What language to start programming in?

[Jani]

So I want to take up programming in Linux. So far I've only written a few simple bash scripts... I have some experience in C and Perl, but mostly I've just written in web scripting languages like PHP. What language would you recommend? I just want to write some small applications with nice GUIs (not much of a console fan when it comes to workstations), and portability is always a good thing.

[TheLinuxDuck]

Well, since you've already had some experience with perl, why not check out some of the widgets, like Tk? My understanding is that a perl script is very cross-platform (aside from paths). And, you've already got a heads up on the language, so you won't be starting from near scratch.

Python is another nice scripting language, although I don't know it as well as I do perl. Python advocates state that python code is cleaner and prettier than perl code.

[inkedmn]

:cool: Python (http://www.python.org) :cool:

[Gnu/Vince]

Ruby (http://www.ruby-lang.org) or Python (http://www.python.org). Don't go for things like C/C++ at first.

[nanode]

This subject is getting beaten to death, but at least the people of this forum are mature enough to avoid severe trolling and/or flamewars. :)

[TacKat]

There's nothing wrong with starting out in C/C++ - just don't expect to be churning out GUIs after a week.

[kmj]

Originally posted by nanode:
<STRONG>This subject is getting beaten to death, but at least the people of this forum are mature enough to avoid severe trolling and/or flamewars. :)</STRONG>

shut up, java boy! :-D j/k I love java.

Fact is, if you already know about programming, start where you're comfortable. Unless by "some experience" you mean "I read a page long introduction to it", you're probably comfortable with C and Perl. Both obviously have GUI API's (application programming interfaces) in linux. Like TLD said, Tk would be a good place to start, if you're just looking to expand upon your current knowledge and learn to do some gui stuff. I've done a tiny bit of Tk stuff with python, and I found it enjoyable.

If you're into learning a whole new language, then I'd suggest java (with swing for gui's), python (with tkinter for quick and easy gui apps), or c++ (with kde; course, c++ isn't a whole new language).

It all depends on exactly where you are in programming and exactly what you want.

[bakemono]

Originally posted by TacKat:
<STRONG>There's nothing wrong with starting out in C/C++ - just don't expect to be churning out GUIs after a week.</STRONG>
This is exactly the attidute EVERYONE should have towards learning C/C++ first.

[Super Bakemono]

Imposter!!!!!!!!!!!

[jemfinch]

Originally posted by bakemono:
Originally posted by TacKat:
There's nothing wrong with starting out in C/C++ - just don't expect to be churning out GUIs after a week.
This is exactly the attidute EVERYONE should have towards learning C/C++ first.

No, it certainly isn't. C/C++ have quirks, features, and misfeatures that confuse new users and cloud the issue at hand: learning how to program. As such, they're not the best choice as a first language.

Jeremy

[Super Bakemono]

That's why you can't expect to be pumping out really neat programs as fast as you might with an "easier" language...

[Jani]

Thanks for the input, all of you. I've made a few games and small applications with C, but that was back in the DOS days... Python looks interesting though. Learning a whole new language is not a problem for me :)

[RTFM]

:cool: Brainf*** :cool:

[Denise]

IMHO Python!! It's a nice language to start with, I started with C++ and I got frustrated (alot). I learned it because I was told I couldn't for a first language. I think I would have enjoyed and appreciated programming more if I started with Python or Ruby.

I enjoy programming now, but if you are new Python is a great language to learn the basics of programming, then move to the more complex languages. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[Carnel]

My apologies, however questions like this aggrivate me. And most often than not, turn into flamebait.

What I recommend is to do research into serveral, if not all, of the above listed languages, if not more. Look at their syntax and a few small sample programs and decide what best suits you with regards to your current abilities, and how much time you're willing to invest into learning. As well look at the areas for which each type of language is suited towards.