Thread: Should I Start With C?

VB is prolly the best lang. I started with C though.

Route I went:
Calculator Basic -> C -> C++ -> Perl -> Visual Basic -> Java

from java -> Linux -> C# (ACK) -> Python -> asm -> now in Ruby

keep in mind
I have forgotten everything but C, C++ and Ruby (currently learning it)

but I understand the structure of each language, so I know the purposes of each and the strengths.
I still find C among the best.

However, ASM was the most important I learned, reason: it tought me about memory and how a computer REALLY works.
Though someday I wouldn't mind learning system binary code
(Binary as in Hex not 1s and 0s)


I think you would be best off with some basic language unless, you want to learn a language that won't always show the strengths you wish for until you learn it fully.

Either
Basic: if you don't really wish to stress yourself
C: really good language, learn a lot bout computers and overall meant for intermediate users.

I started with BASIC then went to C. Now I am working on ASM.

- Sean

lynux penguin: what is C#, asm and phyton?Ive been thinking of learning linux, afterall my win2k crashes every morning.

i heard java is chaos! and difficult.

Originally posted by hermit
lynux penguin: what is C#, asm and phyton?Ive been thinking of learning linux, afterall my win2k crashes every morning.

i heard java is chaos! and difficult.

Win2k is okay, but I still think Linux is far better.

C# is the microsoft addition to the Visual Studio family ever since .NET (and unfortunatly I was a lead beta tester -_-, that is how I know C#)

Python is a script language a lot like perl
Ruby is also a script language but can be compiled
ASM is assembly or basic basic machine language in which everything is done through memory spaces
so if I want to display something, I clear some memory, store a string copy string to tmp mem then copy temp mem to virtual mem.

LONG LONG process of ASM

I actually learned most of asm through TI-89 programming in ASM

Learn C++ first if you can, but you will have to learn C as well. Just know that it is a long road. The reason why C and C++ are important is because the Operating System's layered subsytems such as GDI, Kernal, and User, (and all the rest) are written in C. At some point you will want to communicate with these API's and you will want to be able to read the code and understand it. This will give you full control over everything that the operating system offers.

However if you want to take to the highway to programming than you should immediately learn Java or .net. This means that you will be using middleware, such as the .net framework or else the Java virtual machine. They lie on top of the operating system and offer the programmer a high level interface while the framework takes care of low level interop with the OS.

The whole issue about languages is centered around which language offers you the control you need for realizing the software that you want to build. In this case C/C++ offer the most control over any HIGH LEVEL computer language. Yet not everyone has time to take the long road. If may not be required. If it is not required, than why bother?

Originally posted by Osama Lives
Learn C++ first if you can, but you will have to learn C as well. Just know that it is a long road. The reason why C and C++ are important is because the Operating System's layered subsytems such as GDI, Kernal, and User, (and all the rest) are written in C. At some point you will want to communicate with these API's and you will want to be able to read the code and understand it. This will give you full control over everything that the operating system offers.

However if you want to take to the highway to programming than you should immediately learn Java or .net. This means that you will be using middleware, such as the .net framework or else the Java virtual machine. They lie on top of the operating system and offer the programmer a high level interface while the framework takes care of low level interop with the OS.

interesting yet offensive user name
but he has a BIG POINT
BIG ONE!

I would recommend learning python first. It is very easy to learn, and has an amazingly clean syntax. Also, you don't have to go through the tedious compile/link process each time you make a change. It is slow, as all intepreted languages are, but if you are beginning it doesnt matter a whole lot. Another good thing is that you can write a useful program in very little time.