Thread: How many languages do you learn at once?

Just would like have the general idea how you guys cope w/ your learning all those languages.

I'm thinking of starting learning Java and I'm currently on C++, but not quite sure if I shouldn't begin until I'm halfway thru or something. I'm also trying to understand a bit of PHP.

BTW, what do I need to learn Java? Will I have to d/load a compiler for Java? For C++ I'm using Dev C++ 4 and it's great IMO.

Twenty seven. If you're not learning at least twenty three languages at once, you're doing something wrong.












Seriously though, learning a language is such an ongoing process that I don't think one can ever reach a point at which one can just say, "Yep, I know everything there is to know about that language so I can just stop learning anything about it." So, I think one is obligated to learn more than one language at once.

I do think, however, that it's good to get a firm grasp on at least one language when you begin to program. Then, when you try to learn another language, little will seem all that new to you. You'll just look at something in language X and go, "Oh, that's just like this in language Y."

And that's my two cents.

True, but the learning curve is a lot steeper at the beginning. There comes a point when learning new things in the language become relatively few and far between.

At any rate, I would not enter the "steep learning curve" part of multiple languages that are particularly dissimilar (C++ and Prolog, for example). Perhaps a couple similar languages at the same time is manageable.

well,
Im tryin' to learn Spanish and German at the same time and so far so good!

I've done two or three at a time, but it's important to stagger them by a few months. I need to learn Java for AP comp sci next year, and I would like to learn PHP or Perl (does anyone know where I can get some free web space that will let me play with those?)

BTW, what do I need to learn Java? Will I have to d/load a compiler for Java? For C++ I'm using Dev C++ 4 and it's great IMO.

Well do you want to use the command line or an IDE? Check out java.sun.com.

I studied VB and Ultima Online scripting at once, now im doing C++ and J# among other things i am trying.

I would not waste my time with J#. There are many professional articles and websites including javaranch.com that have had this debate. I would either use C# or pure Java.

Originally posted by blackrat364
I've done two or three at a time, but it's important to stagger them by a few months. I need to learn Java for AP comp sci next year, and I would like to learn PHP or Perl (does anyone know where I can get some free web space that will let me play with those?)

You dont need free web space to have PHP and/or Perl. Just d/load the necessary bin or modules for your platform, i.e. if you're using Linux or Windows. You'll also need a web server, Apache or IIS would do fine on either platform. Next is a lil configuration to get both the web server and the web application server working.

I've tried many times for many hours to get a webserver running on my computer, but for some reason, I can't configure my router to allow it. Is it possible to run PHP/Perl stuff entirely locally, without reliance on an internet connection at all?

Certainly!

Just install the server software, IIS or Apache and you'll only need to http to your own pc, i.e. that is the localhost.

http://localhost or http://127.0.0.1 or the name of your pc, like http://powerzone

I'm not familiar w/ setting up a webserver when you have a router, but I guess it only needs to be configured if you want other ppl outside to have access to your server.

while my IP isn't technically static, it hasn't changed since I've had the modem, so that's good enough for me

>>The important thing is to learn the basic concepts of programming.

Exactly. I would safely say: You know C? You know Java. And J#, J++, C#, blah blah K^% and F@* etc etc. You'd pick up Pascal in about 2.3 seconds (use Delphi). Not that you really need pascal for anything IMO. You learn one scripting language you learn 'em all. Many are based off the C syntax as well so that makes 'em twice as easy.

Personally I dont go around learning everything just for the sake of it. I know every language I've ever had a use for. I keep increasing my abilities in the languages I use (language really: C++). I've taught people languages I'd never seen before in my life. Sat down and looked at my brothers Python script and debugged it without every having read a line of Python before.

Understand the whys and all the different hows become apparent.