ask yourself is what devices this program will be used on. Is it a web app, desktop app or mobile app? Also ask yourself whether the data will reside on the device or on a central server. Once you answer those, you can make a more informed decision on what language to program it in.
 
FarligOpptreden said:
A big question to ask yourself is what devices this program will be used on. Is it a web app, desktop app or mobile app? Also ask yourself whether the data will reside on the device or on a central server. Once you answer those, you can make a more informed decision on what language to program it in.
Click to expand...

Would be used on a desktop, data will reside in the app itself, with later transference to mobile app also
 
Use Java. Try to make an API. Best Java IDE is Intelij. There is a community edition available.
 
Yorkie said:
This question might have been asked many times.

I know there are top programming languages to learn and ones preferred, but for now I am looking to learn a specific language that is best fitted for what I have in mind to do.
What I have in mind is a data recall program, choose from a drop down menu and display the resulting data.
This should also have tabs for different data and sub tabs under that.

What would be the best suited for that? Python, C++, Java, etc?
Click to expand...

My suggestion would to not start with C / C++ they are very difficult for a beginner.
Try either Python or Java. My preference would be Java.
A lot of people like Eclipse, but I've never found it to be that good, especially for beginners. Try Netbeans.
 
ozziej said:
My suggestion would to not start with C / C++ they are very difficult for a beginner.
Try either Python or Java. My preference would be Java.
A lot of people like Eclipse, but I've never found it to be that good, especially for beginners. Try Netbeans.
Click to expand...
I disagree. Unisa dropped C++ as an intro for programming, and replaced it with fundamentals of programming a few years ago (for the Diploma anyway). To me it makes more sense to understand the way code works, than the syntax.
 
ozziej said:
My suggestion would to not start with C / C++ they are very difficult for a beginner.
Try either Python or Java. My preference would be Java.
A lot of people like Eclipse, but I've never found it to be that good, especially for beginners. Try Netbeans.
Click to expand...

Eclipse has come a long way. Didn't use to like it but had to get it again the other day for some work I was doing. Pleasantly surprised.
 
Hamster said:
Eclipse has come a long way. Didn't use to like it but had to get it again the other day for some work I was doing. Pleasantly surprised.
Click to expand...
Eclipse isn't bad, but InteliJ is just light years ahead. Doesn't use as many resources. Doesn't take as long to get going. Cross platform. It just works.
 
I prefer Eclipse (Neon). I haven't found any problems with it at all but I will take a look at IntelliJ.

What is the last version of Eclipse that you other guys have used?
 
CamiKaze said:
I prefer Eclipse (Neon). I haven't found any problems with it at all but I will take a look at IntelliJ.

What is the last version of Eclipse that you other guys have used?
Click to expand...
Mars was the last version I used. Ever since they dropped Android development on Eclipse I've however not had a use for it.
 
As for the OP's question.
Almost any language can accomplish what you've described; so you might want to rather base your decision on teh reason why you want to learn to program; what's your end goal?

For a job in SA?
  • Then maybe base your decsions on the job market, etc.
For study:
  • Then the curriculum usually dictates that.
You mentioned a mobile app down the line; if that's for:
  • Android then it's Java
  • Windows then it's C# or F#
  • Apple, then it's Objective-C or Swift
Those are just the the mainstream options for those platforms, however you can build for them with non mainstream languages as well.
 
CamiKaze said:
I prefer Eclipse (Neon). I haven't found any problems with it at all but I will take a look at IntelliJ.

What is the last version of Eclipse that you other guys have used?
Click to expand...

The community(i.e. Free) edition of IntelliJ doesn't support web/Spring development etc. You will have to get the ultimate edition which isn't free. You can still build web/Spring etc with the community edition, but its awfully painful without the ability to use Maven or Gradle for easily resolving dependancies.

I went ahead and got the ultimate edition. I think its worth it. Way better than Eclipse even at the price. You could also try Netbeans which does support EE, but its a bit clunky.

At the end of the day, it is down to personal preferences and how much you are willing to invest in it.

All 3 get the job done and tbh, if you are just messing around or learning, Eclipse is fine. Most beginner tutorials use Eclipse as well. Don't get too hung up on the IDE at the learning stage.
 
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