[noob] C , C++, or C#?

[dcZ]

Im want to start programming, been saying i was going to do it, and never do. Always need to make tools and stuff, and want to learn more about computers by programming. Only one problem.. I dont know which language to start with? Here ups and downs about all 3...

What do u guys think?

Btw, Im familiar with basic syntax and stuff, from learning PHP awile back.. So i can understand basics already..

For platform, i want to do only Windows for now. Console and Windows form applications .. Whats most important to me is speed and productivity. (and something that wont take TOO long to learn :P )

[Extol]

I'm kinda learning them all at the same time. =/

[Speedy5]

For platform, i want to do only Windows for now. Console and Windows form applications .. Whats most important to me is speed and productivity. (and something that wont take TOO long to learn :P )

Well you basically just chose C#. Its only for windows, for now until they get the CLR into another platform. It can do both console and windows forms. Its fast (10% slower than native, optimized C++) and its super productive: RAD tools (draw your GUI; you can also do a GUI programmatically), controls, Java like namespace. Best of all, it won't become obsolete. The new version of windows, codename Longhorn, will not support WinAPI 32. That means MFC and all those API calls won't work. It will only support Windows Forms which is what C# uses (System.Windows.Forms namespace). Its also easier to learn than C++ and has a great editior (VS.NET). Web services and applications can also be done in great ease, like PHP. It's ASP.NET, a compiled .NET version of ASP with all the .NET classes.

C++ is amazing too for raw power but for a GUI and rapid development, choose C#.

You can download the compilers for free from microsoft.com (command-line) but you can't download VS.NET, not even from Kazaa -- the awesome IDE. That you have to buy for 500 for upgrade or 1000 for full professional edition. I recommend buying it.

[dragunsflame]

If you are going for productivity choose C#, most definately. The framework has so many great things that are already programmed for you. This way, you get to focus on your program, not the intricacies of getting it to do stuff. The only problem I've had with it is that in order for it to run on other's computers, they have to install .NET. This is not fun for dial-up customers (I live in the boondocks.)

If you really want to get into programming, start with C++. C++ is the same as C (basically) but with lots of added features. You'll learn C if you learn C++. It's also very portable (on Windows platforms at least), but it can be very tedious for more complex tasks.

Your choice.

[Dante Shamest]

The new version of windows, codename Longhorn, will not support WinAPI 32. That means MFC and all those API calls won't work. It will only support Windows Forms which is what C# uses (System.Windows.Forms namespace). Its also easier to learn than C++ and has a great editior (VS.NET).

Where did you get this information? From what I've heard the WinAPI will co-exist with the new .NET compatible API called Avalon. I don't believe Microsoft is going to scrap 10 years of software-compatibility.

[dcZ]

k, think im gonna go with C#

Thanks alot for the info.

[golfinguy4]

Originally posted by Speedy5
Well you basically just chose C#. Its only for windows, for now until they get the CLR into another platform.

*cough**cough* I think I have mono.