What language to learn?

[InvisibleJim]

What language do you prefer btw?

I'm trying to stay faithful to PHP for the last couple of years because I like a lot of the apps that have been built on the LAMP/WAMP application stack. I learned a lot from the Javapassion course a few years ago (while it was still free) and I really like Java SE as a programming language but I find JavaEE difficult to get to grips with. Unfortunately, I don't spend enough time actually coding so I have to keep relearning stuff. As you've probably gathered I'm more interested in Open Source than MS technology.

 

[Keeper]

Quick Question - let's say I code something in C# on VS, is it possible to port the app to other OSes like linux or is that just not possible?

 

[InvisibleJim]

Quick Question - let's say I code something in C# on VS, is it possible to port the app to other OSes like linux or is that just not possible?

I haven't looked into it much myself but I believe there is c# for Linux and even some kind of attempt to port .net. Not sure how far along they are though. If writing for non-MS OS is important for you, Java or c/c++ may be worth reconsidering.

 

[gkm]

Quick Question - let's say I code something in C# on VS, is it possible to port the app to other OSes like linux or is that just not possible?

The answer is "Mostly yes": http://www.mono-project.com/Main_Page

I have had a case where I SCP-ed a compiled C# application (.exe and .dll's etc.) to a Linux host, started it and it just worked. But that is not always the case, especially if you use very Windows specific services.

 

[kripstoe]

I would start with C++, then java and maybe once you have that down move to C#.

C# is great but it does hold your hand most of the time, so you will not learn much.

Much of what? Memory management? I started out with gwbasic, pascal, assembly, c++ and now do c#. If I were to start today I'd choose c# and do c++ as a side language. There's an immense amount of deep c# that one can learn that'll teach you the same things that c++ will teach you.

 

[jackblue]

In my opinion, it depends on what you desire to do or create like mobile apps, games and etc. Sometimes learning new programming language needs motivation to keep your focus and dedication to learn.